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10 Best Tree Removal Companies in San Diego, CA

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Written By Max Peterson

Last Updated June 2024

Overgrown or loose trees can compromise your home and safety, from collapsing onto your house to knocking down power lines. Even if you're indecisive about tree removal, rest assured that multiple local experts are available to help. The Today's Homeowner team has chosen the top tree removal companies in San Diego to help you safely remove dangerous or unmanageable trees.

We've listed the top tree removal companies in San Diego below. These experts provide reliable and reasonably priced services to help you deal with dangerous or overrun trees near your home.

Top 10 Best Tree Removal Companies in San Diego

San Diego Tree Service Contractor

San Diego Tree Service Contractor Logo

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3445 42nd St, San Diego, CA 92105 (619) 944-3254 treeservicecontractor.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Lot clearing
Planting
Stump grinding and removal
Disease care
Cabling and bracing
Trimming and pruning
Tree removal

The Davey Tree Expert Company

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5601 Eastgate Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 592-7956 davey.com

Free quote

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Disease care
Planting
Tree removal

Pedro's Tree Service

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1105 W Chase Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 601-3062 pedrostreeserviceca.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Risk assessment
Trimming and pruning
Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal
Emergency services

Aztec Landscaping, Inc.

Aztec Landscaping, Inc. Logo

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7980 Lemon Grove Way, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (619) 464-3303 azteclandscaping.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Tree removal
Emergency services

Green Planet Tree Service

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659 Ellen Ln, El Cajon, CA 92019 (619) 771-8787 greenplanettreeservice.business.site

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Tree removal

CM Precision Tree and Landscaping

CM Precision Tree and Landscaping Logo

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9873 Dunbar Ln, El Cajon, CA 92021 (619) 454-1980 treeserviceinsandiego.com

Informative resources

Free quote

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Crane tree removal
Emergency services
Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal

Heilig's Tree Services

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550 Harbison Canyon Rd #1411, El Cajon, CA 92019 (619) 445-7113 heiligs-tree-services.business.site

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Tree removal

genesis tree service

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2997 Rancho Maria Ln, Ramona, CA 92065 (760) 896-7321 jjtreecare.com

Free quote

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Planting
Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal

Green Tree World

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1631 Glade Ln, Escondido, CA 92029 (619) 517-6048 greentreeworld.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal

Estates Tree Service

Estates Tree Service Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

23467 Glenn Ellen Way, San Diego Country Estates, CA 92065 (760) 440-9138 estatestreeservice.com

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Tree removal
Trimming and pruning
Stump grinding and removal
Lot clearing
Planting
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on tree removal companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in San Diego?

Tree removal costs vary based on several factors including tree size, convenience and security of access, and the number of trees that need to be removed. The average cost of tree removal for homeowners in San Diego is about $600, although prices can run between $229 and $955

If you find sudden damage to a tree near your home, such as after an intense storm, an accident, or any other major event, you will require emergency tree removal services if that tree poses an immediate threat. Property owners in San Diego pay an average of $897 for emergency tree removal.

Signs That a Tree Needs to Be Removed

Even though San Diego has numerous young trees, pest infestation, disease, and damage can still impact them. Some usual indicators that a tree should be removed include:

  • Fungus or mold
  • The trunk branches off in different directions into multiple large , heavy branches
  • Cracks in the trunk , especially deep cracks
  • Cracking between branches , especially large heavy ones
  • Rot , dead branches , missing bark or leaves , and other signs of decay

Trees that lean or have raised dirt around the base are at an elevated risk of falling down. If you observe any of these signs, have the tree evaluated immediately. Many neighborhoods and utility companies also have regulations for how close trees can grow — if a tree is encroaching on your home or nearby utility lines, you may need an evaluation.

Do Tree Removal Companies Need to be Licensed in California?

It’s important to make sure that your tree removal provider has the appropriate credentials. In California, they must have a Tree Removal Contractor license through the Contractors State License Board. An individual can also become a licensed arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). While not required, this certification indicates that an individual is trained in all aspects of arboriculture and follows the ISA’s code of ethics. You can search for a licensed arborist or verify credentials on the ISA’s search tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in San Diego, CA

The cost of stump removal is about $185 in San Diego. This price can be as low as $209 or as high as $340, depending on the size of the stump and the difficulty of removal. Not all tree removal business offer stump grinding or removal, so confirm before signing a contract.

In San Diego, you'll often find trees such as the Engelmann oak, canyon live oak, and the California live oak. Trees in this region are 53 feet tall on average and have an average age of 37 years.

In most places you do need a permit to remove a tree, regardless of its location on your property. Your local tree removal professional can help you navigate local zoning regulations and can aid in getting a permit.

You can keep your trees healthy by routinely trimming overgrown or dead branches, parking heavy lawn equipment or vehicles away from the roots, and topping up the soil around the base if it starts to erode. If pests are ruining your trees, consider pest control services.

Yes, you should be home during tree removal. Your tree removal provider may have questions, and being present lets you point out exactly which trees need to be removed, giving you peace of mind that the job is being done safely and accurately. If a tree is very close to your house, your provider may ask everyone to wait outside while the tree is being taken down.

Usually, you can keep the wood from trees that are cut down on your property, but ask your tree removal expert first. If you'd rather get rid of the wood, talk to your removal expert to see if they provide those services, or contact your local waste management department for help. Avoid leaving uprooted trees sitting in your yard and don't store cut wood against your home — both can result in pest problems.