10 best tree removal companies in Los Altos, California

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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 with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Los Altos, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with the town's regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Los Altos

Look for tree removal companies in Los Altos 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 encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Los Altos is really low compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

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. A falling tree could damage or injure people, pets, property and vehicles. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, 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 taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, logs and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. This could 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 Los Altos

Use these factors to find the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. California 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, workers compensation and general 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. After you request a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for tree removal company referrals. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading 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.