10 best tree removal companies in Wellesley, Massachusetts

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's diseased, decaying 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 professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Wellesley, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Wellesley

Look for tree removal companies in Wellesley 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 shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Wellesley is noticeably low compared to other small towns. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of sap, leaves, needles, branches or seeds. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. 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 is visibly dead or severely burned.

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, vehicles, property and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Wellesley

Think about these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

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 restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. Massachusetts does not require arborists to hold a license, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

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

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. 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.