Frequently Asked Questions

Estimates, Scheduling & Billing

How do I get a free estimate?

Getting started is easy — simply call our office at (909) 590-4100, use our toll-free number (877) 88-TREES, or fill out the contact form on our website. One of our ISA Certified Arborists will schedule a convenient time to visit your property, evaluate your trees, and provide a detailed, no-obligation written estimate.

How long does it take to receive an estimate?

We typically schedule estimate visits within one week of your request. For commercial properties, HOAs, or large-scale projects, our arborist may need additional time to prepare a comprehensive proposal. We’ll always communicate timelines clearly so you know what to expect.

Do I need to be home for the estimate?

As long as your trees are accessible from the exterior of the property, our ISA Certified Arborist can complete the evaluation without you present. However, if you’d like to walk the property with us and discuss your specific concerns, we’re always happy to schedule a time that works for you.

How do I get my project scheduled?

Once you approve your proposal, our scheduling team will contact you with a proposed date. We do our best to accommodate your preferred timing and will confirm the date in advance. For ongoing maintenance program clients, service visits are pre-scheduled on a recurring basis.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept checks and credit cards. For larger projects, we can discuss payment arrangements to make the process as convenient as possible. Your invoice will include all payment details and instructions.

Do you offer financing?

We understand that tree work isn’t always a planned expense. Please contact our office to discuss options for larger projects. We’re committed to making professional tree care accessible and will work with you to find a solution.

What to Expect

Do I need to be home when the crew arrives?

For pruning projects, we recommend being on-site at the start so you can walk the property with the crew foreman and confirm the scope of work. For tree removals and stump grinding, you generally don’t need to be present as long as the crew has access to the work area. Either way, please be available by phone in case questions come up during the job.

How long will the work take?

Project duration depends on the scope — a routine pruning job on a few trees might take a few hours, while a complex multi-tree removal could take a full day or more. Your arborist will provide a time estimate with your proposal so you can plan accordingly.

Will your crews clean up after the work is done?

Absolutely. Our crews perform a thorough cleanup after every job, including raking, blowing, and hauling away all branches, wood chips, and debris. We take pride in leaving your property looking better than when we arrived.

What do you do with the wood and debris?

All tree debris is hauled away and recycled. Wood is processed into mulch, firewood, or other sustainable uses. If you’d like to keep any of the wood — for firewood or other purposes — just let your arborist know and we’ll be happy to accommodate.

Will your equipment damage my lawn or landscape?

We take every precaution to minimize impact on your property. Our crews use plywood mats and careful equipment placement to protect lawns, driveways, and hardscape. If any minor turf damage occurs from heavy equipment, we’ll discuss restoration options with you.

Do you handle permits?

Many cities and counties in Southern California have tree ordinances that require permits before removing or significantly pruning certain trees — especially protected species like coast live oaks. Our arborists are familiar with local regulations and can advise you on permit requirements. We can also assist with the application process.

Tree Care & Services

What services does California Arbor Care provide?

We offer a complete range of professional tree care services including tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, stump removal and grinding, tree cabling and bracing, tree restoration and preservation, arborist reports and tree inventories, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), annual maintenance programs, and emergency tree services. We serve both commercial and residential clients throughout Southern California.

What is the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, pruning generally refers to the targeted removal of specific branches for health, structure, or safety purposes — following ANSI A300 standards. Trimming is a broader term that can include shaping, clearance, and aesthetic work. At California Arbor Care, all of our pruning and trimming work is performed by ISA Certified professionals using proper arboricultural techniques.

When is the best time to prune my trees?

The ideal pruning season depends on the species and your goals. Most trees can be pruned year-round for deadwood removal and hazard reduction. Some species benefit from dormant-season pruning, while others respond best to summer pruning. Our ISA Certified Arborists will recommend the optimal timing for your specific trees.

How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?

Warning signs include significant dead or dying branches, trunk cracks or cavities, sudden leaning, exposed or decaying roots, severe pest infestations, fungal growth at the base, or proximity to structures and utilities that creates an unacceptable risk. Our ISA TRAQ Qualified arborists can perform a professional risk assessment and advise whether removal, treatment, or monitoring is the best course of action.

Can you save a sick or damaged tree?

In many cases, yes. Our tree restoration and preservation services are designed to help stressed, damaged, or declining trees recover. Treatment options include corrective pruning, disease and pest management, root zone improvement, deep root fertilization, and ongoing monitoring. Our arborists will give you an honest assessment of whether a tree can be saved or whether removal is the safer option.

What is an arborist report and when do I need one?

An arborist report is a professional document prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist that evaluates tree health, condition, risk, or value. You may need one for development permits, tree removal applications, insurance claims, real estate transactions, legal disputes, or HOA compliance. Our ISA TRAQ Qualified arborists prepare thorough, defensible reports that meet local jurisdiction requirements.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

IPM is a science-based approach to pest and disease management that uses targeted, environmentally responsible treatments rather than blanket chemical applications. Our Qualified Applicator’s License holders identify the specific pest or disease, assess the severity, and apply the most effective treatment with minimal environmental impact — in full compliance with California Department of Pesticide Regulation requirements.

About California Arbor Care

How long has California Arbor Care been in business?

California Arbor Care was founded in 1989 — we’ve been providing expert tree care in Southern California for over 35 years. Our longevity reflects our commitment to quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and doing things the right way.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. California Arbor Care is fully licensed and insured. We hold California Contractor’s License C61-763339, carry comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and are happy to provide certificates of insurance upon request.

What certifications do your arborists hold?

Our team holds an impressive range of professional credentials including ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Worker – Climber Specialist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL), and Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification. California Arbor Care is also a TCIA Accredited company — the gold standard for tree care businesses.

What is TCIA Accreditation?

TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) Accreditation is a comprehensive audit program that evaluates a tree care company’s adherence to industry standards for safety, quality, business practices, and consumer satisfaction. Only a small percentage of tree care companies in the country achieve this designation. It’s the most rigorous credential available for a tree care business and demonstrates our commitment to operating at the highest professional level.

What areas do you serve?

We serve communities throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County — including Irvine, Costa Mesa, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Chino, Riverside, Temecula, Redlands, and many more. If you’re unsure whether we serve your area, give us a call and we’ll let you know.

Do you serve both residential and commercial clients?

Yes. We provide the same expert-level tree care for homeowners, HOAs, commercial property managers, municipalities, developers, and government agencies. Our team has extensive experience managing tree care programs of all sizes.

Do you offer emergency tree services?

Yes. When storms, high winds, or unexpected events cause tree damage or create hazardous conditions, California Arbor Care is ready to respond. Call our office at (909) 590-4100 for emergency service. We can also assist with documentation for insurance claims.