10 best tree removal companies in Washington, Michigan

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Washington, 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 Washington

Look for tree removal companies in Washington 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Washington is high compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches 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?

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

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• 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 Washington

To select the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. Michigan 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Michigan that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Washington building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

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

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Get estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

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