10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Staten Island, NY - USA Today (2024)

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 tree removal professionals in Staten Island can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Staten Island, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with the city's requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Staten Island

Look for tree removal companies in Staten Island 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Staten Island is marginally low compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to examine the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood of them falling. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a variety of additional services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circ*mstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Staten Island

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, pruning and moving 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry 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. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. No state license is required for contractors in New York that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Staten Island officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the right step and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor referrals. While referrals from trusted sources can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp before making your choice.

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.