Getting Started & Estimates
Tree care covers pruning, removal, stump grinding, planting, and root damage solutions. Our certified arborists assess your trees and recommend the right service based on health, safety, and your goals for the property.
Call our Sacramento office at (916) 852-9500 or use the estimate request form on our website. When you hire Tree Care Incorporated, an ISA Certified Arborist, not a salesperson, comes out to evaluate your trees and prepare your proposal.
Yes. Estimates are free and carry no obligation.
We encourage it. Walking the property together lets the arborist understand your goals and answer questions on the spot. If no one can be there, let the office know. With your permission to enter the property, the arborist can still provide your estimate.
Photos are helpful, especially in an emergency, but most diagnoses and estimates require an on-site visit. Symptoms like leaf drop or dieback can have several causes, and the arborist needs to see the tree, its soil, irrigation, and surroundings to get it right, as well as any access issues or obstacles that will need to be navigated or protected.
Every job is priced individually. The main factors are the tree’s size, species, condition, and location; access for crews and equipment; proximity to structures and utilities; and the amount of cleanup and hauling involved. An on-site visit is the only way to give you an accurate number.
Once you approve your proposal, our office schedules your work and confirms the date with you. Our tree crews work Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
If you and your neighbors are scheduling work at the same time, ask us. Combining nearby jobs into one crew visit can reduce costs.
Scheduling varies by season; spring and fall are our busiest times. If you have a deadline, such as a home sale, an event, or a permit condition, tell us up front and we’ll do our best to accommodate it. Jobs often finish early or reschedule, which lets us move up clients who want an earlier date. In off-peak seasons, we can generally complete work in less than 30 days, and as soon as the next day if requested.
We serve the greater Sacramento Valley, including Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Auburn, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, Davis, Woodland, Galt, and Elverta.
Yes. All of our services are available to residential and commercial clients, property managers, homeowner associations, and governmental clients.
Credentials & Choosing a Tree Company
Yes. Tree Care Incorporated holds California Contractor’s License #475196 and California Pest Control Business License #32525 from the Department of Pesticide Regulation. We’re fully bonded and insured, and we’re happy to send proof of liability and workers’ compensation coverage on request. You can verify any contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov.
If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you can be held liable for injuries and damage they cause on your property. Always verify the license and ask for proof of insurance before any tree work begins.
Yes. We have four ISA Certified Arborists on staff: William O’Neil (#WE-6163A), Robert Bornick (#WE-5851A), Ricky Rios-Hernandez (#11271AT), and Oscar Rios (#WE-14308A). We also have an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist and two state Qualified Applicators for plant health care treatments.
Yes. Certified arborists supervise every crew, and all work follows ANSI A300 and ANSI Z133.1 industry safety standards.
An arborist is a professional trained in the science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA certification requires passing a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, pruning, diagnosis, soils, safety, and more, and certified arborists must earn continuing education credits to keep their credential.
Tree Care Incorporated is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association. Accreditation requires an independent review of a company’s safety practices, business operations, customer satisfaction, and professional standards. Relatively few tree companies hold it.
All pruning is performed to ANSI A300 standards, and all tree work follows the ANSI Z133 safety standard.
Ask whether the company is licensed and insured (and can prove it), whether ISA Certified Arborists are on staff, whether they follow ANSI A300 and Z133 standards, and whether they belong to professional organizations like TCIA and ISA. Check reviews, ask for references, and be wary of anyone offering to “top” your tree.
Since 1962. Tree Care Incorporated is a family-operated company that has cared for Sacramento Valley trees for more than 60 years.
Pruning & Trimming
Pruning removes dead, diseased, or fungus-affected branches and opens the canopy to more sunlight and airflow. This keeps trees healthier and reduces the risk of falling limbs.
It depends on the goal. Pruning for clearance and aesthetics is typically done annually. Structural pruning, which develops strong branch architecture, is typically done every 3 to 5 years.
Pruning focuses on tree health, removing dead or diseased wood and shaping growth for the long term. Trimming is more about appearance and controlling size. Our crews handle both.
Yes. Removing overcrowded or damaged branches directs a tree’s energy toward healthy growth, which can improve fruit production.
Small branches on low, accessible trees are usually fine to prune yourself. Anything requiring a ladder, chainsaw, or work near power lines should go to a certified arborist to avoid injury or damage to the tree.
Tree trimming shapes a tree and removes overgrown or dead branches to maintain a healthy, attractive appearance and prevent limbs from damaging your property.
Once a year is typical for most trees, though faster-growing species may need trimming more frequently to stay in shape.
