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Questions We Get a Lot
Short answers to the things people ask first. Don't see yours? Call (530) 803-4676.
About us
Who actually does the tree work?
A local tree pro running an independent business. We take the call, pick the pro and book the visit. The cutting isn't ours.
Does the call cost anything?
No. The call and the matching are free. Only the pro's work has a price.
Can I get a second price?
Yes, just ask. We'll try to find a different pro.
Storms and snow
Should I shake snow off my pines?
Usually not. The University of Illinois Extension says trying to remove heavy snow will likely cause more damage than letting it melt. Limbs are flexible and mostly bounce back.
How much ice does it take to break limbs?
The weather service says a quarter inch of ice is enough to snap lines and drop branches.
A big limb broke but is stuck up in the tree. Now what?
Stay out from under it and call. The International Society of Arboriculture lists broken limbs hanging overhead as a hazard. They can fall with no warning.
Wires
How close can I go to a downed line?
Stay back. PG&E's rule is 10 feet from powerlines, for people and for tools. The weather service adds that a line on the ground may be live.
Who do I call about a tree on a wire?
In an emergency, dial 911. For other hazards near lines, PG&E is at 1-800-743-5000.
Insurance and cost
My insurance company wants photos. What should I take?
Take the whole tree, the damage and the spot, from a safe distance, before anything is moved.
Will insurance pay to remove the tree?
Maybe, if it hit something. Removal pay tops out at $500 or $1,000 for most people, says Consumer Reports. A tree that hit nothing generally means no damage and no claim.
What is a fair price for a tree already on the ground?
In Fixr's guide, clearing a fallen tree costs $75 to $150. Your pro sets the real price after a look.
Hazard trees
How do I know if a pine is a hazard?
Look for dead branches, a crack in the trunk, a lean that is getting worse, and lifted soil near the roots. A pro should look at any tree that stands over a house.
Is there help paying to take down a dead tree?
On the Western Slope, the county Fire Safe Council offers help with hazard trees. The grant is capped at $4,000 and covers removal plus chipping, while owners pay a quarter of the cost. Sign-ups were closed in November 2026.
Are fire-scorched trees always dead?
No. The University of California says a healthy cambium is creamy-white and moist, while fire-hurt cambium is darker or yellow and dry. A pro can check.