Frequently Asked Questions

You do if it is a heritage tree. That means an oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye or sycamore with a trunk 24 inches or more across at 4.5 feet up, or any tree a development approval required to be kept. Other trees on your own lot generally do not need a city permit, but HOA rules may still apply.

Wrap a tape around the trunk at 4 feet 6 inches above the natural ground and divide the circumference by 3.14. A circumference of about 75 inches works out to roughly 24 inches in diameter, the heritage threshold for the listed species.

Dublin's code exempts pruning that follows the International Society of Arboriculture's pruning guidelines. Extreme pruning that permanently disfigures the tree is treated as removal, which does need a permit. Light, correct pruning is the safe path.

The code sets a civil penalty of twice the tree's appraised value, plus the cost of the appraisal, and the city can require replacement planting of the same species. It is far cheaper to ask first.

PG&E clears its distribution and transmission lines, and only line-clearance-qualified crews should work near them. Homeowners are responsible for keeping the service drop to the house clear, and PG&E offers a free temporary disconnect for that work.

Generally no for established native oaks. UC guidance says summer water near mature oaks encourages root rot and oak root fungus, so keep sprinklers and drip lines away from the trunk and water nearby plants outside the root zone.

A written scope, an itemized price, and the contractor's CSLB license number. California requires a CSLB license for tree work above a small-job dollar threshold, and licensed contractors must show the license number in their advertising. You can look the number up on the CSLB website.

A small or medium tree in an open yard is often a few hours. A large tree over a house, with rigging or a crane, can take a full day or more. Permit review, if required, comes before that.

You generally cannot remove a neighbor's tree. Overhanging branches can often be trimmed back to the line, but if the tree is a heritage tree, damaging it carries city penalties, so talk with the neighbor and check first.

It can. Dublin's code lets the Director approve a heritage tree removal with conditions, including replacement trees of a set species, size and location.

If you want it. Many people keep oak rounds for firewood. If sudden oak death is suspected, UC guidance favors keeping the wood local rather than moving it.

Not for pruning that follows the ISA pruning guidelines. Heavy pruning that permanently disfigures a heritage tree counts as effective removal and does need a permit.

Many mature trees do well with attention every few years, and young trees benefit from lighter pruning more often. Fast growers near roofs or solar panels may need clearance more frequently.

No. Topping leaves large stubs that decay and regrow as weak, crowded shoots. On a heritage species in Dublin it can also be treated as removal.

No. PG&E clears its own lines and only line-clearance-qualified crews should work near them. We can trim near the service drop to your house with a temporary disconnect arranged through PG&E.

Coast live oak keeps its leaves all year; they are small, cupped and often spiny-edged. Valley oak drops its leaves in winter and has deeply lobed leaves and a broad, spreading form. The difference matters because coast live oak is a sudden oak death host and valley oak is not thought to be.

It is one of the more common ways oaks decline. Lawn needs summer water, and UC guidance warns that summer water near mature oaks invites root disease. Mulch or drought-tolerant plantings outside the trunk zone are safer.

Bleeding on a coast live oak is one sign of sudden oak death, though other problems can cause it too. Have it looked at, avoid moving wood off site, and clean tools after any work on the tree.

Adding soil under the canopy can suffocate roots. UC guidance suggests holding existing grade with walls outside the drip line, and Dublin requires a tree protection plan for permitted work on lots with heritage trees.

Established native oaks generally do not. They are adapted to local soils, and pushing new growth is not what a stressed oak needs.

Yes, though it is usually better to offset the new tree a few feet from the old root mass. If you want it in the same spot, ask for deeper grinding and chip removal.

Some species send up sprouts from roots after removal. Grinding below grade removes the root flare, which cuts down on regrowth; occasional sprouts can be clipped as they appear.

An average residential stump often takes well under an hour of grinding. Large stumps, hard wood and lots of surface roots take longer.

Usually a compact grinder that fits through a standard side gate. Tight access or steep ground can change the equipment and the price, which we note on the estimate.

Often when a tree damages a covered structure, and sometimes for cleanup with limits. A tree that falls without hitting anything may not be covered. Check your policy and take photos before cleanup.

Call 911 if anyone is in danger, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Stay clear of the wire. Tree work starts after PG&E has made the line safe.

Immediate hazards can be removed without the normal permit, but Dublin's code requires approval from the Director, City Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Chief or a designee. Call the city and keep photos.

We cannot promise a time without knowing the schedule and the storm load, but hazards to people and homes are handled first, and we will tell you honestly when we can be there.

The Community Development Director or a designee, unless the removal is part of a development application, in which case the body deciding that application decides the tree question too.

The code calls for a decision within 10 working days of a complete application. Incomplete applications, arborist review and any appeal add time.

No. The city may require a report from a certified arborist registered with the International Society of Arboriculture and approved by the Director. We explain the process and coordinate around it.

You can appeal to the City Council in writing within 14 days of the written notice. Often, pruning to reduce risk is still possible without a permit if it follows ISA pruning standards.

No. Each city and county writes its own tree ordinance, so the species, sizes and process differ. We check the rules for your address.