Tree care · West Coast
California has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and in the valleys, with dry summers and mild, wetter winters. It is cold with heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada and hot and dry in the inland deserts. Native oaks, redwoods, pines and many planted trees live here, and drought and wildfire shape much of the tree care.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Quercus agrifolia
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus lobata
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSequoia sempervirens
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSequoiadendron giganteum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesEucalyptus spp.
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus radiata
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus ponderosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesCalocedrus decurrens
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesPseudotsuga menziesii
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPlatanus x acerifolia
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesWashingtonia robusta
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer macrophyllum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Wildfire and strong offshore winds are a concern in the dry months, roughly June to November. Winter storms and atmospheric rivers from November to March can soak the ground and bring down trees.
Main storm months: June to November for wildfire and wind; November to March for winter storms
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Many trees are pruned in the cooler months, but native oaks have special timing guidance, so ask an arborist before cutting them. Fire-clearance work is usually done before the dry season starts.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Some California cities and counties protect certain trees, such as native oaks, and fire-safety rules may apply near homes. Check your city or county before removal. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in California, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
State license required
California requires a state license for at least some tree work. Ask the company to show it. See the California state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in California?
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For tree service owners
Many trees are pruned in the cooler months, but timing depends on the species and the region. Native oaks have special advice, so ask an arborist before cutting. Dead or hazardous limbs can come out any time it is safe.
Long dry spells weaken trees and can make them more open to pests and disease. Deep, slow watering at the edge of the canopy and a layer of mulch can help. Ask your county extension office or a certified arborist for guidance in your area.
It is a disease caused by a water mold that affects some oaks and other plants, and it is best known in parts of coastal California. Check the California Oak Mortality Task Force website for the current map, and ask an arborist if you see oozing cankers on an oak.
It depends on your city or county. Some places protect native oaks and other trees, and fire-safety rules may apply near homes. Check with your local government before you cut. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
California requires a contractor license from the CSLB for paid tree work above the minor work limit. Since January 1, 2024, new tree service contractors apply for the C-49 Tree and Palm classification, which needs a trade exam. Check the state rules page and the CSLB website. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Defensible space means clearing and thinning plants and trees around a home to slow a wildfire. Rules can apply in fire-prone areas, and your local fire department can explain what applies to you. A licensed tree service can help with the cutting.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.