10 best tree removal companies in Mission Viejo, California

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Mission Viejo. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have 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, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Mission Viejo, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Mission Viejo

Look for tree removal companies in Mission Viejo 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 growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Mission Viejo is below average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much 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?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood 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. Besides their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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 grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Mission Viejo

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees to help them grow properly and last for years. 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

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 serves 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

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Collect quotes from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp.

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.