10 best tree removal companies in Watsonville, California

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Watsonville. Licensed tree removal professionals in Watsonville can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts are trained in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Watsonville, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Watsonville

Look for tree removal companies in Watsonville 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 shows indications 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 Watsonville is very low compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to examine the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger pets, people, property and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

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 contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. By choosing 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 Watsonville

Follow these steps to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, pruning and moving trees. 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects 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 the right choice, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). 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, trunk and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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