10 best tree removal companies in Lodi, New Jersey

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job alone could result in property damage or personal injury.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lodi

Look for tree removal companies in Lodi 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Lodi is above average compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed 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:

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Lodi

Find the right tree removal company for your job by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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 receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess 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 crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Get quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp 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.