10 best tree removal companies in Union City, 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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's health. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Union City, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Union City

Look for tree removal companies in Union City 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Union City is above average compared to other American cities. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could damage or injure property, pets, people and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a range of supplementary services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Union City

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. New Jersey 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, business liability 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

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by looking at 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

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews 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.