3 best tree removal companies in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Carlsbad can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Carlsbad, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Carlsbad

Look for tree removal companies in Carlsbad 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?

Consider removing a tree if you see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Carlsbad is very low compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt around the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to examine the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood of them falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so the tree's remains will decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Carlsbad

Use these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. New Mexico doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Carlsbad doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with Carlsbad building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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