10 best tree removal companies in Poughkeepsie, New York

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree 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 Poughkeepsie 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, trying to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Poughkeepsie, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Poughkeepsie

Look for tree removal companies in Poughkeepsie 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?

Consider removing a tree if you see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Poughkeepsie is below average compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to pets, vehicles, people and property. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it 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:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Poughkeepsie

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. New York 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 remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, workers compensation 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. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. No state license is required for contractors in New York that only remove trees. We recommend contacting Poughkeepsie officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews 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.