10 best tree removal companies in Cupertino, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's essential 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 physical harm and property damage.

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Cupertino, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Cupertino

Look for tree removal companies in Cupertino 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Cupertino is remarkably low compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

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 seriously endanger vehicles, property, pets and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, including these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Cupertino

Find the right tree removal company for your job based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, workers compensation 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. 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 roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to browse 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.