10 best tree removal companies in Santa Cruz, California

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is especially important in Santa Cruz 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.

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

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

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

Look for tree removal companies in Santa Cruz 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Santa Cruz is really low compared to other American cities. Contact a tree removal specialist if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, people, vehicles and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, 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, leaves and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. 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 quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Santa Cruz

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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 right choice, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, neighbors and friends. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.