Top Tree Service in Boston, Massachusetts Ranked

Maintaining the health and safety of the trees on your Boston property is a crucial part of responsible homeownership. From managing storm-damaged limbs in Dorchester to preserving historic oaks in Beacon Hill, professional tree care addresses critical safety concerns, enhances property aesthetics, and protects your investment. This guide explains the common reasons for tree work, details the process from assessment to cleanup, and provides insights into local costs and considerations, helping you connect with qualified arborists and tree care specialists in the area.

Martel Crane Service & Tree Removal

4 Riverhurst Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

Martel Crane Service & Tree Removal provides tree removal, trimming, and pruning services in Boston, MA. They use cranes, bucket trucks, and chippers to manage large or difficult tree jobs, including removing damaged or overgrown branches to improve tree health. The company also offers crane rental and rigging services for heavy or oversized equipment like machinery and generators. Martel Crane Service & Tree Removal has experience handling complex tree work with modern equipment and a professional crew.

5.0

753 Reviews

Marquis Tree Service

9 Sterling Rd, North Billerica, MA 01862

Marquis Tree Service is a full-service tree care company based near Boston, MA. They offer tree removal, stump grinding, and other tree services with the support of certified arborists and modern equipment. Founded in 1990, the company has grown from a small lawn-cutting business to a trusted tree service provider with over 30 years of experience. Marquis Tree Service emphasizes a clean, safe, and professional approach throughout every project.

5.0

721 Reviews

Lord's Tree Service LLC

165 Salem Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

Lord's Tree Service LLC is a tree care company serving Boston, MA, and nearby communities including Wilmington, Billerica, and Lowell. Since 2005, they have provided a range of services such as tree removal, trimming, emergency tree care, and stump grinding. Their team handles tree removals of any size with attention to safety and landscape preservation. They also offer customized trimming to promote healthy growth and improve appearance. Emergency services are available to address urgent tree hazards quickly. Stump grinding is performed to clear space and enhance property aesthetics.

5.0

217 Reviews

Edgar and Sons Tree Service

boston

Edgar and Sons Tree Service is a family-owned company providing professional tree care in Boston, MA, and surrounding communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. They offer a range of services including tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and emergency tree care. The company is fully licensed and insured, emphasizing safety and proper tree care practices. Edgar and Sons also provide 24/7 emergency tree service for urgent needs.

5.0

167 Reviews

Kelley Tree Service

100 Ashburton Ave, Woburn, MA 01801

Kelley Tree Service is a locally owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business based in Boston, MA, providing a full range of tree care and land clearing services. Since 2011, they have offered tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and lot clearing to residential and commercial clients. The company is fully licensed, insured, and a member of several professional arborist associations. They specialize in safe tree removal using cranes or ropes and pulley systems, as well as efficient stump grinding to prepare sites for landscaping or construction. Kelley Tree Service also offers 24/7 emergency storm damage cleanup and snow removal services to handle severe weather conditions.

5.0

162 Reviews

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Why Boston Properties Need Professional Tree Care

Trees are invaluable assets, but they can also pose significant risks, especially in a dense urban environment like Boston. Engaging a professional tree service is often driven by four key factors: safety, health, aesthetics, and property protection.

Safety is the most urgent reason to call an arborist. This includes addressing storm damage, dead or diseased limbs that could fall, and trees leaning precariously near homes, driveways, or power lines ^{1 2}. After a major nor'easter, the need for emergency tree removal and trimming becomes immediately apparent across the city.

Tree Health involves diagnosing and treating problems before they become hazardous. Certified arborists can identify pest infestations like the emerald ash borer, nutrient deficiencies, and root system issues that threaten a tree's stability and longevity ^{1 3}. Early intervention through a professional tree inspection can often save a tree from needing removal.

Aesthetics and Growth Management focus on the visual and functional aspects of your landscape. This includes trimming overgrown branches that block sunlight to your lawn or garden, thinning crowded canopies to improve air circulation, and performing general upkeep to maintain a tidy property appearance ^{1 4}.

