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Prime Buyers Guide Tree Care Services

We’ll Help You Find the Best Contra Costa County Tree Services

Hiring good tree services in Contra Costa County can be an effective way to open up space in your yard or to simply tidy it up for the upcoming season. Tree contractors, tree doctors, and tree care companies can diagnose tree disease (such as sudden oak death), trim branches, remove stumps, or perform tree removal and relocation in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond. Below you will find valuable information on tree servicesin Contra Costa County. more »

Updated June 23, 2008

Top 10 Tree Care Services in Contra Costa County

Tree Wise
(925) 838-8733
721 Via Hermosa
Danville, CA 94526

Areas Served: Alamo, Castro Valley, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, ...

Davey Tree & Shrub Care
(925) 855-9974
500 Deerwood Pl
San Ramon, CA 94583

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill, Antioch

Elite Tree Service
(925) 648-0867
1400 Lawrence Rd
Danville, CA 94506

Areas Served: Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord CA, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Danville, Richmond CA,

No Nonsense Horticultural Services
(925) 838-8873
2491 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Moraga, Concord CA, Orinda, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, Blackhawk

Jeff's Tree Service
(925) 829-0875
9110 Alcosta Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583

Areas Served: Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill CA, Danville CA

Paul's Tree Service
(925) 855-0954
110 Fawn Pl
Danville, CA 94526

Areas Served: San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Danville CA, Concord CA

Bartlett Tree Experts
(925) 934-6306
981 Bancroft Rd # F
Concord, CA 94518

Areas Served: Danville CA, Walnut Creek, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Concord CA, Richmond CA

Mattioda Tree Services
(510) 234-9911
561 Erlandson St
Richmond, CA 94804

Areas Served: Pleasant Hill CA, Walnut Creek CA, Lafayette CA, Orinda, Concord CA, Moraga

Atlas Tree Services & Pest Control
(925) 687-3631
150 Medburn St
Concord, CA 94520

Gonzalez Tree Services
(510) 233-1608
1864 Van Ness St
Tara Hills, CA 94806

We’ll Help You Find the Best Contra Costa County Tree Services 

After heavy rains or high winds, your trees can often suffer. Limbs litter the yard, the roof, and get tangled in electrical lines. Aside from the unattractive appearance and cleanup associated with the aftermath of a storm, there may also be serious dangers involved. Large limbs need to be removed from your roof and anything near power lines must be carefully extracted by a professional. If you've found yourself in this situation, it's imperative that you contact a local tree service contractor. With special equipment and thoroughly trained employees, they can safely remove or trim precariously positioned limbs so you don't have to climb a ladder and risk breaking your neck. Even without a storm, trees often need trimming or treatment for disease and again, a professional tree service can help. The following literature can help you find a reputable tree service in Contra Costa County that can remediate post-storm damage or refine the appearance of your treesgarde.

Tree Services in Contra Costa County Perform Numerous Services
There are many tree-related problems that only professional tree services can remedy. It's usually not advisable to attempt to resolve these issues yourself, particularly with dangerously dangling limbs or anything near power lines. Therefore, tree services for tree removal or trimming is essential. Before starting any procedures (including emergencies), tree services must assess the situation in its entirety with aerial inspection, hazard evaluation, structural analysis and consultation. Once the situation has been fully inspected, tree surgeons may decide to perform tree shaping, pruning, topping, tree transplantation, tree bracing, root zone fertilization, height reductions, crown reductions, pest control, tree repair, or hopefully, tree preservation. The tree services may also perform the appropriate forms of vegetation management at your request, such as lot clearing, disease management, stump removal, dead wood removal, ivy removal, blackberry removal, or poison oak removal. Tree services in Contra Costa County approach the problem in different manners, including cabling, portable milling, crane service, or climbing spikes, the latter being potentially hazardous to a living tree. You should inquire about these techniques before hiring tree services. If the risk associated with the procedure is minimal, some tree services will even rent some of their equipment for your personal use, such as stump grinders and heavy equipment. Tree services are also trained to attend to various potentially problematic situations, such as fire road maintenance, regular clearance for fire safety, construction damage prevention, sudden oak death, spraying, weed control, insect and disease suppression, and other preventive maintenance. Tree services will also repair storm damage with removal, limbing, wind damage repair, and view restoration. If you're concerned about preserving clippings, some tree services re-use or sell removed vegetation in the form of wood chipping, brush chipping, or firewood. Tree services in Contra Costa County usually have an ISA certified arborist on staff for reports or consultation, and adhere to tree service industry standards.

