10 best tree removal companies in Garfield, New Jersey

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling 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, hire 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 damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals 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 Garfield, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Garfield

Look for tree removal companies in Garfield 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Garfield is above average compared to other parts of the country. get in touch with a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you see raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of extra services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• 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 remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Garfield

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering 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 pruning, moving 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to obtain the 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 carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. 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

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors 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 Google Reviews, BBB 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.