Nearby Arborists in Los Angeles

Hiring an arborist costs around $900 on average, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500 or more, depending on the type of work. Arborists complete a wide variety of jobs related to trees, so the average prices listed below should help you get a rough estimate of what your project will cost:

• Small tree removal: $300 to $500

• Large tree removal: $500 to $2,000 or more

• Tree health assessment: $150

• Trimming small tree: $75 to $200

• Trimming large tree: $150 to $400

• Dealing with invasive species: $150 to $1,000 or more

Finding a reliable arborist starts with researching specialists in your area and checking their licensing and certifications. Use online resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to conduct research on each company. Next, contact the arborist and ask the following questions to see whether they are the right fit for your project:

• Do you handle or specialize in dealing with the issue I’m having?

• Are you fully insured?

• Do you have customer references I can call?

• Do you have any third-party certifications?

• What equipment and strategies do you plan to use?

Hiring an arborist is usually more expensive than hiring a standard tree company, but it’s typically well worth the investment. If you suspect a tree is infested or diseased, hiring an arborist can help avoid the same fate for nearby trees, and prevent removal. Arborists might also be necessary if you’re dealing with tree removal or trimming near power lines, as uncertified removal companies often aren’t permitted to service these trees. Finally, if your aim is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is absolutely worth the money.

“Minimum approach distance” (MAD) is the smallest distance a tree can be from a power line and still be serviceable by an unlicensed tree removal company. In other words, state laws prevent tree companies from trimming or removing trees within a certain distance from a power line, usually within 10 feet. If you have a tree closer to the minimum approach distance in your area, you’ll need to hire a certified arborist to remove it or trim it.

Licensing requirements for arborists vary by state and municipality, so you should use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to see if your arborist needs a license. Even if an arborist license isn’t mandated in your area, it’s a good idea to hire one that has at least a business license, business insurance, and certification from a third-party organization, like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Licensed arborists tend to have more experience and are more likely to provide a professional solution to your tree problem.