10 best tree removal companies in Wallingford, Connecticut

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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 physical harm and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Wallingford

Look for tree removal companies in Wallingford 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?

Consider removing a tree if you notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Wallingford is somewhat high compared to other American cities. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of seeds, branches, needles, leaves or sap. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal.

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure property, people, pets and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, including these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so the tree's remains will decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Wallingford

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

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 evaluate 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, moving and pruning trees. Arborists in Wallingford 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 experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Connecticut that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Wallingford government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you call for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Get estimates from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, neighbors and friends. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.