A damaged tree can change from a landscape problem into a serious safety risk within minutes. Heavy snow, strong winds, internal decay and waterlogged soil can cause branches or entire trees to fall onto houses, vehicles and power lines.
Tree removal requires careful planning, especially in New York’s crowded neighbourhoods, where trees may stand close to buildings, fences and utility cables. Homeowners should compare insurance, arborist qualifications, equipment, debris removal and stump-grinding charges before approving the work. Let’s check out our top picks.
1. SavATree
SavATree is one of the most established tree-care companies operating in New York. Its state network includes branches in Bedford Hills, Farmingdale, Buchanan, Mamaroneck, Southampton and Wappingers Falls.
The company removes hazardous, structurally defective and diseased trees from residential, commercial and municipal properties. Depending on the tree’s size and location, crews may use climbing equipment, bucket trucks, chippers or cranes.
Emergency assistance is available for trees damaged by wind, snow, ice and saturated ground. Standard removal generally includes taking down the tree, chipping the brush and cutting the remaining stump close to ground level. Stump grinding can be arranged separately. SavATree also provides tree-risk assessments, cabling, bracing, pruning and plant-health services.
Why SavATree is included: Its broad New York branch network and access to specialised equipment make it suitable for complicated removals and widespread storm damage.
- Bedford branch address: 575 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507
- Official website: https://www.savatree.com/
2. Almstead Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care
Almstead has provided professional tree and landscape care since 1964. Its New York operations include branches serving New Rochelle, Lower Westchester and Upper Westchester.
Its tree division handles hazardous-tree assessment, removal, stump grinding, pruning, transplanting, cabling, bracing and lightning protection. Recommendations are provided by state-licensed or ISA-certified arborists, depending on the service and location.
Almstead is particularly useful when the customer wants to determine whether a tree must be removed or could be preserved through pruning, structural support, soil improvement or disease treatment. It also provides commercial tree care for schools, municipalities, condominium communities and golf courses.
Why Almstead is included: Its arborist-led approach is valuable for mature or important trees where removal should be considered only after other solutions have been examined.
- New York branches: New Rochelle and Hawthorne, New York. The company’s accessible official listing identifies these branches but does not display a complete walk-in street address.
- Official website: https://www.almstead.com/
3. Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company
Emerald Tree & Shrub Care serves Westchester County, New York City and nearby Connecticut and New Jersey communities. It works with private residences, estates and large commercial properties.
Services include complex tree removal, stump grinding, emergency response, tree-risk evaluation, pruning, cable-and-bracing systems and plant-health programmes. The company says hazardous trees are removed as a last resort when they are dead, declining or present an unacceptable risk.
Emerald offers 24-hour emergency tree service and handles removals in tight spaces or near buildings. Its arborists can also assess structural weaknesses and recommend support systems where saving the tree remains practical.
Why Emerald Tree & Shrub Care is included: Its experience with estates, institutional properties and difficult removals makes it a strong downstate New York choice.
- New York address: 51 Cliff Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801
- Official website: https://www.emeraldtreecare.com/
4. Davey Tree Expert Company
Davey Tree provides residential and commercial tree services through its Rochester office. The local team serves Rochester, Pittsford, Webster, Fairport, Hilton, Victor and numerous surrounding communities.
Its certified arborists remove dead, diseased, storm-damaged and hazardous trees. Other services include pruning, tree-health inspection, fertilisation, planting and structural support systems designed to reduce storm risks.
Davey’s wider organisation also supports commercial grounds, municipalities, utilities and environmental projects. The Rochester office identifies its arborists as ISA-certified, bonded and insured, and the company holds Tree Care Industry Association accreditation.
Why Davey Tree is included: Its science-based tree care and strong Rochester-area coverage make it useful for customers who need removal combined with long-term landscape management.
- Rochester office: 88 Silver Street, Rochester, NY 14611
- Official website: https://www.davey.com/
5. Adirondack Tree Surgeons
Adirondack Tree Surgeons is an Upstate New York company serving the Adirondacks, Capital District and communities across Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. It has operated since 1981.
The company provides residential and commercial tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, pruning, cabling, bracing and storm-damage cleanup. It also offers 24-hour emergency service for fallen trees and dangerous limbs.
Its service area includes Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Ballston Spa, Malta and Wilton. The company works with homeowners, contractors, municipalities and public agencies and states that its crews are trained, insured and licensed for the services provided.
Why Adirondack Tree Surgeons is included: Its Upstate experience, emergency availability and ability to handle tree removal, land clearing and commercial projects make it a practical regional option.
- Office address: 353 Gurnspring Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831
- Official website: https://www.adirondacktreesurgeons.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is stump grinding normally included with tree removal?
A: Not always. Many quotes cover cutting down the tree, removing branches and cutting the stump near ground level. Grinding the stump and removing the wood chips may be priced separately.
Q: Can a homeowner remove a New York City street tree?
A: No private tree company should remove or perform major work on a tree located on a New York City street without the required approval from NYC Parks. A tree outside a property may still be publicly owned even when it appears to belong to the adjacent house.
Official permit information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/tree-work-permit
Q: What insurance documents should a tree company provide?
A: Ask for current certificates showing general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. The certificates should come from the insurer or authorised agent and should identify the company named in the written estimate.
Q: Can a tree company remove branches touching electrical wires?
A: Homeowners should not approach the tree or wires. Contact the electric utility first because work near energised lines may require utility-authorised line-clearance professionals rather than an ordinary tree-removal crew.
Q: How can an ISA arborist’s credential be verified?
A: The International Society of Arboriculture provides a directory that allows customers to locate and verify credentialed tree-care professionals. The directory also explains that certification confirms minimum knowledge and skill requirements for the credential held.