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

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

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Selma, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Selma

Look for tree removal companies in Selma 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Selma is below average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. A falling tree poses a major risk to pets, vehicles, property and people. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get 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:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after 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.
• 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 spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches 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 provide landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Selma

Follow these steps to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

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 offer guidance on moving, planting and pruning 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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 decide whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. 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 crown, roots 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. Collect quotes from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.