Property Protection is a proactive measure. Clearing overgrown trees before the heavy snows of a New England winter or addressing structural concerns in a tree's canopy can prevent costly damage to roofs, siding, and fences ⁵. Regular maintenance is a key strategy for safeguarding your home.

The Professional Assessment: Your First Step

The process begins with an on-site evaluation by a certified arborist. This crucial step involves a thorough inspection to assess the tree's health, structure, risk level, and the logistics of the job site ^{1 6}.

During the visual inspection, the arborist examines the trunk, branches, leaves, and root zone for signs of decay, disease, or structural weakness. They may use specialized tools like probes to find hidden damage ³. They also evaluate key factors that will influence the project's scope and cost: the tree's size and species, its exact location (noting tight access, proximity to structures, or power lines), and its overall condition ^{7 4}.

The outcome of this visit is a customized plan and a detailed quote. Reputable Boston tree services typically provide free, written estimates that outline the recommended work, the methods to be used, the timeline, and the total cost ^{1 7}. This plan ensures you understand exactly what services are being proposed, whether it's a selective pruning, a full removal, or a health care treatment.

Understanding the Tree Work Process

Once you approve a plan, the trained crew executes the work with precision and safety. For standard tree removal, the process typically follows several key stages.

First, the company will handle any necessary municipal permits. Massachusetts often requires permits for tree removal on private property, and a professional service will manage this paperwork for you ^{1 8}. On the day of work, the crew prepares the site by clearing the area and setting up safety zones.

The felling or dismantling phase is highly technical, especially in Boston's tight urban lots. Rather than simply dropping the whole tree, arborists often dismantle it from the top down in controlled sections, using specialized rigging equipment to lower pieces safely to the ground without damaging your home, fence, or garden ^{2 6}.

Next comes processing and cleanup. Branches are fed through a chipper on-site, and the trunk is cut into manageable sections. If included in your service, the crew will then use a stump grinder to reduce the remaining stump below grade level. Finally, all wood chips and debris are hauled away, leaving your property clean ^{1 9}. Some homeowners opt to keep the wood for firewood, which should be discussed during the estimate.

What to Expect: Costs for Tree Services in Boston

The cost of tree care in Boston varies widely based on the job's complexity. Urban challenges like tight spaces, overhead wires, and historic property considerations can increase the price compared to more open suburban areas ^{7 10}. Here is a general overview of local pricing based on common service types:

• Tree Trimming/Pruning: For small trees, pruning typically ranges from $200 to $750. For large trees requiring more labor and equipment, costs can run from $800 to over $2,000 ^{7 11}.
• Tree Removal: Removing a small tree may cost between $400 and $1,000. Medium tree removal often falls in the $500 to $1,500 range. Large or complex removals, particularly those near structures or with difficult access, can cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more ^{9 10 5}.
• Hourly Rates: Some services, especially for larger crews with specialized equipment, may charge an hourly rate. These can range from $350 to $650 or more per hour, encompassing labor, insurance, and machinery ^{12 13}.

It's important to note that stump grinding is usually an additional service with its own cost. Always ensure your quote clearly itemizes all aspects of the work, including debris removal and any permit fees.

Key Considerations for Boston Homeowners

Choosing the right provider involves more than just price. Given the city's unique environment, keep these factors in mind:

• Hire a Certified Arborist: For anything beyond basic trimming, the expertise of a certified arborist is essential. They have the training to properly diagnose tree health issues and plan the safest method of removal or care, which is critical for large, diseased, or high-risk trees ^{3 14}.
• Timing and Seasons: The ideal time for major pruning or removal is during the dormant season (late fall through winter) when trees are less susceptible to stress and pests, and the canopy is bare, providing a clear view of the structure. However, safety issues like storm damage or dead limbs require immediate attention regardless of the season ^{2 10}.
• Insurance and Licensing: Always verify that any tree service company you hire is fully insured (with both liability and workers' compensation) and holds any required state or local licenses. This protects you from liability in the rare event of an accident or property damage ^{2 14}.

By understanding the full scope of professional tree care-from the initial health assessment to the final cleanup-you can make informed decisions to protect your property and preserve Boston's beautiful urban forest.

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