Top Rated Tree Services in Washington, DC
See Who Customers Voted Top Local Arborist
The Master Arborist Awards and below list is about promoting the Top Rated Tree Service in Tampa, Florida and taking the guess work out of hiring.
We want you the customer to easily find the 10 local tree services most likely to give a great service at reasonable prices.
There are a few ways we could have compiled this list.
Instead of taking the traditional route of getting residents to vote (which is usually just friends of the business owner voting), we decided to use all online customer reviews and use those along with other metrics to calculate the 2020 winner.
We took into consideration:
Years of experience, number of reviews and average score.
Taking a mathematical approach (see formula used below results) we gave each local tree service a score.
Other minimum criteria to qualify include:
20 reviews
5 years in business
2 sources of customers reviews.
(E.g. Google review and Yelp, but most have 3 – 4 sources.)
Below we go into more detail about the selection process, formula used and the reasoning behind it to find this years winners.
And the winners are…
| Company | Details | Avg. Rating | GTQ score | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 306 | 4.70 | 644 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 297 | 4.63 | 635 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 89 | 4.63 | 329 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 118 | 4.63 | 329 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 685 | 4.60 | 304 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 115 | 4.23 | 293 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 205 | 4.93 | 212 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 74 | 5.00 | 207 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 516 | 4.98 | 180 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 135 | 4.88 | 120 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 109 | 4.50 | 103 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 40 | 4.70 | 87 | |
Est. 1988Do I need a permit to remove trees in Washington County?
Under certain circumstance, yes.
When removing trees that have a diameter of fewer than 6 inches trunk diameter, you don’t need a permit. Unless the number of trees exceeds 3 in the same year.
Other conditions in which you will need a permit is in cases where you want to remove trees growing on the streets, parks, public walkways, protected or heritage trees.
Conditions under which a permit will be approved
In cases where the tree shows signs that prove it should be removed, a permit will be provided. This is mostly in cases where the tree has proved to be a nuisance to the surrounding, by posing a danger to the public, is infected or dead.
Upon receiving the permit, you will be required to pay a fee.
If suitable, the removed tree will be replaced.
The stump should also be removed entirely.
How much will it cost to remove a tree in Washington, DC?
On average, you will pay $870 to remove a single tree in Washington. The actual range is between $240 for a small tree, and for a large one is $1,300.
Remember that the cost of tree removal is not constant. The cost keeps varying depending on several factors. The main factors are access to the tree and the size. The more difficult it is to access the tree, the higher the cost of removal. If the size increase the cost also increases.
Other factors include the following.
- Size
- Time of year
- Access to tree
- Obstacles such as power lines and buildings
- Company
- Species
Do I need a permit to remove my trees?
No.
When trimming privately owned trees, you do not need to get a permit.
However, in cases that the trees are within the public’s right of way, you will have to obtain a street use permit.
After proper examination of the site and conditions, a permit will be issued.
Who trims/removes street and park trees?
The range is between $190 and $560 per tree. The average is $310 per tree. This figure is as a result of factors that affect the cost hence leading to variations.
The size of the tree is one of them. The cost of trimming a fully grown palm tree is different from a small one.
The number of braches is also a major factor.
Another factor is the type of tree. Some trees have more branches than others hence requiring more time to trim.
Access to the tree will also be a significant factor when determining the cost.
Do I need a permit to trim my trees?
Yes. But under certain conditions.
In case you are trimming small trees at your own property with a diameter of below 6 inches on the trunk, you do not need a permit.
However, when you are trimming large protected trees, you will need a permit from your local authority.
Washington State laws on cutting neighbour’s trees
According to the Washington state laws, once a tree has overgrown into your neighbour’s property, it becomes a joint property between the two of you.
As a result, you have to obtain permission from your neighbour before cutting it.
However, in cases it is all about trimming the branches, you still need permission from your neighbour. You must return the branches to the owner.
Who removes/trims street trees in Washington, DC?
All the street trees in Washington, DC are managed and taken care of by the DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division. As a result, it is their responsibility to maintain all the over 140,000 street trees. The maintenance work includes trimming and removing those that are a nuisance to the public.
