10 best tree removal companies in Novato, California

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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 important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Novato

Look for tree removal companies in Novato 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Novato is below average compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

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. A falling tree could damage or injure people, vehicles, property and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it 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:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. 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 regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies also offer landscaping services. These services might 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 Novato

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

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 evaluate your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, pruning and planting 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 three years of field 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

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, family and friends. Even if someone you trust refers you, 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.