10 best tree removal companies in Pasadena, California

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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is especially important in Pasadena due to the area's high wildfire risk. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's important 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 hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could lead to personal injury or property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Pasadena

Look for tree removal companies in Pasadena 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 Pasadena is below average compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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 is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. The tree is dropping far more branches, leaves, seeds, needles or sap than usual. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property.

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to examine the tree and help remove it if necessary.

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 major risk to vehicles, people, property and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• 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 nourish your garden plants.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Pasadena

Use these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, planting and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online 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.