10 best tree removal companies in Westland, Michigan

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is 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 tree removal professionals in Westland can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Westland, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Westland

Look for tree removal companies in Westland 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 Westland is marginally high compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger people, pets, vehicles and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get 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:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Westland

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include restoring its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Michigan 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Michigan that only remove trees. We recommend checking with the Westland government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the right step and highlights the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.