Certified Arborist in Los Gatos
ISA-certified arborists who look at a Los Gatos tree and tell you how healthy it is, how likely it is to fail, and what the Town lets you do about it.
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The Town of Los Gatos will not recommend an arborist, but it does suggest hiring one who is ISA certified. Firefighter Tree Service has ISA-certified arborists on staff. On a site visit we answer three questions: is the tree healthy, is it likely to fail onto something, and what does the Town's tree ordinance let you do about it.
Do you need an arborist report?
Often not. A Los Gatos tree permit application needs your signature, photos or a site plan, a replacement worksheet and a check for active bird nests. The Town Arborist inspects the tree after you apply and asks for an arborist report only if one is needed. If the reason for removal is damage to a foundation or wall, the Town may want a report from an engineer or architect instead.
What we look for
- Diameter at 4.5 feet, and whether that makes the tree Protected (12 inches, 8 on Hillside lots) or Large Protected (48 inches, or 24 for oaks, buckeye and madrone).
- Sudden oak death, which Santa Clara County reports in the hills toward the Santa Cruz County line. It kills tanoak, coast live oak and black oak.
- Oak root fungus: white mycelial plaques under the bark with a mushroom smell, or mushroom clusters at the base. Irrigated lawn over native oak roots is the classic cause.
- Bark beetles, which go after trees already stressed by drought, disease or damage.
- Leans, cracks, splits and deadwood over roofs, driveways and play areas.
Some findings change the paperwork. A tree that is dead, or that the Town Arborist rates High or Extreme risk, needs no replacement tree when it comes out. A tree heavily infested by bark beetles should come out promptly; UC IPM says insecticides will not save it.
The site visit and estimate are free. Call (650) 454-0373.
An arborist who knows the Los Gatos ordinance
The Town suggests hiring an ISA Certified Arborist. Ours look at the tree and the Town Code together: Protected or Large Protected, replacement or none, prune or remove. Then you decide.
- ISA-certified arborists on staff
- Special rules for oak, madrone and buckeye checked on every visit
- Neighbor-town rules for Monte Sereno, Saratoga and Campbell
- Firefighter-owned and insured
- Free site visit and estimate
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Only if the Town Arborist asks for one. You apply with the owner-signed application, photos or a site plan, the replacement worksheet and a bird nest check. The Town Arborist inspects the tree and decides whether a report is needed. Decisions generally come within 10 to 15 business days of a complete application.
Protected starts at 12 inches in diameter on a developed residential lot, 8 inches on Hillside lots, and 8 inches anywhere residential for blue oak, black oak, California buckeye and Pacific madrone. Large Protected is 48 inches or more, or 24 inches for any oak, buckeye or madrone. Heritage trees are designated by the Town Council. Large Protected and Heritage trees need a neighbor notice with a 10-day comment period before removal, and any branch or root cut over 4 inches needs a permit.
Santa Clara County Agriculture says it is known to occur in the hills near the Santa Cruz County border, which takes in the hills above town along Highway 17. It kills tanoak, coast live oak and black oak. If an oak on a hillside lot is declining, have it looked at before deciding anything.
One common reason is oak root fungus. UC IPM says it thrives in moist conditions, for example when irrigated turf is planted around the roots of a native oak. Look for white mycelial plaques under the bark with a mushroom smell, and clusters of mushrooms at the base.
No. Monte Sereno measures circumference at 48 inches and protects oaks and redwoods over 20 inches around, and any tree over 25 inches around. It treats Monterey pine, fruit trees and blue and red gum eucalyptus as unsuitable. Saratoga protects trees at 10 inches in diameter (natives at 6) and wants a permit even for dead trees. Campbell protects oak, redwood, cedar and ash at 12 inches on single-family lots and only asks for an arborist report when it wants one. Unincorporated county parcels, including the Los Gatos Specific Plan area, follow county rules.
No. The Town does not recommend specific arborists. It suggests hiring an ISA Certified Arborist. Firefighter Tree Service has ISA-certified arborists on staff, and the site visit and estimate are free.
Our Process
How It Works
Three straightforward steps from first call to finished project.
Free Consultation
A certified arborist visits your property, assesses the trees, and discusses your goals. We identify any risks, health issues, or city permit requirements.
Detailed Estimate
You receive a clear, itemized quote with no hidden fees. We explain the scope of work, timeline, and handle any permit paperwork for you.
Expert Service & Cleanup
Our crew arrives on time, completes the work safely, and leaves your property spotless. We haul everything away. You won't know we were there.
Coverage
Service Areas
Los Gatos, the West Valley and the Highway 17 hills. On the Peninsula? Our Redwood City crew covers it.
Los Gatos
Monte Sereno
Saratoga
Campbell
Cupertino
Willow Glen
Cambrian Park
Almaden Valley
Santa Cruz Mountains
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Whether it's an emergency removal or routine tree care, Firefighter Tree Service is ready. Call us now or request a free consultation from our certified arborists.
Firefighter-owned · ISA Certified Arborists · Insured