10 best tree removal companies in Mountain View, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for 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. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's crucial 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 Mountain View, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Mountain View

Look for tree removal companies in Mountain View 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Mountain View is very low compared to other American cities. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously 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 is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, sap, leaves, seeds or branches. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal.

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, 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 companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Mountain View

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 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 carrying insurance for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate 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 circle around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews 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.