Tree Removal in Lake Forest, CA

Lake Forest got its name from its two man-made lakes and its eucalyptus forest, so tree removal here often starts with eucalyptus. In the early 1900s landowner Dwight Whiting planted about 400 acres of eucalyptus near Serrano Creek for a lumber operation. In the late 1960s, a residential community was built around those groves. Many of those trees still tower over homes, and taking down or heavily pruning an old eucalyptus is a common request.

Living with old eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is fast-growing and tough, but large old trees can be risky near homes:

• Limbs can drop suddenly, often on hot, calm days
• Shed bark and leaves pile up on roofs and in gutters
• Oils in the leaves and bark burn readily
• Roots spread far and compete with lawns and gardens

We check each tree for weak unions, decay and lean. Some can be kept with weight reduction and deadwood removal. Others are too close to the house or in decline.

Removal and stump grinding

Taking down a tall eucalyptus near a house is done in sections, top down, with rigging. The wood is heavy and dense, so we plan where it will land and how it will leave the property. Eucalyptus stumps often resprout, so stump grinding is usually worth it after removal.

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Foothills and fire

In 2000 the city added the master-planned communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills, which reach toward the Santa Ana Mountains. In October 2007, the Santiago Fire burned 28,445 acres and reached backyards in Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills, though no homes there were destroyed. For homes near the foothills, CAL FIRE's defensible space steps apply: limb trees up at least 6 feet, keep branches 10 feet from chimneys and clear dead material.

Owners and associations

About 69% of Lake Forest homes are owner-occupied, and many neighborhoods have associations. Trees in common areas are the association's job. Check landscape rules before removals on your lot.

Other trees in Lake Forest yards

Eucalyptus gets the attention, but most yards also have ornamental and shade trees that need ordinary care. Regular tree trimming keeps them off roofs and fences, lifts limbs over walks and clears deadwood. Palms near pools need fronds and seed stalks removed. Combining these with any eucalyptus work in one visit saves you a second setup and a second round of cleanup.

Getting an estimate

Tell us how many trees, their rough height and how close they are to the house. Call (949) 740-0499 to schedule.