10 best tree removal companies in Hillside, 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 lead to injury or property damage.

Tree removal specialists have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Hillside, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Hillside

Look for tree removal companies in Hillside 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 exhibits 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 Hillside is low compared to other small towns. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

The tree has pests, diseases or mold weakening its structure. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation crack or lift. The tree is dropping far more sap, leaves, branches, seeds or needles than usual. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. 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.

If you see raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, property, pets and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down immediately.

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:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so the tree's remains 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Hillside

To select the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

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 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, planting and pruning 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 knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general 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 removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle 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

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from at least two companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company referrals. While referrals from trusted sources can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.