8 Best Tree Services in San Jose – Arborists Bay Area
See Who Customers Voted Top Local Arborist
The Master Arborist Awards and below list is about promoting the Top Rated Tree Service in Tampa, Florida and taking the guess work out of hiring.
We want you the customer to easily find the 10 local tree services most likely to give a great service at reasonable prices.
There are a few ways we could have compiled this list.
Instead of taking the traditional route of getting residents to vote (which is usually just friends of the business owner voting), we decided to use all online customer reviews and use those along with other metrics to calculate the 2020 winner.
We took into consideration:
Years of experience, number of reviews and average score.
Taking a mathematical approach (see formula used below results) we gave each local tree service a score.
Other minimum criteria to qualify include:
20 reviews
5 years in business
2 sources of customers reviews.
(E.g. Google review and Yelp, but most have 3 – 4 sources.)
Below we go into more detail about the selection process, formula used and the reasoning behind it to find this years winners.
And the winners are…
| Company | Details | Avg. Rating | GTQ score | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 555 | 4.58 | 508 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 446 | 4.40 | 373 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 148 | 4.47 | 245 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 146 | 5.00 | 183 |  |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 126 | 4.97 | 131 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 297 | 4.95 | 118 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 207 | 4.67 | 116 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 40 | 4.75 | 112 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 78 | 4.75 | 74 | |
 Visit Site | Visit Website Reviews: 62 | 5.00 | 65 | |
Est. 2000Who qualified to make the list?
To qualify to make the list, you needed to have a minimum of 20 reviews total across a minimum of 2 different platforms. This can be Google, Facebook, Yelp, Yellow Pages, AngiesList, Home advisor or any other 3rd party review platform. Curated reviews taken on personal websites were not counted.
The company needed to be in business for a minimum of 5 years.
We feel that years in operation is a big factor as it speaks volumes about the competence of the business as a whole. A lot of the business on the list have been in business for 10 years or more.
GTQ rating formula
The GoTreeQuotes rating is a mathematical formula which takes into account the number for year in business, the number of reviews, as well as the average score.
We believe the provenance of a company and the number of reviews, is just as important as the average score. Just as long as that average score does not dip too much below the 4.0 mark.
The formula used:
Years in business X number of reviews / 1000 X Average score = GTQ rating
Example:
17 x 247/ 1000 x 4.95 = 208
Taking into account all three performance indicators of a business gives us a pretty accurate look at the overall satisfaction of customers while the tree service has been operating.
We found this to be the fairest and most precise way to do things.
Below are some more details on the companies in order as they appear on the list above.
How much does tree removal cost in San Jose Bay area?
The cost of tree removal in San Jose will depend on a number of factors.
The average cost to cut down a tree in the Bay area is $927. The real range being $375 right up to $4,590 for larger trees.
Some of the biggest things that impact prices are:
- Tree size
- Species
- Location on property
- Access to tree
- Obstacles around tree (power lines)
- Time of year
- Tree services used
The main factor is going to be the size of the tree and time taken to remove it. Some tress are easier than others to remove due to them having only a few branches and great access.
If a tree is in the rear of a property with only a small side gate access, it will take more time and man hours to get the tree on the ground and dragged out the front for mulching. This will cost you more money.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in San Jose?
San Jose has a Tree Preservation ordinance that allows some trees to be removed without a permit, while others will need permission from the city.
Heritage tree or street trees cannot be touched. Heritage trees are on both public and private land, so please see the Heritage tree list here to see if your tree is listed. There are about 100 of them in San Jose.
Trees you can remove
Referred to as “Ordinance-sized trees” these are trees that if smaller than the below specifications, the can be removed without a permit. Any tree alive or dead that is grater in size then the below will need a permit.
Single trunk – 38 inches circumference or less when measured at 4.5 feet above ground level.
Multi-trunk – The combined measurement of each trunk circumference at 4.5 feet above ground is no greater than 38 inches.
A tree with a 38 inch trunk circumference is a fairly large tree, so in most cases you will be able to remove a tree without a permit. These laws are quite lenient when compared to other cities.
