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Best 5 Tree Removal Services in San Mateo, CA

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  3. Tree Removal
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  5. San Mateo
Written By Callie Marsalisi|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Tree removal helps eliminate unwanted vegetation from your property and restore your landscape's natural beauty. That's why we're here to help you find your area's top providers and beautify your yard. Below, find our picks for San Mateo's top tree removal companies.

Top Tree Removal Companies in San Mateo

Brush Hog Tree Care Inc. Logo

Brush Hog Tree Care

4.7/5
Based on 44 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tree RemovalEmergency Services

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
  • Informative resources
799 Main St Suite P, Half Moon Bay, CA 650-400-7280 brushhogtreecare.com
SavATree - Tree Service Logo

SavATree - Tree Service

4.6/5
Based on 41 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Disease CareRisk AssessmentTrimming And PruningTree RemovalCabling And Bracing

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
1993 E Bayshore Rd, Redwood City, CA 650-460-8669 savatree.com
Neck of the Woods Tree Service Logo

Neck of the Woods Tree Service

4.2/5
Based on 24 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Emergency ServicesRisk AssessmentTree RemovalCabling And BracingPlantingTrimming And Pruning

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
264 Sylvan Way, Emerald Hills, CA 650-868-2357 theneckofthewoods.com
Luna's Tree Service Logo

Luna's Tree Service

4.7/5
Based on 87 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Stump Grinding And RemovalTrimming And PruningEmergency ServicesTree Removal

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
350 Demeter St #4b, East Palo Alto, CA 650-485-1752 treeservicespaloalto.com

More Local Tree Companies

Pineda Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

307 Blakewood Way
Woodside, CA 94062

Trees Company, Christopher Altman, Certified Arborist and Tree Service

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

1319 Florida St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Saunders Tree Service Inc

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

22844 Alice St
Hayward, CA 94541

S.P. McClenahan Company

User Reviews: 4.1/5 

1 Arastradero Rd
Portola Valley, CA 94028

Bartlett Tree Experts

User Reviews: 3.7/5 

1599 Custer Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124

Arborist Now

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

580 California St 12th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

Local Tree

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2520 Montana St
Oakland, CA 94602

Sequoia Tree Service LLC.

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

4900 Shattuck Ave. Suite 3179
Oakland, CA 94609

Julian Tree Care

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

561 Juliga Woods St
Richmond, CA 94804

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

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Facts about San Mateo
Average Tree Height:61 ft
Common Trees:Redwood, Tanoak, California Live Oak
Average Daily Sunlight:67%
Hardiness Zone:10a
Wettest Month:December
Tree Removal Average Cost:$951

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 San Mateo Tree Service

Below, we highlight several important factors for choosing a tree removal company. These include services, licensing, and more.

Vet the Company's Qualifications

The tree service company you choose should have insurance, including general liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability insurance. These policies protect both customers and workers. They should mention tree work coverage specifically, because otherwise you might be held responsible for injuries and damage on your property. Tree removal doesn't require any mandatory national certifications. However, some companies have certified arborists on staff to conduct inspections. Arborists have learned proper preservation, maintenance, and care techniques to protect tree health. These specialists have received voluntary certifications through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Having a certified arborist on staff is an added benefit, though not required.

Get Quotes From Multiple Companies

Homeowners should obtain quotes from a handful of companies to compare aspects such as included services, service fees, and timelines. This helps find the best deal.

Confirm the Company Performs Residential Tree Services

We recommend hiring a tree removal company that specializes in residential services. These companies have fewer locally -mandated service restrictions compared to commercial companies, which must follow certain local ordinances.

Request a Tree Risk Assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) involves visually inspecting a tree to evaluate the risk of it or its branches breaking. This is called tree failure. Assessing tree failure before starting work helps protect both tree service workers and your property. Certified arborists are typically the ones to conduct TRAs. 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

Ask your tree removal company if stump removal is included with its service. Stump removal is important because stumps left unattended will rot and may attract pests or disease. A professional tree removal company will remove stumps either by hand or using specialized equipment. This service costs from $102 to $747, with the average San Mateo homeowner paying approximately $475.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tree?

Tree removal services cost an average of $951, with a range of $463-$2,037. Factors that might affect the cost include project size, tree health, and tree size and type. You may pay by acre instead of by tree if multiple trees need to be removed. You can expect to pay about $2,444 for emergency tree removal. The price will also increase if a tree has a high failure risk or requires additional labor, equipment, or safety precautions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in San Mateo

What are some common tree issues?

Wind and storms often cause tree issues, including broken branches, cracked trunks, or uprooting. Diseases and pests can damage the health of an entire area of vegetation. Even if a tree remains intact and healthy, there are still problems with branch and root overgrowth. Overgrown branches can extend too far from the trunk and become a hazard when they break. Overgrown roots can damage driveways, sidewalks, or septic tanks. If a tree poses a risk to your property, surrounding homes, cars, or power lines, make sure it gets immediate attention.

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

Tree trimming and tree pruning both benefit tree health but have different objectives. Pruning is removing unhealthy or excess branches to stimulate growth. Trimming improves moisture absorption and light exposure by removing overgrown branches. Both are done in different seasons, and both help enhance your landscape.

What are some signs that a tree is dangerous?

There are several signals that indicate a tree is dangerous. Signs including rot, fungus or mold growth, dead branches, or missing bark could indicate disease. You might also notice cracking in the trunk or between branches. Some cracks may be an immediate danger if they're very deep in the trunk or on heavy branches. Have a tree evaluated immediately if it begins leaning or you notice raised dirt around the base.

Do I need to hire a professional for tree removal?

Yes. We recommend hiring professionals for tree removal to ensure your safety and protect your property. Tree removal uses dangerous equipment and climbing to unsafe heights. Most casual do-it-yourselfers lack the necessary tree-cutting experience and may injure themselves or cause property damage. Additional hazards include falling branches or trees damaging your home, car, or power lines or harming a bystander.

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

No. Remove downed trees from your lawn to avoid safety hazards or additional property damage. Downed trees take up space from living vegetation, and can attract pests. If the downed tree is a safe distance from your house, surrounding houses, and power lines, contact a tree removal company for help. If the downed tree poses an immediate safety risk, you'll need emergency tree removal.

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

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