10 best tree removal companies in Fresno, California

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is especially important in Fresno due to the area's high wildfire risk. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Fresno gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Fresno

Look for tree removal companies in Fresno 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 are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Fresno is below average compared to other major metro areas. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including these:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Fresno

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on planting, pruning and moving 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn 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, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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 professional advice 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 looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews 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.