10 best tree removal companies in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Healthy trees enhance 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 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 essential 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 injury and property damage.

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. Working with a reputable tree removal company in New Brunswick gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in New Brunswick

Look for tree removal companies in New Brunswick 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?

When a tree shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in New Brunswick is comparatively high compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to people, pets, property and vehicles. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, such as these:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in New Brunswick

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants 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 moving, pruning and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 at least three years of 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

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of removing 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 visually assess the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

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