4 best tree removal companies in San Luis Obispo, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is especially important in San Luis Obispo due to the area's high wildfire risk. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal experts are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances and permit requirements. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in San Luis Obispo ensures that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in San Luis Obispo

Look for tree removal companies in San Luis Obispo 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in San Luis Obispo is really low compared to other American cities. get in touch with a tree removal specialist if you see any of the following signs:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure property, vehicles, pets and people. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as the following:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that 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.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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 help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in San Luis Obispo

To find the best tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

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 examine 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, planting and moving trees. California does not require arborists to hold 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 knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB before making your choice.

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.