10 best tree removal companies in West Milford, New Jersey

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks 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, turn to 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 result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in West Milford, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in West Milford

Look for tree removal companies in West Milford 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 West Milford is relatively high compared to other small towns. get in touch with 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's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed. The tree is dropping far more leaves, needles, sap, seeds or branches than usual.

If you see raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Based 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 grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in West Milford

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate 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 roots, trunk and crown by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from multiple providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.