10 best tree removal companies in Vernon, Connecticut

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Vernon can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and damage to your home.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Vernon, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Vernon

Look for tree removal companies in Vernon with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Vernon is relatively low compared to other small towns. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these indicators:

The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree is dropping far more needles, branches, sap, seeds or leaves than usual. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree has pests, diseases or mold weakening its structure. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned.

If you see raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, property, vehicles and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of extra services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Vernon

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, pruning and moving trees. Arborists in Vernon need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Vernon doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend contacting the Vernon government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's potential to fall and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.