Tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding companies serving San Francisco, California. ISA-certified arborists and local tree permit info.
Last updated: April 2026 · Cost data from RSMeans & BLS regional indices · Permit data from official city .gov sources
Local context for San Francisco
San Francisco permits are issued by the Department of Building Inspection, which uses an online tracking portal going back to the 1980s. SF enforces the 2013 Mandatory Soft Story Program, which required retrofits on roughly 4,800 wood-frame buildings with five or more units that were permitted before 1978. California Title 24 energy code, updated for 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, also applies to most remodel and replacement projects.
Tree permits and right-of-way work filed through San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) · official portal
San Francisco, CA
Complete tree and landscape specialists serving the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco, CA
Complete tree services for the Greater San Francisco Bay Area serving residential, commercial, and government clients.
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A short checklist of things to verify before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit. These apply whether you find your contractor here, on Angi, or anywhere else.
Every contractor we list is verified against public records, but verification is not a quality guarantee. Run through this checklist on any contractor you are seriously considering.
Follow these steps to find a reliable, licensed tree service company in the San Francisco, California area.
Hire an ISA Certified Arborist
ISA certification means the arborist has passed rigorous exams on tree biology, care, and safety practices.
Verify insurance coverage
Tree work is high-risk. Confirm they carry both general liability ($1M+) and workers compensation insurance.
Get 3+ written estimates
Estimates should detail the scope, equipment used, debris removal, and stump treatment. Avoid door-to-door solicitors.
Check for tree removal permits
Many cities protect trees over a certain diameter. Fines for unpermitted removal can exceed $10,000 per tree.
Ask about cleanup and debris removal
Confirm whether the price includes hauling away all branches, logs, and wood chips or if that costs extra.
Never pay more than 50% upfront
Reputable tree services collect a deposit (if any) and final payment upon completion. Avoid companies demanding full payment upfront.
Average tree service costs in San Francisco based on California labor rates. Prices vary by tree size, species, accessibility, and scope of work.
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Trimming (Small, under 25 ft) | $279 | $358 | $473 |
| Tree Trimming (Medium, 25-50 ft) | $533 | $683 | $902 |
| Tree Trimming (Large, 50-75 ft) | $913 | $1,170 | $1,544 |
| Tree Removal (Small) | $456 | $585 | $772 |
| Tree Removal (Medium) | $913 | $1,170 | $1,544 |
| Tree Removal (Large) | $1,825 | $2,340 | $3,089 |
| Tree Removal (Very Large, 75+ ft) | $3,549 | $4,550 | $6,006 |
| Stump Grinding (18" diameter) | $304 | $390 | $515 |
| Emergency Removal | $2,535 | $3,250 | $4,290 |
Costs are estimates based on California regional data. Actual prices vary by tree species, accessibility, and site conditions. Emergency work typically costs 50-100% more.
Get a Personalized EstimateMany cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. In San Francisco, removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines exceeding $10,000 per tree.
Before removing any tree, contact the San Francisco urban forestry department or planning office to check if a permit is required. Your tree service company should also be familiar with local tree ordinances.
Check tree permit requirementsTree removal in San Francisco typically costs $456-$772 for small trees (under 25 ft), $913-$1,544 for medium trees (25-50 ft), and $1,825-$3,089 for large trees (50-75 ft). Very large trees (75+ ft) can cost $3,549-$6,006. Emergency removal typically costs 50-100% more.
Tree trimming in San Francisco averages $358 for small trees, $683 for medium trees, and $1,170 for large trees. Costs vary based on tree species, accessibility, and scope of work. Hardwood trees cost about 15% more than softwoods due to denser wood.
Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. Fines for removing protected trees without a permit can exceed $10,000 per tree. Contact the San Francisco urban forestry or planning department to check requirements before removing any tree, or check our tree permit guide.
An ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam on tree care, biology, and safety, and maintains continuing education. Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist in San Francisco means you're getting someone with verified expertise in tree health assessment, proper pruning techniques, and safe removal practices.
The best time for most tree trimming in California is during the dormant season (late fall through early spring) when trees are not actively growing. This reduces stress on the tree, lowers disease risk, and is often less expensive due to lower demand. However, dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season.
Stump grinding in San Francisco averages $390 for an 18-inch diameter stump. Most companies charge $3-$5 per inch of diameter. Additional stumps are often discounted 30-40%. Deep grinding (for building or replanting) costs about 65% more than standard depth.
If your building is already classified and retrofit is complete, it does not affect most remodels. If the building is soft-story and not yet retrofitted, DBI generally requires the retrofit to be in progress or completed before signing off on major permit work.
DBI plan review routinely coordinates with Planning, Historic Preservation, Public Works, and Fire. For projects over 45 years old or in a historic district, expect an extra 4 to 8 weeks for historic preservation clearance beyond the basic DBI review.
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Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size. Fines can exceed $10,000 per tree.
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