4 best tree removal companies in Missoula, Montana

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

It's crucial 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. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal experts have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Missoula, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Missoula

Look for tree removal companies in Missoula 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 exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Missoula is very low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to vehicles, pets, people and property. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer an assortment of extra services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: After removing 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Missoula

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning trees. Montana doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Missoula doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the Missoula building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. 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, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. 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 browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.