10 best tree removal companies in Waterbury, Connecticut

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Waterbury, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Waterbury

Look for tree removal companies in Waterbury 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Waterbury is average compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you see raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to vehicles, people, property and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• 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: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Waterbury

Use these considerations to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning trees. Arborists in Waterbury 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, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Waterbury doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with the Waterbury building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by circling around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp before making your choice.

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.