10 best tree removal companies in Santa Ana, 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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Santa Ana. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could lead to property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Santa Ana, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Santa Ana

Look for tree removal companies in Santa Ana 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 shows 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 Santa Ana is below average compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could damage or injure pets, property, people and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you think your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• 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 remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer 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 Santa Ana

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include rejuvenating its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate 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 to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, 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.