Tree Preservation Ordinance
Here is a link to the Tree Preservation Ordinance for San Jose. If you have any question or concerns you can always reach out to the city arborist directly on (408) 794-1901.
What’s the approval process?
If you have a tree that is larger than the above specifications, you will need to submit an application for removal.
If the tree is not dead or a hazard, you will a good reason for removal. Most of the time the tree will not be in a suitable location such as within 5 feet of your residence or other structures. In these cases, approval should not be a problem.
If the tree is of Ordinance size, and is healthy and well situated, you have a very slim chance of getting approval for removal.
Process
Fill in the application form with the following:
- Submit the application form with a tree description and site plan.
- Photo or each tree.
- Pay the non-refundable fee required
What are the tree removal permit fees?
Please be seated for the price of a permit. They state that you need to pay a fee upon application, but do not specify if the fees are the same as the permit fees or if you only pay the below if the application is granted.
For unsuitable or dead tree removal permits
$244 for one tree plus $33 for each additional tree
For live tree removal permits
$2,273 – Single family or duplex properties
$2,599 – All other types of properties
San Jose tree planting initiative
The city of San Jose has committed to increasing the urban forest canopy cover. Through an initiative signed on 2005 and 2007 called the Urban Environment Accord. This aims to plant out 50% of the cities vacant street tree sites.
The goal is to plant 100,000 trees by 2022.
Here is an interactive map about the benefits of this initiative.
Tree trimming cost in the Bay areas
The cost to trim a tree in Bay area will depend on the size of the tree and the amount of work being performed.
You can appreciate that palm trimming is a lot less than removing branches from an Oak tree.
The average cost of tree trimming in San Jose is $425, but the real range is $90 up to $1,900.
The biggest factors that add to price other than the tree size and number of branches is access and obstacles.
If the tree service can get a clear run at the tree with access for machines, then the job will be a lot faster and easier. This means cheaper prices for you.
If your tree is in a backyard, I suggest doing your best to give as clear access as possible. This might include removing parts of your fence to give better access.
Trimming neighbours tree in San Jose
If a neighbors trees is encroaching on your property you are within your rights to trim the tree. The city recommends you use a certified arborist for trimming work and they adhere to the National Arboriculture Association standards for pruning.
If you have dispute with your neighbour about trimming, you will need to contact the city customer service first on (408) 535-3500.
Can I trim a street tree in the Bay Area?
It is illegal to trim a street tree in San Jose or the Bay area without first obtaining a permit.
In most cases you can just report an issue with a tree and they city will come out to trim the tree free of charge. There are minimum clearances that trees should have to allow foot traffic and access to properties. This is normally 8 feet. If you tree needs some branches removed, alert your city arborist on (408) 794-190, who will come out and inspect then give the go ahead for trimming.
Other resources: See the Tree Policy manual here for more details
New Sky Tree Service
New Sky tree service is a company with numerous positive reviews due to their good tree services across San Jose area. The company provides services in many areas. With years of experience, they have been able to build a good team of workers, arborists and necessary equipment for any trees works.
Some of their services include removal, pruning, stump grinding, among others. The company also responds to emergency calls, free woodchips and handles lot clearing.
Serve Tampa, FL
20 years in business
Bay Area Tree Specialists
Serve Tampa, FL
19 years in business
Bay Area Tree Care
Being a licensed tree service company that has been operating for more than 30 years, Bay Area Tree Care record is amazing. They categorize their services into 4. Tree removal services, tree care, storm damage and fire wood. As a result you can get fertilization, pruning, spraying and bracing/cabling for tree care. One removal you will get removal, bush hogging, stump removal as well as crane services. The company also responds to emergencies. The company also offers tips for tree care for interested customers.
Serve Tampa, FL
37 years in business
Oscar's Expert Tree Service
Oscar’s Expert tree service is a company with a lot of experiences and offer quality services. They are licensed and have insurance to avoid liabilities. The company takes safety seriously by using high-quality equipment. They provide services for residential, municipal and commercial clients.
If you are looking for a company with trained and licenced workers, this is what to go for. Their services include tree removal, trimming and planting, emergency response, stump, root and hazardous removal.
