10 best tree removal companies in San Jose, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in San Jose, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in San Jose

Look for tree removal companies in San Jose 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in San Jose 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 alerts:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in San Jose

Find the right tree removal company for your job based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including 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 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 three years of field 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 providers should carry extensive insurance coverage, 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust for suggestions on nearby 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 BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.