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

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is vital for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Albany, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Albany

Look for tree removal companies in Albany 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 Albany is marginally low compared to other American cities. Consider contacting a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the 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 examined.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, including these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Albany

Follow these steps to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's needs and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. New York does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should carry an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, general liability and business 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 requirements. New York doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Albany building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, roots and trunk by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Collect quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company recommendations. While referrals from trusted sources can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.