10 best tree removal companies in Somerset, New Jersey

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 is also crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

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

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Somerset

Look for tree removal companies in Somerset 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 Somerset is above average compared to other small towns. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger property, people, vehicles and pets. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide an assortment of additional services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Somerset

Think about these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants 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 pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. New Jersey 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 experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors 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 Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.