The division is also in charge of scheduling and planting of trees along the streets.
Can I plant trees on the streets of Washington?
Yes.
However, before doing so, you have to make sure that you obtain a permit from your local authority and approval from a certified arborist.
You can also request tree planting to the DDOT Urban forestry division to plant a tree. However, when doing so, you will have to follow specific criteria that involve indicating the type of tree you would like planted, where it should be planted among others.
How to save money on tree removal in Washington?
- The process is very simple. The first thing is that you have to get the right company. Compare different companies by requesting their quotes to make sure that you land on an affordable company.
- Remove your tree during the right season of a year. Winter is the most appropriate time if you want to cut on cost. During the winter, the number of people seeking tree removal services is very low. As a result, the demand for such services is low; hence companies lower their prices.
- A clear way to allow easy access to the tree. Tree services consider access to the tree before setting a price. If it is difficult and they have to spend a lot of time clearing the paths, the price will raise.
FAQs
A tree with a height of 100 ft. is in the category of a large tree and will cost up to $2,450. However, this is not a fixed cost since there are many factors that affect the cost of tree removal. Tree species is one of them. As a result, some tree species are difficult to remove than others. Access to the tree and service provider is also another factor. The best thing is to compare several companies to get the best price.
There are three main factors that will determine the cost of cutting down a Gum tree. That is the number of branches, access to the tree and its size. For a medium-sized Eucalyptus or Gum tree, the average removal cost is $1,800. The range for this type of tree starts from $930 for small Gums and can go to as high as $4,300 for the large ones.
A permit is mostly required for protected trees. Many trees are protected due to their sizes, or species. However, you have to find out whether your tree is protected or not. Check out local tree removal ordinance to find out more information.
In most cases, the cost of stump removal is quoted separately. However, do not be so sure. Once you get a quote, make sure that you ask the company to specify whether it include stump removal or not. Make sure that the written details of the quotes clearly indicate what is included and what is not to avoid extra costs.
Removing your neighbour’s tree must be done after seeking their permission, and the exercise should not be breaching the Council’s TPO. However, for pruning, you are free to prune branches overhanging on your property as long as it does not also breach council’s TPO.
The odds that you will find someone to sell your tree to are very low. The first thing to remember is that you have to pay the tree service company to remove your tree. Depending on the type of tree you have, you may be lucky. If it is a tree with exotic timber, you may get someone to buy. If you have a Date palm tree, a landscaping company may be willing to buy and sell later.
Author: Ben McInerney – Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicating to providing users with the most accurate up to date information on everything trees.
JL Tree Services
JL tree services is a member of ISA with certified arborists that are dedicated toward delivering the best services. For the last 32 years, the company has been serving the people of Washington by offering quality services. JL tree service finds itself first on this list because they have proven themselves worthy. Hundreds of reviews and years of experience. Service include tree cutting, removal, topping among others.
Serve Tampa, FL
32 years in business
Ed's Tree Service
Ed’ tree service was started by Alice and Ed and has been in operation in Washington for the last 33 years. The company is Woman-owned, and they take pride in that by providing excellent services. The company is licensed, and they take professionalism seriously. Since it is also insured, no worries about accidents. Ed’s tree service provides services in tree and stump removal, trimming, pruning, fertilization and emergency responses. It is also a member of 4 professional affiliations including ISA.
Serve Tampa, FL
33 years in business
Shifflett Tree Service
It is a family-owned company that focuses on doing their job efficiently, safely, affordably and to client satisfaction. Shifflett has been in operation in Washington for several years and has been rated and approved by BBB since 1998. If you are looking for a company that has trained and licensed crew that can respond to your emergencies any time of the day, this is it. Shifflett offers more than 15 different tree services on commercial as well as residential properties.
Serve Tampa, FL
57 years in business
Northern Virginia Tree Experts
Northern Virginia tree experts, Inc has been serving the entire Northern Virginia Metropolitan for 5 decades. As a result, the company is trusted across the region due to its high-quality services. For someone looking for a company with modern machinery to remove any size of trees, this is the best option. Their services include planting and tree installation, pruning, removal, stump grinding, fertilization and disease control.
