10 best tree removal companies in Irvine, California

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Irvine. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Irvine, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Irvine

Look for tree removal companies in Irvine 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Irvine is low compared to other American cities. get in touch with a tree removal professional if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you notice 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 expert as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect 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 taken down right away.

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 contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Irvine

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

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 moving, pruning and planting 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 experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online 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.