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Best 5 Tree Removal Services in Washington, DC

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Written By Callie Marsalisi|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Tree removal helps enhance your landscape's natural beauty by eliminating unwanted vegetation from your property. That's why we're here to help you find your area's top providers and beautify your yard. We've researched and assembled a list of Washington's top tree removal companies below.

Top Tree Removal Companies in Washington

The Heart of Wood Tree Service Logo

The Heart of Wood Tree Service

4.6/5
Based on 38 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Trimming And PruningTree RemovalEmergency ServicesCrane Tree RemovalStump Grinding And RemovalCabling And BracingPlanting

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
1100 N Kenilworth St #2, Arlington, VA 571-482-0996 theheartofwood.com
Natures Friends Landscaping Logo

Natures Friends Landscaping

4.6/5
Based on 41 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Stump Grinding And RemovalTree Removal

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Reliable customer support
11010 Schuylkill Rd, Rockville, MD 301-984-1043 naturesfriendslandscaping.com
Takoma Tree Experts LLC. Logo

Takoma Tree Experts

4.5/5
Based on 32 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Cabling And BracingTree RemovalTrimming And PruningEmergency ServicesCrane Tree RemovalStump Grinding And Removal

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
  • Free quote
2310 Cool Spring Rd, Hyattsville, MD 301-681-5800 takomatree.com
Santa Elena Tree Services LLC Logo

Santa Elena Tree Services

4.5/5
Based on 53 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tree RemovalTrimming And Pruning

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
  • Reliable customer support
3222 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 703-845-3454 santaelenatreeservices.com

More Local Tree Companies

Lopez Tree Services

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

5608 Bouffant Blvd
Alexandria, VA 22311

AAA Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

5400 Oakwood Rd
Alexandria, VA 22310

Dos Amigos Tree Experts

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

6326 Bren Mar Dr
Alexandria, VA 22312

Area Tree Co

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

3210 Tucker Rd
Fort Washington, MD 20744

RTEC Treecare

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

2828 Mary St
Falls Church, VA 22042

Adirondack Tree Experts

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

11304 Rhode Island Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705

Ed's Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

11525 E Maple Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705

Matias Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

4301 Enterprise Rd
Bowie, MD 20720

G & V Tree Service, Inc

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

6434 Brandon Ave Suite 204
Springfield, VA 22150

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Facts about Washington
Average Tree Height:51 ft
Common Trees:Virginia Pine, Red Maple, Sweetgum
Average Daily Sunlight:55%
Hardiness Zone:7a
Wettest Month:July
Tree Removal Average Cost:$783

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

How To Choose the Right Washington Tree Service

When considering companies for tree removal, you may look at factors like services and licensing. We highlight some important considerations below.

Vet the Company's Qualifications

Insurance is important for protecting both tree removal workers and customers. These policies may include professional liability, general liability, or workers' compensation insurance. Make sure that the policy mentions tree work coverage specifically, otherwise you may be liable for damage or injury that occurs on your property. There are no mandatory national certifications for tree removal, but a company may have a certified arborist on staff to complete inspections. This isn't required, but it does provide added benefits. Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). They're the experts in proper care, preservation, and maintenance techniques to protect tree health.

Get Quotes From Multiple Companies

Homeowners should solicit quotes from several companies to compare aspects such as service fees, included services, and timelines. This helps you find the best deal.

Confirm the Company Performs Residential Tree Services

A residential tree removal company will have fewer restrictions than a commercial one. Commercial companies work on large commercial projects and are required to follow certain city ordinances. This is why we recommend using a company that specializes in residential tree services.

Request a Tree Risk Assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) evaluates the possibility of tree failure. A tree removal professional will visually inspect a tree to determine the risk of the tree or its branches breaking. A TRA is done to help minimize the risk of harm to workers and property. Certified arborists are typically the ones to conduct TRAs. Some companies charge an additional assessment fee, while others include it free with service. Request a TRA before starting any real work.

Ask About Stump Removal

Tree stump removal is important because neglected stumps can attract disease and pests. Ask if your tree removal company includes stump removal with its services. It will remove stumps either by hand or with specialized equipment. This service costs from $84 to $615, with the average Washington homeowner paying around $391.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tree?

Tree removal services cost an average of $783, with a range of $381-$1,677. Factors that may affect this cost include tree health, project size, and tree size and type. Companies may charge by acre instead of per tree if multiple trees need to be removed. You can expect to pay about $2,012 for emergency tree removal. The price will also increase if a tree has a high failure risk or requires additional equipment, safety precautions, or labor.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Washington

What are common tree issues?

Storms and wind often cause tree issues, like broken branches, cracked trunks, or even uprooting. Pests and diseases can negatively affect of an entire area of vegetation. Even if a tree is not damaged by any of these factors, there can still be issues with branch and root overgrowth. Overgrown branches may extend too far from the tree and become a hazard when they break. Overgrown roots can damage septic tanks, driveways, or sidewalks. If there's a hazard to your property, surrounding homes, cars, or power lines, ensure the tree gets immediate attention.

What's the difference between tree pruning and tree trimming?

Although tree trimming and pruning benefit a tree's health, they accomplish two different goals. Trimming aims to reduce overgrown branches to help light and moisture absorption. Tree pruning, on the other hand, involves removing unhealthy or excess branches to stimulate growth. Both services occur at separate times of the year and help improve your landscape.

How can I tell if a tree is dangerous?

There are a number of ways you can tell if a tree is dangerous. Signs including rot, fungus or mold growth, dead branches, or missing bark may signal disease. You may also notice cracking in the trunk or between branches. Some cracks can pose immediate danger if they're on heavy branches or are very deep in the trunk. Have a tree evaluated immediately if you notice raised dirt surrounding the base or if it begins leaning.

Do I need to hire a professional for tree removal?

Yes. Hiring a professional helps ensure your safety and protect your property. Your average homeowner doesn't have experience climbing to the unsafe heights and using the dangerous equipment required for tree removal. This could lead to property damage or injury, or falling trees or branches hitting cars, homes, power lines, or a bystander. For this reason, we strongly recommend hiring a professional.

Is it okay to leave a downed tree on my lawn?

No, downed trees should be removed from your lawn to mitigate safety hazards and further property damage. Fallen trees often attract pests, on top of taking up yard space that could house living vegetation. If the downed tree is away from your home, surrounding homes, or power lines, contact a tree removal company to have it removed. If there's an immediate safety risk, you'll need emergency tree removal services.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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