10 best tree removal companies in Westerville, Ohio

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 essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Westerville, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Westerville

Look for tree removal companies in Westerville 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Westerville is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you see raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 poses a significant risk to vehicles, property, pets and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark 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?

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

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. 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 Westerville

To choose the right 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 assess your tree's specific requirements 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. Ohio 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Westerville doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Westerville officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will assess 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 search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk 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

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 those closest to you for tree removal company recommendations. While referrals from trusted sources can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.