Tree Services in Contra Costa County are Properly Equipped

Tree service contractors are equipped with specialized tools to efficiently remove dangerous branches or restore the appearance of overgrowth. They employ pole tree pruners, chainsaws, aerial lifts, chippers, or stump grinders for all of your tree removal needs.

Evaluation Tree Services in Contra Costa County
There is a wide selection of tree services in Contra Costa County. If you aren't familiar with any of them, it can be difficult to make an informed decision. That's why The Prime Buyer's Report has investigated and ranked them for you. The top 10 tree services in Contra Costa County are Tree Wise, Davey Tree & Shrub Care, Elite Tree Service, No Nonsense Horticultural Services, Jeff's Tree Service, Paul's Tree Service, Bartlett Tree Experts, Mattioda Tree Services, Atlas Tree Services & Pest Control, Gonzalez Tree Services. Other tree services who might serve Contra Costa County are Pete's Tree Care, H A Lindstrom & Son, Environmental Home & Garden, Inc..

Research Potential Contra Costa County Tree Services
If the situation lacks urgency, take some time before you make a hire to learn about the tree care industry. There are different treatments and techniques that you may prefer. And, for safety reasons, tree surgeons are required to have certain licensure to practice in Contra Costa County. This information is found at related Web sites, blogs, and even specialty magazines. To avoid a lengthy search with meager results, The Prime Buyer's Report has collected a list of these resources for you. View them in the article, "Key Resources for Tree Services in Contra Costa County".
Updated June 23, 2008
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How to Choose a Tree Service Contractor 

Step 1: Describe Work
Explain what type of tree service work is involved. Some situations are much more urgent than others, and potential tree service contractors should understand this.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes
What concerns does the tree service contractor have about your job? Does he just want to rush through the job or does he exhibit a firm grasp of the details of the tree service you need? Does he seem overly concerned about liability issues? A tree service professional who is willing to do work without any questions asked is not likely to be of the professional caliber you require.

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
You should be fully aware of the techniques that the tree service contractor employs. So, ask: Do you use tree spikes or lifts? Spikes will damage living trees that you wish to retain. Are you and your employees insured? Do you have experience working with or near electrical, telephone, or cable wiring? With tree removal or precarious branch removal, this should be a primary concern. There are many potential hazards with this type of work. Asking questions before the fact will eliminate the potential for grief later. Below are some more suggested questions for your interview.

How long have you been in business?
Do you specialize in the type of work I've described?
How long should it take to complete the work?
Do you use spikes or lifts?
What is your pricing policy?
Will you provide a written estimate?
Will you provide a written contract?
Are you experienced working near or with live wiring?
Are you covered by workers' compensation, liability insurance, property damage insurance, and public liability?
Are your arborists ISA certified?
How and when do you clean up?

Step 4: Making a Preliminary Decision

After you've interviewed several tree service experts, it's time to separate the good from the poor choices. Review your notes. Create a list of priorities and compare it to the results of each interview.

Step 5: Final Research
After you've selected a frontrunner for your required tree service, do some final research. What credentials does the tree service contractor have? It is time to verify licensing, insurance and certifications such as Diamond Certification, Better Business Bureau membership, contractor licensing, and certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (contact information for these associations and more can be found in the article, "Key Resources for Tree Service in Contra Costa County."

