10 best tree removal companies in Westport, Connecticut

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 decaying, diseased 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 proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's important to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal contractors 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 Westport, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Westport

Look for tree removal companies in Westport 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 Westport is average compared to other small towns. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

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

If you see raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to vehicles, property, 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, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Based 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Westport

Think about these factors to choose the right tree removal company 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 restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. Arborists in Westport 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, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, general liability and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy serves as 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 Westport doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Westport officials 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, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you call for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to browse 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.