10 best tree removal companies in Washington, New Jersey

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Washington, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Washington

Look for tree removal companies in Washington 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 Washington is relatively low compared to other American cities. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Washington

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on these factors.

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 planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. New Jersey does not require arborists to get a license, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, business liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, roots and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp before making your choice.

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.