Brentwood · Oakley · Antioch
Tree Removal in Brentwood, CA
A tree that is dead, leaning, split or too close to the house may be a candidate for removal. Here's how to decide, how crews take a tree down, and what moves the price.
Tree on or near a power line? Stay away and call 911, then the utility. PG&E says it is unlawful to work within 10 feet of a distribution or transmission line without contacting the utility first (PG&E). Never remove a tree that is touching a line yourself.
Remove it or keep it?
Removal is usually a last resort. Trees that are dead, severely diseased, structurally split or leaning after a storm are the common candidates. A healthy tree with a few bad limbs often only needs trimming. If you are unsure, ask the company why removal is needed, not only what it costs, and consider getting a second opinion on a large or valuable tree.
How crews take a tree down
Straight felling
With open space around the tree, a crew can cut it down in one piece and then section the trunk on the ground.
Sectional removal
Near a house, fence, pool or lines, crews climb or use a lift and lower the tree in pieces with ropes. It takes longer and costs more because of the rigging and the risk.
Crane-assisted removal
For large trees or very tight access, a crane can lift sections over a structure. Angi lists a crane at roughly $500 added to the job (Angi).
What drives the price
- Height and trunk size: bigger trees take more crew time and equipment.
- Access: back yards behind gates or on slopes are slower; Angi notes access problems can add 25% to 50%.
- What's nearby: houses, fences, pools and lines force sectional removal or a crane.
- Debris and stump: hauling the wood and grinding the stump are often priced separately.
- Urgency: HomeGuide says same-day or next-day removal typically costs two to three times the standard rate.
See the cost table with sources →
What a written quote should include
- The number of trees and which ones, by location and approximate height.
- Whether the wood, branches and chips are hauled away.
- Whether the stump is ground or left.
- Who handles any permit, and who pays for it.
- Proof of insurance, and the company's license number to check on CSLB.
- The start window, the deposit (if any) and the total price.
Before the crew arrives
Check the permit rules for your city, move vehicles and outdoor items away from the work area, and ask about nesting birds if the work falls between February and August (CDFW recommends working outside that season where possible).
Tree removal questions
How much does tree removal cost?
National guides give the best reference: Angi lists a $750 average within a $200–$2,000+ range, and HomeGuide lists $400–$1,200 typical with an $850 average. Price rises with height, tight access, work near structures or lines, and crane use. The company sets your final price after seeing the tree.
Is it cheaper to remove a dead tree?
Not automatically. A dead tree can be brittle and unpredictable, which can make it harder and riskier to take down. Don't assume a dead tree costs less; ask the company to explain the plan and the price.
Who removes the wood and debris?
It depends on the quote. Some companies haul everything away, some leave logs or chips on site. Ask for hauling and cleanup to be listed in writing, and ask whether stump grinding is included or extra.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
For street or city-owned trees in Brentwood, yes. For trees on your own property the rules differ by city and by tree; Oakley protects heritage oaks and Antioch regulates protected trees. See our permits guide before you cut.
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