Top-rated arborists.

Best arborists near Lake Forest, CA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your arboricultural service project in Lake Forest, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon1.6k+
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Top-Rated Arborists in Lake Forest - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Personalized Tree Service, Inc
Personalized Tree Service, Inc
4.4(
706
)
Tree TrimmingTree Removal

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Communication with Jackie was immediate and she scheduled the team in a snap. Was able to give an estimate based on my photos (which I appreciated). The team of guys got the work done (removing 3 spiky, overgrown succulent plants with invasive roots), hauled the plants and cleaned it all up beautifully. Very happy with the results and experience. Photo of before and after (there were 3 like this)."
Tree Service
Tree Service
Tree Service
Tree Service
Tree Service

+2

8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Premier Tree Experts Inc.
Premier Tree Experts Inc.
4.7(
70
)
Tree TrimmingTree RemovalTree Removal - For Business+1 more

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Premier Tree Experts were fantastic. I needed a 40 ft tree removed. They gave me a good price and worked within my budget. Their crew was quick and efficient. They ground the stump and the surrounding roots. They left and everything was clean and tidy. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could. Good communication and sent me progress photos throughout the day. Highly recommended!!"
Response time8 hrs
Response rate96%
52 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Evergreen Tree Enterprise, Inc.
Evergreen Tree Enterprise, Inc.
4.7(
26
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Trimming - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Luis is a very cordial and competent supervisor/manager and his tree trimmer was super clearly an expert at his craft. We had a limited budget and told Luis what we needed and they did it all for the budget we had available. There is no doubt that we would reccomend them."
Lift trucks
Clean up
Wood Hauling
Response time11 hrs
Response rate94%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Trees Unlimited, Inc.
Trees Unlimited, Inc.
4.5(
83
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I called Jim in early May to have clearing of limbs that were within 10 feet of my home. There were quite a few big oaks that had to have some major limbs removed and I was quite worried that they did not damage my new deck and parts of the house. Jim was recommended for me by a timber logger I knew and that is why I phoned him in the first place. Jim proved to have both a good sense of humor but also a great group of workers who handled the job professionally and with great care. Being so busy, I had to wait over 3 months before he and crew could do the work. Both my wife and I are very happy with the quality of work and the cleanup. I highly recommend this business."
Response time4 hrs
Response rate89%
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for EcOrganic Landscape Services
EcOrganic Landscape Services
5.0(
15
)
Trees & Shrubs - Treat, Protect and MaintainTrees & Shrubs - Treat, Protect and Maintain - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mario installed a new drip irrigation system to replace the old broken sprinklers, and he installed a new front yard based on my design. He carefully reviewed the design and recommended some alternatives to the plants/sizes called for in the design. These changes saved me money and would require less maintenance which was important because I was tired of maintaining a front lawn. Mario was a super professional, he responsed promptly to messages and kept me advised of his schedule so i knew where he was in the job and what was coming next. He takes tremendous pride in his work and actually did most of it himself. The workspace was left clean each evening and in just a few days I had a beautiful new yard and irrigation system. I have never been so pleased with a contractor and recommend Mario highly."
Response time8 hrs
Recommended by66%of homeowners
...
Showing 1-10 of 163
Arborists FAQs, answered by experts

Tree trimming can count as landscaping, depending on how a landscaping business describes its services. Professional tree trimmers are more specialized than landscapers and offer trimming services separately from general landscaping.

When general landscaping companies offer tree trimming, look up the details. They usually mean shaping or seasonal trimming of ornamental trees, which is different from trimming larger trees for health or safety reasons. When possible, look for a licensed expert that specializes in trees and tree health.

Yes, the same rules discussed above apply to your neighbor: They can trim one of your trees as long as they’re only cutting the portion that extends into their property. Your neighbor is not allowed to access your property without permission, nor can they cut past the property line. 

Yes, pruning makes trees stronger because it fosters proper growth, weight distribution, and balance of the crown. By increasing the structural integrity of the tree through pruning, it’s less likely to experience disease, pests, broken limbs, and storm damage. Pruning the right branches and limbs is key to improving a tree’s strength and balance.

Hiring an arborist costs around $900 on average, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500 or more. Some arborists charge an hourly rate, typically between $100 and $350 per hour. The final cost depends on several factors, including the type of work, the number of trees, accessibility, and whether you hire an independent arborist or a larger tree service company. When hiring, you should also consider their experience and insurance coverage.

Below are some estimated costs for common arborist jobs:

  • Small tree removal: $300 to $500

  • Large tree removal: $500 to $2,000 or more

  • Tree health assessment: $150

  • Trimming a small tree: $75 to $200

  • Trimming a large tree: $150 to $400

  • Dealing with invasive species: $150 to $1,000 or more

Tree borers are difficult to control and remove once they make a home in your tree. However, with patience and determination, some methods can slow the damage or even eliminate the pests. But, once the damage is too much for the tree to handle, the only solution becomes removing it. Talk to a tree specialist early for the best chance at saving your tree.

The Lake Forest, CA homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.