10 best tree removal companies in South Gate, California

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is especially important in South Gate due to the area's high wildfire risk. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees 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 result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in South Gate, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in South Gate

Look for tree removal companies in South Gate 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 South Gate is low compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to vehicles, pets, people and property. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

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:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers 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 South Gate

To choose the best 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 restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, pruning and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. California does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, roots and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust for suggestions on nearby 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, BBB 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.