10 best tree removal companies in Maplewood, New Jersey

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's important 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 by yourself could lead to property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood

Look for tree removal companies in Maplewood 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 Maplewood is marginally high compared to other small towns. Seek advice from a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree is dropping far more leaves, branches, needles, sap or seeds than usual. The tree or its branches are too close to your home or another structure on your property. 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 visibly dead or severely burned.

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to people, pets, property and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of extra services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• 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.
• 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 remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Maplewood

Follow these steps to make the most informed 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 analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting trees. New Jersey 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects 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 necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk 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 more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp 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.