Tree Service FAQ

Yes — estimates from our Certified Arborists are always free, with no pressure and no obligation. We look at the tree and your goals in person, explain the safest approach, and give you a clear written price before any work begins. Request one through our form or call (916) 448-8733.

Often, yes — especially for native oaks and larger heritage or protected trees. The City of Sacramento, City of West Sacramento, Sacramento County, and cities like Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and Citrus Heights all have tree ordinances that can require a permit to remove or heavily prune protected trees, even on private property, and removing one without a permit can bring fines. Smaller, non-protected trees on your own property usually don't need one. As local arborists, we can help you find out whether your tree is protected before any work begins.

Warning signs include large dead or hanging branches, a sudden lean, cracks or splits in the trunk, mushrooms or fungus at the base, hollow or decayed areas, and lifting or damaged roots. Storm damage and widespread dieback are also red flags. Sometimes proper pruning can save the tree and sometimes removal is the safe call — our ISA Certified Arborist will assess it and give you an honest recommendation.

A good rule of thumb: trim when the branches are the problem, and remove when the trunk or roots are. Clearance, deadwood, and shaping are usually pruning jobs, while serious trunk decay, major dieback, root damage, or a hazard that pruning can't fix usually means removal. Our arborist will tell you honestly which one your tree needs.

They overlap, but in general trimming is about shape, clearance, and appearance, while pruning is about the tree's health — removing dead, diseased, or weak limbs and improving structure. We do both, and we always cut the right branch for the right reason so you're not left with heavy limbs that can break later.

For most trees, the dormant season from late fall through winter is ideal — the tree is less stressed and its structure is easier to see. Fruit trees benefit from dormant-season pruning and dormant sprays, which we recommend in November, December, and February, no later than February 15. Hazards and storm damage should be handled any time of year. We'll advise on the right timing for your specific trees.

Most mature trees benefit from pruning every three to five years, though fast-growing trees and fruit trees may need attention yearly. Regular, proper pruning keeps heavy limbs from failing and keeps the tree healthy. We can recommend a schedule that fits your specific trees.

It depends on your policy, but generally: if a tree falls because of a covered event like a storm and damages your home or another structure, removal is often covered — while routine removal of a healthy or unwanted tree usually isn't. After storm damage we can document the situation to help support your claim. Always confirm the details with your insurer.

Yes — we provide 24/7 emergency tree service across the Sacramento area. If a tree or large limb is threatening your home, a vehicle, or a power line, call (916) 448-8733 right away. We have cranes and large-scale equipment for any size storm-damage or hazardous-tree job.

For small branches you can safely reach from the ground, sure — but we strongly recommend against DIY removal of anything larger. Tree work involves serious hazards — heavy limbs, chainsaws, power lines, and unpredictable dead wood — and it causes injuries and property damage every year. Our trained, insured crews have the equipment and experience to do it safely.

Yes. Master Tree Care is a licensed California contractor (CSLB #673486) and carries $1 million in liability coverage plus workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance. We're happy to provide a Certificate of Insurance before we start work.

An ISA Certified Arborist has passed the International Society of Arboriculture's exams and keeps up ongoing education in tree biology, pruning, and safety — so your trees are cared for by someone trained in the science, not just someone with a chainsaw. Our owner, John Spurgin, is an ISA Certified Arborist (#214) and has run Master Tree Care since 1968.

In our area, mistletoe is very common in oaks and shade trees, and pests like aphids, borers, and scale show up regularly, along with drought and heat stress. Proper pruning, deadwood removal, and well-timed dormant sprays go a long way. If you're seeing dieback, sticky leaves, or a thinning canopy, our arborist can diagnose the cause.

Yes. We can grind the stump to fit your yard's access, and we clean up thoroughly. We also upcycle nearly everything we remove — milling large trunks, cutting smaller wood into free firewood at our yard, and chipping limbs into mulch we deliver — so very little ends up in the landfill.

We serve the greater Sacramento region from our West Sacramento yard, organized into three travel tiers. Tier 1 (within 20 miles) covers Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Roseville, and Dixon. Tier 2 (20-35 miles) includes Folsom, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Loomis, Lincoln, Galt, Winters, El Dorado Hills, Vacaville, and Auburn. Tier 3 (36+ miles) is available for larger projects. Not sure which tier you're in? Call (916) 448-8733.