10 best tree removal companies in Berkeley, California

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Berkeley. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Berkeley, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Berkeley

Look for tree removal companies in Berkeley 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Berkeley is average compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal specialist if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you see raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you notice 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 significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could damage or injure people, property, vehicles and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, such as the following:

• 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: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Berkeley

Follow these steps to make the right 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 requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have 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. 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor recommendations. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time 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.