10 best tree removal companies in Howell, New Jersey

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased 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 Howell can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is vital for your property's health. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Howell, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Howell

Look for tree removal companies in Howell 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Howell is average compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal specialist if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to property, vehicles, pets and people. 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 in your yard, remove it 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:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• 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 Howell

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 health and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

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 friends and family for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews.

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.