10 best tree removal companies in West Hartford, Connecticut

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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, call on 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, performing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in West Hartford, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in West Hartford

Look for tree removal companies in West Hartford 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 has evidence 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 West Hartford is somewhat low compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance they will fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed as soon as possible.

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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Depending 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.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in West Hartford

To find the best tree removal company for your needs, consider 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 assess your tree's specific needs 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 moving, pruning and planting trees. Arborists in West Hartford 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 knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in West Hartford doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the West Hartford government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, neighbors and friends. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp 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.