We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. More

Best 5 Tree Removal Services in Lake Forest, CA

Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
  1. Home
  2. Local Pros
  3. Tree Removal
  4. CA
  5. Lake Forest
Written By Callie Marsalisi|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Tree removal helps enhance the natural beauty of your yard by removing unwanted vegetation. That's why we're here to help you find the right provider for you. We've researched and assembled a list of the top tree removal companies in Lake Forest.

Top Tree Removal Companies in Lake Forest

BrightView Landscape Logo

BrightView Landscape

4.1/5
Based on 21 customer reviews.

Services Offered

PlantingStump Grinding And RemovalTree Removal

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
8 Hughes Suite 150, Irvine, CA 949-238-4900 brightview.com
RM Tree Care Inc Logo

RM Tree Care

4.7/5
Based on 16 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Trimming And PruningTree RemovalStump Grinding And RemovalDisease CarePlanting

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
  • Reliable customer support
3301 S Bear St #35e, Santa Ana, CA 714-722-3697 rm-treecare.com
Peterson's Tree Works Inc Logo

Peterson's Tree Works

4.5/5
Based on 18 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tree RemovalTrimming And PruningDisease Care

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
605 N Rancho Santiago Blvd, Orange, CA 714-771-4243 petersonstreeworks.com
Tree Removal Orange County Logo

Tree Removal Orange County

4.7/5
Based on 34 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tree Removal

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
960 N Tustin St #231, Orange, CA 949-558-2595 tree-removal-service-orange-county.business.site

More Local Tree Companies

JC Tree Care and Landscape

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

107 W Delft Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92703

Rod's Tree Service, Inc.

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672

Don Williams Landscape And Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1407 N Batavia St # 107
Orange, CA 92867

Premier Tree Experts

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

802 E Lincoln Ave
Orange, CA 92865

V & E Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

2425 N Batavia St
Orange, CA 92865

Betterment Tree Health Care

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

7131 Yorktown Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Environmental Green Tree Care/ Killelea Landscape

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

333 W Broadway
Anaheim, CA 92815

Reliable Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

18032 Lemon Dr #204
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

So Cal Tree Trimming Inc.

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

925 S Arden Pl
Anaheim, CA 92802

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Get Your Tree Removal Project Quote Today

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Facts about Lake Forest
Average Tree Height:37 ft
Common Trees:California Live Oak, Oregon Ash, Canyon Live Oak
Average Daily Sunlight:71%
Hardiness Zone:10a
Wettest Month:February
Tree Removal Average Cost:$926

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

How To Choose the Right Lake Forest Tree Service

When you're considering a tree removal company, you might look at factors like licensing and services offered. We highlight some of the most important considerations below.

Vet the Company's Qualifications

Insurance is important for protecting both tree removal customers and workers. These policies might include workers' compensation, general liability, or professional liability insurance. Be sure that the policy specifically mentions tree work coverage; otherwise, you might be liable for any injuries or damage that occur on your property. There are no mandatory national certifications for tree removal, but a company may employ a certified arborist to complete inspections. Companies aren't required to have an arborist on staff, but having one brings in expert knowledge on tree preservation, maintenance, and care. Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Get Quotes From Multiple Companies

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to find the best deals. Compare each aspect of your quote, like timelines, service fees, and included services.

Confirm the Company Performs Residential Tree Services

Look for tree removal companies that specialize in residential services. Commercial companies must follow certain local ordinances because they work on large-scale commercial projects. On the other hand, residential tree service companies specialize in private homeowner work and have fewer locally mandated service restrictions.

Request a Tree Risk Assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) involves visually inspecting a tree to assess the risk of it or its branches breaking. This is called tree failure. Assessing tree failure before the start of work helps protect both workers and your property. TRAs are typically done by certified arborists. Some companies include a free assessment with their services, while others charge an additional fee. Request a TRA before completing any real work.

Ask About Stump Removal

Companies can remove stumps from your lawn by hand or using special equipment. Unattended stumps will decompose over time and can attract pests and disease. Ask your tree removal company if it includes stump removal in its service. Costs vary between $99 to $727, with the average Lake Forest homeowner paying approximately $463.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tree?

On average, tree removal services cost around $926. The total price can range from $451-$1,983, and be influenced by factors like tree health, project size, and tree size and type. Emergency services cost around $2,380, and any price will be higher if a tree has a high failure risk or needs additional equipment, labor, or safety precautions. Tree removal companies might charge by the acre instead of per tree if you're having multiple trees removed.

Ready to Get a Quote on Your Tree Project?

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Lake Forest

What are common tree issues?

Storm and wind damage often causes tree issues, such as broken branches, cracked trunks, or even uprooting of the entire tree. Pests and diseases can impact the health of a whole area of vegetation. Even if a tree remains intact and healthy, there can still be issues with branch and root overgrowth. Overgrown branches can extend too far from the trunk and create hazards when they break. Overgrown roots can damage septic tanks, sidewalks, or driveways. If there's a hazard to your property, surrounding homes, cars, or power lines, ensure the tree gets immediate attention.

What's the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?

Tree trimming and tree pruning both improve tree health but have different end goals. Pruning involves removing excess or unhealthy branches to stimulate growth. Trimming reduces overgrown branches to improve moisture absorption and light exposure. Both are done in separate seasons and help to enhance your landscape.

How can I tell if a tree is dangerous?

There are a number of ways you can tell if a tree is dangerous. Signs such as missing bark, fungus or mold growth, dead branches, or rot could indicate disease. You might also notice cracking between branches or in the trunk. Some cracks might be an immediate danger if they're very deep in the trunk or on heavy branches. Have a tree evaluated immediately if you notice raised dirt surrounding the base or if it begins leaning.

Do I need to hire a professional for tree removal?

Yes. We recommend hiring a professional for tree removal to protect you and your property. Tree removal involves dangerous equipment and climbing to unsafe heights. Most casual do-it-yourselfers lack the necessary tree-cutting experience and could cause property damage or personal harm. Other hazards include falling branches or trees damaging your car, home, or power lines or harming a bystander.

Is it okay to leave a downed tree on my lawn?

No. Remove downed trees from your lawn to prevent safety hazards and property damage. Fallen trees often attract pests, on top of taking up yard space that could house living vegetation. If the downed tree is away from your house, surrounding houses, or power lines, contact a tree removal company to have it taken away. If the fallen tree poses an immediate safety risk, you'll need emergency tree removal services.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Sources