10 best tree removal companies in Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten 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 Fair Lawn can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and damage to your home.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Fair Lawn

Look for tree removal companies in Fair Lawn 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Fair Lawn is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to examine the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. A falling tree could damage or injure people, property, vehicles and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. When working with one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Fair Lawn

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision 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 evaluate your tree's health 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 planting, pruning and moving trees. New Jersey does not require arborists to hold a license, 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 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 coverage, 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 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 determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate 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 crown, trunk and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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