10 best tree removal companies in East Orange, New Jersey

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize 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 East Orange 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 lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in East Orange ensures that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in East Orange

Look for tree removal companies in East Orange 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in East Orange is marginally high compared to other American cities. Seek advice from a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure people, property, vehicles and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in East Orange

Think about these factors to find the best tree removal company for your needs.

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 needs 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, pruning and planting trees. New Jersey 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore 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 circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, family and friends. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.