10 best tree removal companies in Altadena, California

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is especially important in Altadena due to the area's high wildfire risk. Licensed tree removal professionals in Altadena can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Altadena, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Altadena

Look for tree removal companies in Altadena 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Altadena is below average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 pose a considerable threat to pets, property, vehicles and people. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, leaves and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Altadena

Consider these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. California doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. In California, a tree removal professional must have a Tree Removal Contractor license through the Contractors State License Board. Ask potential tree removal service providers about their licensing before hiring them.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp.

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.