Common tree removal questions

It depends on the tree's size, location, and how close it is to structures or power lines. That's why every estimate is free, and in person we'll give you a clear, fixed price before any work starts, with no surprise add-ons.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured.

Yes, we do. We grind stumps below grade so you can replant, pave, or just mow right over the spot. It can be bundled with a tree removal or booked on its own. We service Sacramento and surrounding areas.

For estimates, usually the same week or the same day. For an emergency tree removal, like a tree on a house, blocking a driveway, or otherwise dangerous, we run emergency calls 24/7 and aim to be out the same day.

Access first — how equipment gets to the tree. Then what's underneath it, since anything over a roof or fence has to be rigged and lowered rather than dropped. Then species and wood weight, and finally condition, because decayed wood can't be climbed the same way.

Yes, and there's no obligation attached to it. We prefer to come out and look, but if that's not practical we can quote from clear photos or a video of the tree and its surroundings.

Fixed, and agreed in writing before any work starts. We don't charge by the hour and we don't add to the number once the crew is on site.

We give customers between one and two weeks to sign, so you can take the time you need to compare or think it over.

No deposit for standard residential jobs. You pay when the work is done and you're happy with the site.

Usually the same week, often the same day. Photo and video estimates can generally be turned around within a day.

A tree on a house, garage, or vehicle. A trunk blocking a driveway or street. A limb hung up in the canopy over anywhere people walk. A tree that's visibly shifting or has a lifting root plate.

For emergencies, yes — we answer the phone 24/7. Scheduled removals run during normal working hours so we're not running saws next to your neighbors at night.

Light rain is fine. High wind, lightning, or saturated ground that equipment would tear up means we reschedule, and we'll call you rather than leaving you wondering.

Sometimes. Sacramento protects certain trees by species and trunk diameter, and native oaks are frequently on that list. We check at the estimate and handle the paperwork where a permit is required.

Generally it belongs to whoever owns the land the trunk sits on, but shared trunks and overhanging limbs get complicated fast. We'll tell you what we see and put it in writing so you can settle it with your neighbor before we start.

Service drops to the house we work around directly. Primary distribution lines mean the utility has to come out first — that's not a line any tree service should be working on, and you shouldn't try to clear one yourself.

Street trees in the public right-of-way are usually the city's responsibility, not yours. We'll tell you if the tree you're asking about falls into that category so you're not paying for work the city does.

It's quoted separately so you can choose. Plenty of people leave the stump, and there's no pressure either way.

Below grade, deep enough that you can replant, pave, or mow right over the spot. Tell us what's going there next and we'll grind to suit.

It's hauled off as part of the job. If you want rounds kept for firewood, say so at the estimate and we'll leave them stacked instead.

Raked and clear. Apart from the missing tree, you shouldn't be able to tell we were there.

A worsening lean, mushrooms or conks at the trunk flare, cracks in the trunk or a major fork, and deadwood through the upper canopy point toward removal. Most everything else is a pruning job, and we'll say so at the estimate.

No. Topping forces weak, fast regrowth and leaves you with a more dangerous tree in a few years. Where a tree genuinely needs to be smaller, we reduce it properly to lateral branches.

For most Sacramento species, late winter into early spring while the tree is dormant. Deadwood and hazard limbs can come out any time, and storm-damaged limbs shouldn't wait.

Probably not. Summer branch drop happens on healthy valley oaks in the heat. Reducing end weight and clearing deadwood usually handles it — that's a pruning job, not a removal.