10 best tree removal companies in North Bergen, New Jersey

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and costly property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in North Bergen, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in North Bergen

Look for tree removal companies in North Bergen 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in North Bergen is high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these warning signs:

The tree or its branches are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree has diseases, pests or mold weakening its structure. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. 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 far more leaves, seeds, sap, branches or needles than usual.

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to vehicles, property, 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 suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, including these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, logs 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. Depending 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in North Bergen

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine 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 planting, pruning and moving trees. New Jersey 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering 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 the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. 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 study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB before making your choice.

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.