10 best tree removal companies in Union, New Jersey

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Union can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts have mastered the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Union ensures that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Union

Look for tree removal companies in Union 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Union is low compared to other American cities. Seek advice from a tree removal professional if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to assess 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. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• 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.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Union

Consider these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts 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, planting and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. New Jersey 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 knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry extensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. 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 decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine 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 advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB 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.