Serve Tampa, FL
43 years in business
Adirondack Tree Experts
For Adirondack tree experts, you are talking about certified arborists, member of ISA, TCIA, and many other professional bodies. The company has received several awards over the years for its exceptional work in tree care. When you look at the many reviews they have received from their previous customers, you realize it is a serious company. It offers services in crown reduction, thinning, pruning, crane services, tree removal and other services to meant to take care of your trees.
Serve Tampa, FL
26 years in business
Wheat's Landscape
Wheat’s landscape company offers more than tree services and care. It is a company that has several categories of services, such as landscape maintenance, design build, tree care, land management, among others. The company is registered in more than seven professional affiliations that prove its worth in the industry. It is a company you can hire to do an all-round work on your property, and the results will be breathtaking. They have received several awards. You can schedule for consultation through their website.
Serve Tampa, FL
43 years in business
Caliber Tree Services
Other than having been in tree services for 15 years, Caliber tree services is a very affordable company. They provide their services in D.C and other neighbouring areas. What makes the company a choice for many residents of Washington is their team of experienced and committed certified arborists. Their services range from health care, emergency services, planting, lightning protection, and so much more. Their services are available Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, from 7 am to 5 pm.
Serve Tampa, FL
15 years in business
Davey tree
Here is another company worth contracting for your tree services needs in Washington. It has been in business for 40 years and attained a 5-star rating. This is as a result of quality services. One thing clear about this company is that it takes care of customer satisfaction. Their services are truly geared towards the well-being of trees. They offer plant fertilization, trimming, health inspection, trimming, pruning and removal.
Serve Tampa, FL
40 years in business
Milton's Tree Care Services
The first thing that Milton’s tree care company takes care of when doing their work is the safety of its customers. The second thing is the health of the trees. It is one of the leading tree care companies you will find in Washington D.C. Milton’s tree care services other regions neighbouring Washington as well. Their main services are on tree removal, pruning, emergency services and tree care.
Serve Tampa, FL
5 years in business
Chapingo Tree Care Specialists
Since the founding of Chapingo tree care in 2007, their main goal has been to help homeowners and commercial properties customers keep their trees healthy and safely handle them at competitive prices. Have they achieved this? Yes. The company ratings are high. The reviews are also positive as a result of their services. Some of their services include consultations, mulching, tree removal and pruning and many others.
Serve Tampa, FL
13 years in business
RulyScapes
Ruly Scapes is a company dedicated to ensuring their customers’ satisfaction. This is one thing that has seen the company get good reviews and ratings. It is a company that has operated in Washington for 15 years. The company’s main focus is on landscaping. That is doing landscape designs, installation, planting trees, care and maintenance. They do more than this, including lot clearing and fertilization. More than 15 different services. You can contact Ruly Scapes through their website to schedule for a consultation.
Serve Tampa, FL
15 years in business
Tim Corbin's Professional Services
Having served Washington, DC and its environment for 3 decades, it is safe to say that Tim Corbin’s Professional Services is a company that has all the experience required. The company has the capacity to handle both small scale and large scale projects. This is why they serve both commercial and residential clients. Their services are in site preparation, lot clearing, landscaping, stump and tree removal.
Serve Tampa, FL
32 years in business
Selection Process
To qualify to make the above list, the company needed to have a minimum of 20 reviews total across a minimum of 2 different platforms. This can be Google, Facebook, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Angies List, Home Advisor or any other 3rd party review platform.
Curated reviews taken on personal websites were not counted.
The company needed to be in business for a minimum of 5 years and have a minimum average score of 4.0 or higher.
We feel that years in business is a big factor as it speaks volumes about their experience and competence as a whole. A lot of the business on the list have been in business for 10 years or more.
GTQ rating formula
The GoTreeQuotes rating is a mathematical formula which takes into account the number for year in business, the number of reviews, as well as the average score.
The formula:
Years in business X number of reviews / 1000 X Average score = GTQ rating
Example:
17 x 247/ 1000 x 4.95 = 208
Taking into account all three performance indicators of a business gives us a pretty accurate look at the overall satisfaction of customers while the tree service has been operating.
We found this to be the fairest way to do things for the companies and customers using the list to help them choose a local tree service.
