10 best tree removal companies in Menlo Park, California

Healthy trees elevate 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 who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Menlo Park, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Menlo Park

Look for tree removal companies in Menlo Park 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Menlo Park is very low compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which 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: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Menlo Park

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 analyze your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing 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 hold a license, 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.