Tree Removal Services
in San Francisco & the Bay Area
Certified Arborists Providing Safe, Efficient Tree Removal for Homes and Properties Across the Bay Area
Safe, Professional Tree Removal — Enhancing Your Property Investment
At Arborist Now, our mission is to preserve and protect trees whenever possible. However, there are times when tree removal is the best choice for safety, property protection, or landscape planning. If your tree is diseased, storm-damaged, or interfering with your property, our ISA-certified arborists provide guidance and safe, professional removal services tailored to your needs.
Why Tree Removal May Be Needed
While we prioritize tree preservation, removal may be necessary in certain situations:
- Safety – Hazardous, leaning, or storm-damaged trees pose a risk to people and property.
- Property Protection – Large roots or overhanging branches can damage structures, foundations, or utilities.
- Urban Planning – Construction, renovations, or new landscaping projects often require clearing space.
- Long-Term Value – In some cases, ongoing maintenance costs can outweigh the expense of an initial removal—such as when the tree is the wrong species for the site, planted too close to a house or structure, confined in a narrow space, or beginning to decline. In these situations, it can be wiser to remove the tree and replant a healthier, more suitable species.
Our Tree Removal Process
We approach every removal with care, planning, and safety, taking steps to minimize impact on your property:
- Consultation & Assessment – An ISA-certified arborist evaluates the tree’s health, safety, and risk factors and carefully considers the potential impact on the surrounding property and landscape.
- Permits & Regulations – We handle permitting requirements throughout the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco DPW and local municipal processes.
- Site Protection – Before work begins, we carefully protect surrounding property such as houses, fences, and landscapes to minimize any impact from the removal process.
- Safe Removal – Depending on the site, we use advanced climbing and rigging techniques (especially when space is tight and crane removal isn’t an option) or crane-assisted methods when appropriate.
- Cleanup & Disposal – We leave the site spotless, with wood hauled away for recycling, mulching, or milling through our urban lumber division.
Why Choose Arborist Now?
A licensed, insured, and highly trained team with years of hands-on experience.
ISA-certified arborists on every project.
Knowledge of San Francisco and Bay Area strict regulations and urban forestry laws.
Access to specialized equipment: cranes, bucket trucks, and heavy-duty chippers.
Eco-conscious practices: We operate a full milling division, convert wood chips into fuel for electricity generation, and repurpose mulch for farming and composting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for tree removal in San Francisco and the Bay Area?
Yes, in most cases, permits are required across the region. Arborist Now takes care of this process for you.
How much does tree removal cost?
Can you remove trees in tight spaces or near power lines?
Absolutely. Our team specializes in complex removals where precision and safety are critical.
What happens to the wood after removal?
Do you also offer stump grinding?
Yes, we provide stump grinding services if needed. In some cases, stump grinding may not be required, or we can grind just to the surface level so it is hidden. We always call 811 prior to grinding to ensure underground utilities are marked. We tailor our approach depending on your property needs and future plans for the space.
Can you replant a tree where one was removed?
Yes, we can replant after a removal, but not usually in the exact same spot as the old tree. Often this presents a great opportunity to select a better species and plant it in the right location, laying the foundation for a healthier landscape and long-term plan.
What if there’s no direct access from the street to the tree?
This is one of our specialties. We can remove trees from even the most difficult-to-access locations. If debris must be carried through a house, we fully protect the interior with paper and tarps, cut all material into smaller pieces, and carry it out in buckets to be chipped at the street. Our crews work as efficiently as possible to minimize impact on your property.
Service Areas
We proudly provide tree removal services across:
Want to see how we work in real-life situations?
Read our Case Study