10 best tree removal companies in Redwood City, 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 also important 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 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. Trying to do the job alone could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Redwood City, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Redwood City

Look for tree removal companies in Redwood City 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 encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Redwood City is very low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. 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. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree is dropping far more sap, seeds, branches, needles or leaves than usual.

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, vehicles, property and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• 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: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, 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 healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Redwood City

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right 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 health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry an extensive insurance policy, including general liability, business 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing 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 visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for tree removal company referrals. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to verify 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.