Serve Tampa, FL
25 years in business
Curry Brothers Tree Care
It is a tree service company operating in San Jose, CA. The company believes in protecting and maintaining the health of trees hence provide valuable existence for landscape. With more than 20 years, they have created a good reputation as a result of their affordable and high-quality services.
Curry Brothers tree care works with trained and licensed arborists for the best results on their work. Their main focus is on tree removal and hazard reduction.
Serve Tampa, FL
21 years in business
We Care Tree Care
We care tree care is a tree service company that focuses on offering the best services for any type of trees. They are passionate of their work for the last 8 years they have been in operation. If you are looking for a company with skills workers and the best equipment for the job then you should choose them.
The company deals with ornamental pruning, rehabilitative pruning, stump grinding, clearing for power lines, and city authorized removal or pruning. They offer affordable services.
Serve Tampa, FL
8 years in business
PV Tree Service, Inc.
PV Tree Service, Inc. has been operating in San Jose for more than 10 years. They have received many reviews and good rating which can be attributed from their good services. The company serves both residential and commercial customers. With the company having a large trained workforce, they are able to provide quick and quality work. Some of their services include tree shaping, trimming, removal, power line clearing, removal and stump grinding.
Serve Tampa, FL
12 years in business
Stump King Removal Specialist
Stump King is a company offering a variety of tree services in San Jose area. It is a company that has been in operation for more than 50 years hence giving them a lot of experience in the industry. They are licensed and use experienced and licensed arborists and workers in their works.
Some of the services they offer include root management, stump grinding, and removal. The company serves various clients from industrial properties, residential, commercial, municipalities, to rural areas among others.
Serve Tampa, FL
59 years in business
Summit Tree Service
It is one of those companies that will provide you with a 24hour emergency response channel. For the 20 years they have been in operation, Summit Tree Service have positioned themselves as that company that handles and takes care of trees. Their services include storm thinning, tree removal, pruning, shaping, view clearing and garden & lawn care.
They offer quality work and in a variety of areas from residential to commercial properties.
Serve Tampa, FL
20 years in business
Acosta's Stump Grinding
Acosta’s Stump Grinding is a tree service company located on 1898 Sarasota Way, San Jose, CA 95122 United States. The company offers a variety of tree services across San Jose, CA. With the company maintaining an insurance policy worth $1 million, they make sure their customers do not have to worry about anything. They also have trained and certified arborists to serve their customers.
Serve Tampa, FL
21 years in business
FAQs
The average cost of tree removal is $871, while the average cost of tree trimming is $433.
These number will vary greatly depending on the size of your tree(s) and what work needs to be done. The real range is anywhere from $250 right up to $4,900.
Trees in hard to access properties will cost more to remove than a tree in a front yard with easy access. Please view our tree removal cost guide for more details.
Arborist can perform a wide variety of services including tree removal, tree trimming, palm trimming. root pruning, risk and hazard assessment and treatment of disease.
That can also provide written arborist reports to present to council for tree removal permit applications.
If you ask a tree service 95% of the time they would be happy to give you the wood chips that were created from your tree being removed. Most of the time tree services struggle to get rid of them. Larger companies will store them and sell them on for a profit, but very few. Others give them to landscape suppliers free, who then sell them to the public.
This will depend on the size of the tree being trimmed, the number of branches you would like to remove and the location of the tree on your property. The average price for tree trimming is $433, but for palm tree trimming it’s $75. You will need to get a quote from your local tree service to get an accurate price.
This can cost anywhere from $100 – $500 depending on the size of the stump. The most time consuming part of stump removal is getting rid of the timber shavings created in the stump removal process. A lot of the time you can negotiate with your local tree service about leaving the shavings for a reduced price.
Adelaide Councils are fairly relaxed when it comes to tree removal laws. There is a good chance you can remove your tree without approval. You will need to fist check the Tree Preservation Order for your local council. If your tree is not considered significant and is not protected you may remove it.
Tree removal and pruning is tricky to quote just by a description. Depending on the size of the tree and difficulty to remove, the price will fluctuate up or down. An on-site inspection is needed to make sure you are given a fair price and the tree service is prepared on the day with the correct machinery.
Author: Ben McInerney – Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicating to providing users with the most accurate up to date information on everything trees.
