What moves the price
Height is only half of it. A 40-foot eucalyptus in an open field can be cheaper than a 25-foot tree leaning over a roof. Crews price risk: how much has to be lowered piece by piece on ropes instead of dropped, and what's underneath.
Palms are their own category. Tall palms need a climber or a lift, and old fronds and seed pods are heavy. Many palms are trimmed rather than removed.
Stumps. Grinding is usually priced per stump by diameter, with a minimum. Ask how deep they grind (6 to 12 inches below grade is common) and whether they haul the chips or leave them. If you plan to plant or pour concrete in the same spot, tell them.
Haul-away. Some bids are cheaper because they leave the wood. Firewood is useful if you have a fireplace; eucalyptus logs are heavy and slow to dry, so think about whether you really want them.
Power lines
Don't trim or remove anything touching or near power lines yourself, and don't let a crew do it unless they're qualified for line clearance work. SDG&E trims trees near its high-voltage lines, and you can contact them about trees near those lines. The line running from the pole to your house is usually your responsibility, and SDG&E can sometimes disconnect it temporarily so a crew can work safely. Call them first.
Permits and protected trees
Most backyard trees on private lots can be removed without a city permit, but there are exceptions: trees in the public parkway between sidewalk and street, trees required by an HOA or a development approval, and protected species like native oaks in some jurisdictions. Ask your city before removing a large oak or anything near the street.
Questions to ask every tree service
First, run our free tree service license check.
- Do you have a California contractor license (often a C-61/D-49 tree service classification) and liability and workers' comp insurance? Ask for the certificate and check the license at the CSLB site.
- Is there an ISA-certified arborist on the crew or available for advice? You can look one up at TreesAreGood.org.
- What's included: cleanup, haul-away, stump grinding, chip removal?
- How will you protect the roof, fence, lawn, and sprinklers?
- When do you expect payment? Paying in full only after the job is done and cleaned up is normal.
Red flags
- Door-knockers after a windstorm asking for cash up front.
- "Topping" a tree (cutting the top off flat). It weakens trees and leads to dangerous regrowth.
- Climbing with spikes on a tree you're keeping. Spikes wound live trees and should only be used on removals.
- No proof of insurance. If an uninsured worker gets hurt on your property, you may be liable.
The estimator and guide are free to use whether or not you ask us for quotes.
Town guides
Questions
Are you a tree service?
No. We're a free quote-matching service. With your consent we pass your request to up to 3 local tree companies.
How accurate is the estimator?
It gives typical ranges by size and risk. Species, health, access, and what's under the tree change real quotes.
Is the request free?
Yes. It's free and you don't have to hire anyone.
Does stump grinding come with tree removal?
Not always. Many bids list it separately. Ask each company so you compare the same work.
Which areas do you cover?
Escondido and nearby North County inland towns: San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista, and Ramona.