10 best tree removal companies in Cranford, New Jersey

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased 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 professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is vital for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Cranford

Look for tree removal companies in Cranford 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 Cranford is below average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these indicators:

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

If you see raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to property, vehicles, people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a variety of additional services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• 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 remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• 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.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Cranford

Think about these factors to choose the best tree removal company 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 rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting trees. New Jersey does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 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 carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.