10 best tree removal companies in Los Angeles, California

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is especially important in Los Angeles due to the area's high wildfire risk. Licensed tree removal professionals in Los Angeles can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and property damage.

Tree removal experts have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Los Angeles, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and properly.

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

Look for tree removal companies in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is low compared to other major metro areas. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these warning signs:

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

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 vehicles, property, people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• 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.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Los Angeles

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. California does not require arborists to get a license, 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 knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy is 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 decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB 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.