10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Eldersburg, MD - USA Today (2024)

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 crucial 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 extremely hazardous if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Eldersburg, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Eldersburg

Look for tree removal companies in Eldersburg 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 optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Eldersburg is comparatively low compared to other small towns. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a major risk to pets, vehicles, people and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of additional services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, logs and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Depending 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Eldersburg

Think about these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. To work in Eldersburg, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 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 experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should have an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also presents 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 circle around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from at least two companies 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 read online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB 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.