Brentwood · Oakley · Antioch
How to Hire a Tree Service in Brentwood, CA
Tree work is risky and quotes vary widely. Use this checklist to compare companies on the same terms and spot the red flags before you agree to anything.
Referral disclosure: this site passes quote requests to independent tree service companies and may be compensated for them. We are not a tree service company. See how referrals work.
Bid checklist
Ask each company for a written quote that covers:
- Scope: which trees, which work (trim, remove, grind), and roughly how tall.
- Hauling and cleanup: wood, branches and chips: hauled away, left or chipped on site?
- Stump: ground, removed or left, and whether it is included in the price.
- Access and equipment: any crane or lift, and who is responsible for damage to fences, sprinklers or lawns.
- Permits: who applies, and who pays (see our permits guide).
- Insurance: ask for proof of insurance and keep a copy.
- Timeline and deposit: a start window, what the deposit covers and the total price.
Check the license
CSLB defines the D-49 Tree Service classification as pruning trees, removing trees, limbs or stumps (including grinding), and tree or limb guying (CSLB). Look up the company's number at cslb.ca.gov and check the status and classification. CSLB also publishes homeowner checklists for contracts.
Red flags
- Crews that show up unasked, especially after storms, and ask for cash or a large deposit.
- No written quote, or a quote with no scope.
- Proposing to "top" a healthy tree.
- No license number, or one that doesn't check out.
- Working near power lines without involving the utility (PG&E says that is unlawful within 10 feet of a line).
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
Compare on the same terms
Put the quotes side by side: same trees, same cleanup, same stump work. A low price that leaves out hauling or stump work may not be lower. See what the cost guides say →
Hiring questions
What license does a tree service need in California?
CSLB defines a Tree Service (D-49) classification covering pruning trees, removing trees, limbs or stumps (including grinding), and tree or limb guying. Look up any company's license on cslb.ca.gov and check that its classification covers the work. Rules about when a license is required depend on the job.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three written quotes for the same scope is a reasonable approach. Compare the scope, hauling, stump work and insurance, not only the price.
Should I pay a deposit?
Ask what the deposit is for, and get it in writing. Be careful with large deposits or cash-only demands, especially from crews who show up unasked after a storm. We don't give legal advice; CSLB's homeowner checklists cover contract basics.
How does your quote request work?
You send a short request or leave a voicemail. We pass it to an independent tree service company, which contacts you and gives its own quote. We don't set prices, schedules or warranties.
East Contra Costa communities
Requests come from homeowners across the eastern end of Contra Costa County, along Highway 4 and the Delta.
Request a tree service quote
Tell us what tree work you need. We pass your request to an independent tree service company serving East Contra Costa, who contacts you to look at the job and quote. There's no cost to send a request.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
- Ask for a written, itemized quote