10 best tree removal companies in Milpitas, California

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and bring 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, you might need 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 important 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 personal injury and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Milpitas

Look for tree removal companies in Milpitas 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Milpitas is really low compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

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 significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it immediately.

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:

• Debris removal: Debris like logs, leaves and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Milpitas

Consider these factors to select the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning trees. California 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, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could come 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 crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.