Tree Cutting in Fresno: Permits and Hiring

Confirm who controls the tree

Fresno defines a City street tree as a tree planted within the City right-of-way, typically between the curb and the front of the sidewalk or in another dedicated planting area. Before hiring someone for a curbside tree, have Public Works confirm its status if responsibility is unclear. [1]

The City evaluates street-tree removal requests through its Landscape Maintenance Division arborists and follows a policy of preserving trees where feasible. It removes dead trees and trees its arborists deem immediate safety issues from the right-of-way as soon as possible. Obtain the City's assessment before committing to private removal of a suspected City tree. [1]

Choose the treatment and check credentials

Describe the problem before choosing pruning or removal: a broken limb over the driveway, branches touching the roof, a declining canopy or roots beside a planned improvement. Have the arborist explain the proposed treatment, alternatives and limits of the inspection. Specify a written assessment before the visit if you need one.

California's C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification covers planting, maintenance and removal, including pruning, stump grinding and guying. CSLB also states an exception for incidental pruning by a gardener. Discuss the contractor's classification and qualifications for your proposed work rather than treating routine gardening experience as evidence of removal expertise. [3]

Request license details, insurance documentation and the name of the crew supervisor. For City street-tree removal or maintenance, Fresno states that a certified arborist must direct the work and a licensed contractor must complete it. Identify both roles before scheduling permitted work. [1]

Coordinate electrical safety before scheduling

PG&E tells residents to keep their bodies and tools at least 10 feet from powerlines. It says only trained, line clearance-qualified personnel with the right tools should perform tree work near them. For a tree hazard emergency, call 911 first, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Report other tree hazards involving its equipment to PG&E. [2]

PG&E distinguishes distribution-line vegetation work from the homeowner's responsibility around service drops, the wires carrying electricity from a pole to a home. Property owners must keep service-drop wires clear of vegetation and dead or hazardous trees. Discuss the utility's free temporary service disconnect before your contractor schedules work near those wires. [2]

Get a quote that defines the finished job

Give bidders the same tree list, photos and access information. Have each identify the tree and describe the intended result. For pruning, specify the purpose and extent of the cuts. For removal, settle whether the price includes cutting the trunk to ground level, grinding the stump, handling grindings and filling the depression.

Request separate amounts for tree work, stump work and hauling. Agree on equipment access, protection for irrigation and paving, and final cleanup. Record who will obtain approvals and how the contractor will price changes you authorize. Evaluate differences in these commitments before comparing totals.

For cleanup after PG&E tree work, inspect the remaining wood before requesting bids. PG&E says wood more than 4 inches in diameter remains in a safe location onsite because it belongs to and is the responsibility of the property owner. Describe the logs and access route in the hauling request. [2]

Plan access and replacement-tree care

Walk the proposed equipment route with the contractor. Point out gates, irrigation, paving and areas you want protected. Agree on where the crew can stage wood and equipment, and arrange to keep pets and vehicles outside the work area.

If the job includes a replacement tree, request an aftercare plan for that planting site. Fresno advises monitoring soil after rain, stopping watering when soil is saturated and resuming when it dries. The City also says newly planted trees may need additional watering during extreme heat. Use its age-based quantities below as a discussion reference with the person responsible for aftercare. [1]

Fresno replacement-tree watering guidance by age

Choose the next step before hiring

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the whole tree, the concern and equipment access from a safe location.
2. Confirm tree responsibility and resolve City approval before authorizing work.
3. Identify nearby wires and coordinate utility arrangements before scheduling.
4. Request contractor license details, insurance documentation and supervisor information.
5. Record the treatment and intended result for each tree.
6. Settle stump work, grindings, logs, hauling and cleanup in writing.
7. Agree on access protection and replacement-tree aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prune a City street tree myself?

Fresno allows homeowners to trim limbs reachable from the ground without a ladder or chainsaw, using tools such as pole pruners and loppers. A complete out-of-cycle trim needs the free City permit and a licensed tree trimmer. Near powerlines, PG&E says only trained, line clearance-qualified personnel with the right tools should perform tree work. [1] [2]

Will Fresno pay to remove a street tree?

If the City arborist determines that a street tree meets removal criteria, Fresno says it will remove the tree at no expense to the homeowner. An owner who wants to avoid waiting for City crews can obtain a permit for private removal. [1]

Does a removal quote include stump grinding?

Have the bidder state that in writing. Specify grinding depth, treatment of exposed roots, whether grindings stay onsite and who will fill the area. Use the same requirements across bids.

How can I compare prices without a verified local average?

Compare written offers for the same trees, treatment and finished condition. Have bidders explain equipment and access arrangements and separate stump work from hauling. Resolve scope differences before choosing by total price.