Tree removal in Martinez and the Bay Area
Full removal, including mechanical removal and crane work where access or size calls for it.
Removal is the work we do most. It ranges from a single dead ornamental in a back yard to mature trees over a roof, a driveway or a neighbor's fence, where the tree has to come down in pieces and every piece has to land somewhere specific.
The reasons are usually one of a short list: the tree is dead or dying; it is a hazard to people or to a structure; its roots are lifting a drive, a wall or a foundation; it is the wrong species for the space and has outgrown it; it is crowding out better trees; or it is in the way of building work.
How a tree comes down depends on what is underneath it. Where there is room, we fell it. Where there isn't, our climbers take it apart from the top, or we bring in a crane and lift sections out over the obstacle instead of through it. That decision gets made on site, before anything is cut.
Everything that comes off the tree leaves with us. Logs, chips and brush are hauled out and processed rather than sent to landfill.
What tree removal includes
- On-site assessment of access, drop zones and what is under the tree
- Climbing, mechanical or crane removal depending on the situation
- Cutting to length and removal of all logs, chips and brush
- Stump grinding or full stump removal, if you want it
- Help with the city's tree permit or encroachment where one is needed
- Clean-up of the work area before the crew leaves
Tree removal: common questions
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
- It depends on the tree and where you are. Most Bay Area cities protect trees by species, size or location, and the rules differ between incorporated cities and county land — our tree removal permits page sets out what 22 of them ask for. We will tell you what applies to your tree during the estimate, help with the permit or encroachment application, and prepare an arborist report where one is needed.
- Will you take the stump as well?
- Only if you ask for it — stump work is quoted separately because not everyone wants it. We can grind the stump below grade or remove it mechanically along with the main root plate, which matters if you intend to replant or build in the same spot.
- What happens to the wood?
- It leaves with us. Logs, chips and brush are hauled off and processed into mulch rather than going to landfill. If you want to keep firewood or chips on site, say so before the day and the crew will leave them stacked.
- Can you get to a tree in a back yard?
- Usually. Access is the first thing we look at during the estimate — a narrow side yard, a soft lawn and overhead lines all change the method. Where equipment cannot reach, the tree comes down by climbing and gets carried out in pieces.
Which trees need a permit in 22 Bay Area cities and counties, and where to apply.
Related services
- Stump removal
Grinding and mechanical stump removal, including downsizing and splitting on site.
- Crane services
Crane work with or without qualified climbers and riggers supplied.
- Emergency tree service
Storm damage, failures and trees down across access or structures.
- Hauling & disposal
Log, chip and brush hauling, with green-waste recycling.
Our sister companies
Two companies behind the work: one turns what we cut into mulch, the other keeps our trucks and equipment running.
Produces our mulch
EcoMulch
Makes mulch from local tree work, ours included, and sells it with soil, compost and rock, for pickup in Martinez or delivery to your driveway.
Visit ecomulch.org (opens in a new tab)Maintains and repairs our fleet
Rex Mechanical
Heavy equipment repair, welding, hydraulics and fabrication, in its shop in Concord or on site across Northern California.
Visit rex-mechanical.com (opens in a new tab)
Talk to someone about your tree removal
Estimates are free. Tell us what you’re looking at and we’ll come and have a look.