10 best tree removal companies in Ontario, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Ontario. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal experts have mastered the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Ontario ensures that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Ontario

Look for tree removal companies in Ontario 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 exhibits 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 Ontario is noticeably low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

The tree is dropping far more seeds, leaves, sap, needles or branches than usual. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree has diseases, pests or mold weakening its structure. 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 close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. A falling tree could damage or injure property, pets, people and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it immediately.

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: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Ontario

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

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

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp 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.