In California, hire a tree company with an active CSLB license (C-49 Tree and Palm since 2024), proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, a written contract with a clear scope and a small deposit. Avoid door-to-door storm chasers, cash-only offers and anyone who wants to top your tree.
1. Check the License
California requires a contractor license for construction and related work valued at $500 or more in labor and materials. Since January 1, 2024, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues a C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification, which replaced the former C-61/D-49 tree service license. It covers pruning, removal, stump grinding and related work. Ask for the license number and check it at cslb.ca.gov: status, classification, bond and workers' compensation.
Small, incidental pruning by a gardener or nurseryperson can be exempt, but any real tree job — removal, rigging, crown reduction — is contractor work.
2. Confirm Insurance
- General liability insurance — protects your property if something is damaged
- Workers' compensation — protects you if a worker is injured on your property; uninsured injuries can become the homeowner's problem
- Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it is current.
3. Get a Written Estimate and Contract
The contract should list which trees, what work, what is included (cleanup, haul-away, stump grinding), the total price, start and finish dates and license and insurance information. In California home-improvement contracts must generally be in writing and deposits are capped — typically the lesser of 10% of the contract price or $1,000. Be wary of anyone who asks for a large upfront payment.
4. Ask About Standards
- Do they follow ANSI A300 pruning standards?
- Do they follow ANSI Z133 safety standards?
- Do they top trees? (The right answer is no.)
- Do they have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff or a consulting arborist available for assessments?
- How do they protect lawns, hardscape and roofs?
5. Compare at Least Two Bids Line by Line
Compare scope, not just price. A low quote often leaves out cleanup or insurance. See our tree trimming cost guide and tree removal cost guide for typical ranges.
Red Flags
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm
- Pressure to decide today or “special pricing”
- Cash only, or no written contract
- No license number, or a license that does not check out
- No proof of insurance
- Recommending removal without explaining why
- Offering to top your tree
- Very low bids that seem too good to be true
- Trucks and equipment that look unprepared or unsafe
Working Near Power Lines
Work within the utility's clearance distance of power lines must be done by qualified line-clearance tree workers or by the utility. A general tree crew should not prune branches near energized lines, and homeowners should never try.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- What is your CSLB license number and classification?
- Can I see your certificates of insurance?
- What exactly will you do to each tree, and what will you not do?
- Is cleanup and haul-away included?
- Who will be on site, and who is the crew leader?
- Do I need a permit, and who handles it?
- What if something goes wrong?
How to Verify a License Step by Step
- Ask the company for its CSLB license number.
- Go to the CSLB's online license check and enter the number.
- Confirm the status is active and the classification includes C-49 Tree and Palm (or the legacy C-61/D-49 if renewed).
- Check that the business name matches the one on your estimate.
- Look for a contractor bond and workers' compensation information.
- Look for complaints or disciplinary actions.
Insurance Basics for Homeowners
| Coverage | What it protects | Why you care |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Damage to your property or a neighbor's | A dropped limb through a window is the contractor's problem |
| Workers' compensation | Injuries to the crew | Prevents claims against your homeowners insurance |
| Commercial auto | Vehicles and equipment on your property | Damage to driveways and curbs |
Sample Contract Checklist
- Names and license numbers of the contractor
- Property address and description of each tree
- Detailed scope of work with what is not included
- Total price and payment schedule (deposit within legal limits)
- Start and completion dates
- Cleanup and debris terms
- Permit responsibilities
- Insurance and warranty information
- Right to cancel language for home solicitations
How to Spot a Storm Chaser
- Out-of-area plates and no local address
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm
- Insistence on cash and immediate work
- Vague or no written contract
- No license number, or a license that does not match
- Aggressive high-pressure tactics
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
- Document the damage with photos and dates.
- Contact the company in writing with a clear description and deadline.
- Notify your insurer if property was damaged.
- File a complaint with the CSLB if the contractor is licensed and unresponsive.
- Consider small-claims court for disputes within its limits.