10 best tree removal companies in West Windsor, New Jersey

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in West Windsor, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

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

Look for tree removal companies in West Windsor 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?

Consider removing a tree if you notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in West Windsor is above average compared to other small towns. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, pets, property and people. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily 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 regrow.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. These services might 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 Windsor

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

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 assess your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving and planting 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

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.