Step 6: Making the Final Decision
Now it's time to select and make an appointment with your tree service contractor. As with any contractor, you should insist on a written estimate. Call and ask any final questions and then ask for your representative to provide a written and signed pricing, liability, and timing agreement.
Updated November 29, 2007
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Key Resources for Tree Service in Contra Costa County 

Associations & Licensing
AFPO American Forest and Paper Organization (www.afandpa.org)
ASCA American Society of Consulting Arborists (www.asca-consultants.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.gov)
CAA California Arborist Association (www.cal-arb-association.com)
CSLB Contractors State Licensing Board (www.cslb.cs.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov)
INFC International Network of Forests and Communities (www.forestsandcommunities.org)
ISA International Society of Arboriculture (www.isa-arbor.com)
NTT National Tree Trust (www.treetures.com)
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service (www.nrcs.usda.gov)
TCIA Tree Care Industry Association (www.natlarb.com)

Media & Web Resources
The American Gardener
Better Homes & Gardens
Contractor Magazine
House & Garden
New Old House
The Practical Gardener
ProGarden Biz Magazine
This Old House
Tree Care Industry Magazine
Tree News Magazine
Tree Services Magazine
Western Arborist Magazine

www.arboristsite.com
www.landscaping.about.com
www.treehelp.com
www.treelink.org
www.treesaregood.com

If you are in need on tree triming or tree removal The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 tree service contractors in Contra Costa County within the following zip codes.

94506, 94507, 94509, 94511, 94513, 94514, 94516, 94517, 94518, 94519, 94520, 94521, 94522, 94523, 94524, 94525, 94526, 94527, 94528, 94530, 94531, 94547, 94548, 94549, 94553, 94556, 94561, 94563, 94564, 94565, 94569, 94570, 94572, 94575, 94582, 94583, 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598, 94801, 94802, 94803, 94804, 94805, 94806, 94807, 94808, 94820 and 94850

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 tree service contractors in Contra Costa County within the following cities.

Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Byron, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Crockett, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Knightsen, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, N Richmond, North Richmond, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Point Richmond, Port Chicago, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tara Hills, Walnut Creek and West Pittsburg
Updated March 20, 2008
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9 Great Tree Service Tips for the Contra Costa County Area 

Take Time Choosing Your Tree Service Contractor.
The more tree service contractors you interview, the better your odds are of finding the best one. Take the time to consider several local contractors and gauge their abilities and you'll be happier with the results.

Rely on a Professional.
If you've gotten this far, you've probably assessed the risks of undertaking a tree service project yourself. Caution is paramount when dealing with certain scenarios, such as large dead limbs or anything involving electrical or telephone wires. We advise you to keep this in mind whenever any tree service related situations arise, and remember, it really is best left to the professionals.

Get Several Quotes.
If your tree service needs are not too pressing, you should get a few separate estimates. Prices are determined solely by each contractor, so there can be a fairly large difference in estimates from one to another. Spend some time shopping around and you could save a considerable amount of money.

Get it in Writing.
A qualified professional will always provide a written agreement, and you should expect it from the contractor you choose. Make sure he provides you with a written description of the work, pricing and timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before Signing An Agreement.
Before you sign a contract, be sure to check licensing, ISA certification, workers' compensation and liability insurance, as well as any other relevant credentials.

Choose Certified Companies.
Some tree service contractors have risen above the rest and developed a reputation for quality work and attentive customer care. In Contra Costa County, they've earned endorsements such as Diamond Certification or Better Business Bureau honors or membership. If you check these Web sites to find an affiliated tree service, you'll receive better service and workmanship.

Observe the Process.
After you've signed an agreement, you want to ensure that it is followed completely. Make sure broken limbs are properly secured and, if it is a term of your contract, make sure lifts or ropes are used in lieu of climbing spikes. Overall, you want to watch for the amount of care the professionals use. Make sure all necessary precautions are taken so you won't have to deal with additional damage later on.

Check the Work.
After the job is completed, have the senior contractor accompany you while you review the results of the work. Ensure that every term was adequately met, including any clean-up details.

Know Your Rights.
Local law provides protection to consumers. Before you encounter any problems with your contractor, read up on the laws that effect you. Since you're working with contractors in Contra Costa County, applicable details can be found at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.
Updated November 29, 2007
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Diamond Certified