Tree Services in Oakland, CA

Do you carry general liability AND workers compensation insurance?

Both are essential. General liability covers property damage. Workers comp covers injuries to crew members on your property. Ask to see certificates for both.

Is stump grinding included in the tree removal price?

Usually not. Most companies quote tree removal and stump grinding separately. Always confirm before signing.

Can I see your ISA certification?

ISA Certified Arborists carry a wallet card with their credential number. You can verify it at treesaregood.org. Not all tree work requires an arborist, but pruning and health assessments should be done by one.

Will you provide a written estimate?

Any reputable company will. The estimate should include: scope of work, total price, what’s included (cleanup, hauling, stump), start date, and payment terms.

What happens if there’s damage to my property during the work?

Their general liability insurance covers it. Get the insurance certificate before work starts and photograph your property beforehand.

Do you need a permit to remove this tree?

Depends on your city. Ask the company if they handle permits. In Oakland, check with the city planning department.

When is the best time of year to do this work?

For non-emergency work, winter is cheapest (lower demand). Spring and summer are busiest. Avoid pruning oaks in spring (oak wilt risk in many states).

How do I know your estimate is fair?

Get at least 3 written estimates. Compare them line by line, not just the total. The cheapest isn’t always best — check that insurance, cleanup, and stump are included.