Tree Removal in Laguna Beach, CA

Tree removal in Laguna Beach is hillside work. The land rises quickly from the shoreline into the San Joaquin Hills, topping out at 1,007 feet at Temple Hill, and the town is wrapped by more than 20,000 acres of greenbelt wildland. Early settlers planted groves of eucalyptus, and many of those trees and their offspring still stand near homes. Pruning or removing a large eucalyptus on a steep lot takes planning.

Eucalyptus near homes

Eucalyptus grows fast and big. It sheds bark and leaves, and some species drop heavy limbs without much warning, often on hot, still days. Common requests here:

• Removing deadwood and loose bark that piles up near structures
• Reducing long limbs over roofs, decks and driveways
• Taking out trees that are leaning, cracked or too close to the house

We assess each tree before recommending removal. Some healthy eucalyptus can be kept safe with regular pruning.

Fire history shapes the work

In October 1993, a fire in Laguna Beach destroyed or damaged 441 homes and burned more than 14,000 acres. Homeowners here know the risk. Tree work that reduces fuel near the house is part of most of our visits: removing dead material, keeping branches off the roof and away from chimneys, and creating space between the ground cover and the lowest limbs. The City's fire department and your neighborhood association may have specific rules, so check with them before large removals.

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Removing trees on a slope

Many Laguna lots slope steeply down to a canyon or up from the street. Heavy trucks cannot always reach the tree, and dropping a trunk downhill is rarely safe. We rig trees down in pieces, sometimes passing wood up the hill by rope, and we plan where every log will go before the first cut. We also think about soil: the town's steep cliffs have a history of landslides, and pulling out roots on a slope can loosen soil. Often we cut a stump flush and leave the roots to hold the ground.

Views and neighbors

With homes stacked up the hills, a tree on one lot can block the view from several others. View restoration pruning uses thinning and crown reduction rather than topping. If the tree belongs to a neighbor, we need their permission, and we are glad to explain options to both owners.

Getting started

Describe the slope, access and the trees you are worried about when you call (949) 740-0499. Photos help us plan the visit.