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TRUSTED BY SANTA BARBARA, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon295
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Find Arborists in Santa Barbara

Avatar for Roper Tree Surgeon and Landscaping
Roper Tree Surgeon and Landscaping
4.8(
21
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Best Tree Service I've ever had. Prompt, extremely responsive, emailed photos right after job completed, fair pricing, and the clean up after the work was finished was exemplary. Strongly sugest you give Willliam a try for your next landscaping tree or shrub trimming job or general landscaping. He's great!, and friendly and professional!"
Recommended by61%of homeowners
Aldo's Tree Service, LLC
4.7(
60
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Manuel is so focused on what the client wants and has an expert eye for aesthetic tree trimming. I had four unruly, giant Juniper trees that had never been trimmed, and now they are beautiful. The crew came right on time and cleaned up the yard well before they left. Fairly priced, responsible and professional!"
Response time1 day
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for Grays Landscaping LLC
Grays Landscaping LLC
4.7(
80
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I am beyond happy with the service. On time and went straight to work. Polite and listened to my requests. Cleaned up and removed debris. My backyard looks amazing compared to what they started with as I had a large amount of trees and shrubs. Would highly recommend this company. Plan to use for other services."
Snow removal
Ivy removal
Landscaping Project
Ivy removal
Yard cleanup

+52

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by57%of homeowners
Avatar for Shofar Landscape Contracting
Shofar Landscape Contracting
5.0(
13
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Shofar was wonderful to work with; they repaired our patio slab. Removed /tore up damaged concrete, tore out the tree roots which had caused the problem. and then laid a new slab. They were so professional, timely, efficient, and communicative! I highly recommend this company!!!!"
Response time1 day
Response rate85%
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Arborists questions, answered by experts

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.

There are a few instances in which removing a tree is the best option. You might do this if the tree looks to be a major danger—potentially falling onto your home, your car, or other parts of your property—or it’s diseased beyond repair. A tree that is growing too close to your house might need to be removed to prevent mold growth.

Trees are beneficial to the environment and wildlife. If you have an old tree, but it’s healthy, it may be best to avoid cutting it down. However, if it’s showing signs of bug infestation, disease, or is potentially hazardous, then you should contact a tree removal company to cut it down. 

If you are unsure whether you should have it removed or not, then speak with an arborist to determine what is best.

Trimming a tree can take anywhere from just two hours to a full day, depending on the age of the tree, the number of trees, and the species. Young trees are generally easier to trim, as their branches are often thinner in diameter and easier to reach compared to mature trees. They also tend to be healthier. If you haven’t trimmed your trees before or it’s been a while, the process could take even longer.

The best tools for tree removal include a chainsaw for large trees, an ax for notching and cutting down small trees, and a wedge to help control the direction a tree falls in. A hatchet can be useful for very small trees, but won’t be effective for medium to large trees. 

The Santa Barbara, CA homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

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