10 best tree removal companies in Sunnyvale, California

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary 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, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Sunnyvale, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Sunnyvale

Look for tree removal companies in Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale is noticeably low compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, pets, property and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark 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 contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Depending 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: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Sunnyvale

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision 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 for optimal growth and well-being. California doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills 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, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards 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 necessary, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine 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 roots, crown and trunk by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online 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.