10 best tree removal companies in Carteret, New Jersey

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Carteret

Look for tree removal companies in Carteret 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Carteret is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to pets, people, vehicles and property. 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, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will 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 companies also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Carteret

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning trees. New Jersey does not require arborists to get a license, 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 help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have an extensive insurance policy, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. In New Jersey, companies that provide tree care must be registered with the NJ Board of Tree Experts (NJBTE), and must employ at least one full time Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator. Check to see whether potential tree removal service providers are listed on the NJBTE business directory.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Collect quotes from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading 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.