10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Oakley, CA - USA Today (2024)

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise 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 Oakley. Licensed tree removal professionals in Oakley can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential 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 injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Oakley gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Oakley

Look for tree removal companies in Oakley 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 growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Oakley is low compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

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 considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you think your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Oakley

Follow these steps to make the best tree removal company decision 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 restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, pruning and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. California 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for business liability, workers compensation and general 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 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. 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, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Get estimates from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for tree removal company referrals. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.