10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Niagara Falls, NY - USA Today (2024)

Healthy trees improve 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 with 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 extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could result in property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Niagara Falls, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Niagara Falls

Look for tree removal companies in Niagara Falls 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Niagara Falls is below average compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal specialist if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure property, vehicles, pets and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed 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:

• 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 once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circ*mstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Niagara Falls

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, moving and pruning trees. New York does not require arborists to hold a license, 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

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. New York doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Niagara Falls 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 the right choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, family and friends. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews 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.