10 best tree removal companies in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job by yourself could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Wilkes-Barre, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Wilkes-Barre

Look for tree removal companies in Wilkes-Barre 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 shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Wilkes-Barre is really high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these warning signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 damage or injure property, pets, people and vehicles. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks 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?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including the following:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, branches and logs to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Wilkes-Barre

Follow these steps to make the most informed tree removal company decision 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 needs and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include restoring its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. Pennsylvania doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn 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, including business liability, workers compensation and general 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 regulations. A contractor in Wilkes-Barre doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Wilkes-Barre officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from at least two providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, 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.