10 best tree removal companies in Old Bridge, 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 essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

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 alone could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances and permit requirements. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Old Bridge gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Old Bridge

Look for tree removal companies in Old Bridge 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 Old Bridge is comparatively high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these indicators:

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

If you see raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a reliable contractor right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the probability of them falling. A falling tree poses a significant risk to property, vehicles, pets and people. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer an assortment of extra services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Depending 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.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level 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 Old Bridge

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. 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

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, friends and family. 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.