10 best tree removal companies in Downey, California

Healthy trees elevate 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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is especially important in Downey due to the area's high wildfire risk. Licensed tree removal professionals in Downey 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 compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Downey, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Downey

Look for tree removal companies in Downey 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 shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Downey is low compared to other American cities. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of structural defects 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, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide an assortment of extra services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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 usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Downey

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

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 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 pruning, moving and planting 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience 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 safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). After you request a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.