Frequently Asked Questions

What is a consulting arborist?

A consulting arborist is someone who evaluates trees systematically and provides information about them.

What is a tree protection report?

Most cities and counties in the SF Bay Area require that trees be preserved during development projects, and a tree protection plan is an essential part of this requirement. It inventories all the trees present, determines whether they can safely coexist with project features, and provides specifications for what types of protection they’ll need in order to survive in the long term. We strive to make our tree protection reports digestible and actionable - our goal is to help your project move forward and stay in compliance!

What’s your pricing structure?

Our pricing is transparent and comprehensive, and we will provide a detailed contract or estimate for each project prior to doing any work. Although our pricing is based on our hourly rate, we offer set pricing for many of our services based on the amount of time typically needed for each type of project. It’s rare that we need to charge hourly; when we do, it’s typically for ad hoc needs related to a large ongoing project.

Can I remove my tree?

It depends! Each city/county has its own regulations, not only about which trees require removal permits, but about what kinds of issues make a tree eligible for removal. To get started, check out our tree removal permitting flowchart.

Can my dying tree be saved?

It depends on the species and the cause of the issue. For some species (e.g., deodar cedar), leaf browning and loss don’t usually appear until the tree has already endured considerable stress. For others (e.g., redwood), a tree can look nearly dead and suddenly spring back if cultural conditions (usually irrigation) are improved. We can help diagnose the issue(s), make a plan to improve the tree’s condition, and provide a prognosis.

Is my tree going to fall down?

Tree failure is a fairly rare occurrence, and tree failures kill fewer people than lightning. That being said, tree failures do occur and can cause major property damage or injury in some cases. Both Elizabeth and Katherine are Tree Risk Assessment Qualification credentialed, so they can help determine a tree’s likelihood of failure and its overall risk rating.

Will tree roots damage my house foundation?

Probably not, but perhaps. If the tree is growing in contact with the foundation, damage is obviously quite possible. But if it’s even a few inches away, the likelihood drops substantially. This is because the area under house foundations is normally heavily compacted and dry, making it impossible for roots to live there. However, if there is a drainage problem resulting in moisture under the house, then tree roots can follow the water and potentially cause substantial damage. Always make sure drainage is good, and also ensure that the bottom few inches of the foundation is clearly visible so any problems can be identified promptly.

Can I prune my neighbor’s tree?

Yes, you are allowed by law to prune the portion of the tree overhanging your property, as long as the pruning is done according to industry standards.

Does Aesculus prune trees?

Only small ones! If you have large tree pruning needs, feel free to reach out to request our tree care company referral list.

Why does Aesculus prune small trees?

We noticed that not many companies do small tree pruning well for a reasonable price. Many gardeners can do it cheaply, but they’re not trained in tree physiology or long term tree growth. Tree care companies can do it well, but they typically need to charge more because they’re set up for large trees.