10 best tree removal companies in Rockaway, New Jersey

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Rockaway, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Rockaway

Look for tree removal companies in Rockaway 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Rockaway is relatively high compared to other small towns. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt around 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 expert 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 irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. A falling tree poses a major risk to vehicles, property, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think 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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' 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 the tree's remains 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Rockaway

To find the right 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 professional who can analyze your tree's needs and advise you on the proper care. This can include rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning trees. New Jersey does not require arborists to get a license, 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 experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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 determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting 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 specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

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