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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon615
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Find Arborists in Orinda

Avatar for Johnson's Tree Care Inc
Johnson's Tree Care Inc
4.7(
445
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Kevin arrived promptly and performed the services we agreed on to my satisfaction. He's friendly, easy to talk to, and knows how to deal with trees since he's a licensed arborist. There was no indiscriminate or unnecessary cutting. I'd use Johnson's Tree Care again and have already recommended him to my neighbors."
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+10

Response time10 hrs
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for R & C Specialties, Ltd. dba Horticultural Services, Ltd.
R & C Specialties, Ltd. dba Horticultural Services, Ltd.
4.5(
104
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Customers say: Quality work

"Chris Chapman, the owner, is a certified and very knowledgeable arborist. The crew did the work he prescribed under his guidance. The end result was excellent, I was also very pleased with clean up by the crew who minimized the mess leaving the area in very good shape. I would highly recommend this company, very professional and very thorough in work done by them. Jenny O. in Alamo, CA"
Response time1 day
Response rate100%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for P&J Tree Service Inc
P&J Tree Service Inc
4.7(
26
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"P&J does fantastic work. I am more than pleased. Joe is an arborist and has keen knowledge of trees, when and how they should be pruned and groomed or even removed. P&J removed three trees and many shrubs, pruning and shaping many other trees. Stump grinding was done to the removed trees. His crew of seven and himself showed up on time at 8am and they were done at 1130am. Amazing! They are licensed, bonded and insured."
Tree Service
Tree Service
Tree Service
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+24

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Superior Tree Service Inc
Superior Tree Service Inc
4.9(
68
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I chose Vincente of Superior Tree for my project as he went the extra mile and reached out with his name and phone number via text for me to contact him. He set up appt to meet and give quote same day. I knew by noon I had the right crew for my job and was told they could start the next morning. Arrived on time and did everything as requested quickly. I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing tree services."
Before
In the process cutting it down
Rotten Tree
Truck and Chipper on Site
Traffic Cones in the work area

+23

Response time10 hrs
Response rate96%
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Julian Tree Care Inc.
Julian Tree Care Inc.
5.0(
11
)

Serving Orinda, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The site assessment and quote were extremely easy and transparent due to a slick app that itemizes the tree removal by type of tree/trunk diameter, with photos, then automatically generates a quote. The crew showed up right on time and were done on schedule. Super happy with the work and would recommend to anybody looking for tree removal services in the East Bay!"
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+6

7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
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Arborists questions, answered by experts

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

A grafted tree is a tree grown by combining two trees. It takes expertise. Branches from grafted trees don’t grow strong roots. Save yourself the time and frustration by having an arborist help you with this advanced project.  

You can often tell if a tree is grafted because it will have a noticeable line. Above the line, the bark will look different than it does below the line. It’s most common with fruit trees.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid flush cuts, which are cuts made as extremely close to the trunk or main branch. These cuts can weaken your tree, lower its natural defense mechanisms, and even cause decay. You’ll also want to avoid tree topping, which is the total removal of the leader and upper main branches of a tree. 

Most pros will advise against either of these methods, which is why hiring a pro is often the best choice when it comes to tree trimming.

It can be bad to leave a dead stump in the ground. A stump becomes a hefty piece of dead wood in time and eventually (especially with the help of rain) starts to rot. That makes it a locus point for diseases and pesky insects, as well as a bit of an eyesore. It’s best to remove a tree stump completely before it starts to decay, especially before it starts to fall apart. If the tree was removed because of disease, it’s even more important to fully remove the stump if possible.

The Orinda, CA homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

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