Los Angeles is a city of very different tree problems. In the San Fernando Valley — Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Northridge — big lots hold mature Aleppo pines, eucalyptus and ficus that were planted for shade in the 1950s and 60s and are now 60 to 80 feet tall. In hillside neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Mount Washington and the canyons above Studio City, trees lean over steep slopes and narrow streets where a chip truck barely fits. On the Westside and in Hancock Park, towering Canary Island pines and Mexican fan palms sit feet from century-old homes. We plan tree removal around each of those settings.
The City of Los Angeles is also one of the stricter places in the county for protected trees. Native oaks, western sycamore, California bay and Southern California black walnut measuring 4 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet are protected, along with toyon and Mexican elderberry shrubs. Parkway trees belong to the city and are managed by StreetsLA Urban Forestry. Before we price a removal, we check whether the tree is likely regulated — our LA County permit guide explains the process.
Hillside homes in the Santa Monica Mountains and Verdugo foothills also fall under LAFD brush clearance. Tree trimming for roof and chimney clearance, dead palm frond removal and canopy raising are the bulk of our spring work in the city. After removals, we grind stumps below grade so the yard is ready for drought-tolerant landscaping. Nearby, we also work in Burbank, Glendale and Culver City.
Around Los Angeles
We regularly work near:
- 📍Griffith Park
- 📍Elysian Park
- 📍Hancock Park
- 📍Lake Balboa Park
- 📍Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
- 📍Los Angeles Zoo
Tree Removal in Los Angeles — Local Notes
- •Valley lots often have 60–80 ft pines and eucalyptus planted in the postwar building boom — many are now declining from drought and bark beetles.
- •Hillside streets in Silver Lake, Echo Park and the Hollywood Hills often require sectional rigging or a crane because there’s no drop zone.
- •Parkway trees are city property; removal requires a StreetsLA Urban Forestry permit.
- •Much of the city’s hillside area is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone subject to LAFD brush clearance.