10 best tree removal companies in Ocean, New Jersey

While healthy trees improve 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, 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, turn to 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 personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Ocean, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Ocean

Look for tree removal companies in Ocean 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 have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Ocean is average compared to other small towns. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

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 poses a significant risk to property, vehicles, pets and people. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches 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?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. 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 grow back.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, branches and logs to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Ocean

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning trees. New Jersey 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.