10 best tree removal companies in Scotch Plains, New Jersey

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing 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.

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.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Scotch Plains, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Scotch Plains

Look for tree removal companies in Scotch Plains 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 has evidence 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 Scotch Plains is low compared to other small towns. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

If you see raised dirt near 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 professional as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

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. A falling tree could damage or injure people, property, vehicles and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of extra services, such as these:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Scotch Plains

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning trees. New Jersey 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, experience and skills 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 New Jersey, companies that provide tree care must be registered with the NJ Board of Tree Experts (NJBTE), and must employ at least one full time Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator. Check to see whether potential tree removal service providers are listed on the NJBTE business directory.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you request a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for tree removal company referrals. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading 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.