10 best tree removal companies in Hackensack, New Jersey

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

You should remove 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 professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Hackensack guarantees that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Hackensack

Look for tree removal companies in Hackensack 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Hackensack is high compared to other parts of the country. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree or its offshoots 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, needles or sap than usual. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal.

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor 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, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. A falling tree could damage or injure vehicles, people, property and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies also offer landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Hackensack

Use these considerations 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 go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess 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 planting, moving and pruning trees. New Jersey does not require arborists to be licensed, 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, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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