10 best tree removal companies in San Leandro, California

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in San Leandro. Licensed tree removal professionals in San Leandro can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and damage to your home.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in San Leandro, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

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

Look for tree removal companies in San Leandro 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 San Leandro is average compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's more likely to fall. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and severely harm people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer an assortment of additional services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide 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 San Leandro

Use these factors to choose the best 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 pruning, planting and moving 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 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

Tree removal companies should carry extensive insurance coverage, 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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