Yes. Trimming dead or weak branches early helps prevent decay from spreading and can extend the life of a tree, reducing the chance it will need to come down.
Trimming done correctly by a trained crew supports tree health. We follow ANSI A300 standards so cuts are made in the right places to help the tree heal properly.
Yes. Our crews are trained to trim safely around structures and utility lines, and we carry the equipment needed for tight or elevated spaces.
Most trees benefit from a checkup and pruning once a year. Faster-growing species or trees near structures may need attention more often. An arborist can set a schedule based on your specific trees.
In a forest, mostly. In yards and cities, trees deal with compacted soil, limited root space, irregular watering, lawn competition, and construction damage. Regular inspection and care helps them stay healthy and reduces risk.
Dead or broken branches, limbs rubbing a roof or overhanging a driveway, crossing or crowded branches, a lopsided canopy, branches blocking views or streetlights, and heavy limbs extending far out over a structure are all signs it’s time for an arborist visit.
Structural pruning shapes a tree’s branch framework while it’s young by selecting a strong central leader and well-spaced, well-attached limbs. It prevents weak branch unions and costly corrective work later, and is typically done every 3 to 5 years.
It depends on the species and your goal. Many deciduous trees are best pruned while dormant in late fall and winter. Spring-flowering trees are usually pruned right after they bloom. Dead or hazardous limbs should be removed as soon as they’re found, any time of year. Your arborist will recommend timing for each tree.
Yes. Over-thinning, flush cuts, leaving stubs, and removing too much live canopy at once stress trees, invite decay, and trigger weak regrowth. That’s why all our pruning follows ANSI A300 standards.
No. Topping, which means cutting large branches back to stubs, weakens trees, invites decay, and produces fast, poorly attached regrowth that becomes a hazard. We use proper reduction cuts that achieve clearance or size goals without harming the tree.
Not when it’s done correctly. Proper pruning removes dead, crowded, and hazardous wood while keeping the tree’s natural shape and most of its leaf area, so you keep your shade. Heavy thinning or topping is what strips shade, and we don’t do either.
Valley oaks, blue oaks, and interior live oaks need a conservative approach: minimal live-wood removal, deadwood cleanout, and end-weight reduction where needed. Many Sacramento-area cities protect native oaks, so pruning or removing them may require a permit. We’ll help you understand the rules in your jurisdiction.
Yes. Cabling and bracing systems add support to trees with weak branch unions or heavy limbs. They reduce the risk of failure while preserving the tree.
Tree Removal
Signs include significant storm damage, rot or disease, a tree positioned too close to a structure, cracked sidewalks or foundations, or a tree that has stopped producing leaves and drops branches without warning.
It can be, especially near power lines, structures, or in tight spaces. Our certified arborists follow ANSI safety standards to remove trees safely and protect your property.
Yes, stump grinding is available as a follow-up service so you can replant or reclaim the space.
Cost depends on the tree’s size, location, and condition. We provide free estimates so you know the price before any work begins.
Permit requirements vary by city and by tree species. Our arborists can advise you during your estimate and prepare documentation if one is needed.
Summer months are often best. Good weather and dry, firm ground improve safety and minimize damage to your property.
Often, yes. Pruning, cabling and bracing, fertilization, pest and disease treatment, and root-zone improvements can reverse many declines. When a tree poses a serious risk or is too far gone, we’ll tell you honestly and recommend removal.
Yes. We specialize in technical tree removal, using climbing and rigging techniques to take trees down in sections when space is tight. We also regularly use aerial lifts or cranes when needed, and can get access for large equipment on site.
Depending on the job, we use climbing and rigging gear, chippers, aerial lifts, and cranes. We plan access during the estimate and take care to protect lawns, driveways, walkways, and landscaping. When large equipment can’t reach a tree without causing damage, our climbers can do the work by hand.
Never attempt to trim near power lines yourself. Work near primary lines must be done by utility-qualified crews, so contact SMUD or PG&E first. If you’ve signed a contract with us to prune or remove trees within the safety zone of high-voltage lines, we contact the utility company, and they are obligated to clear the lines in a timely manner.
Anywhere from an hour to several days, depending on the tree’s size, condition, and access. Your estimate will include an expected timeframe.
We chip and haul away brush and wood unless you ask us to leave some. If you’d like firewood, let your arborist know when you receive your estimate. We do our best to recycle, chip, mill, or haul wood so it can be reused, and our arborist mulch is delivered free in the Sacramento and Roseville area.
Usually not much. Some hardwoods like oak, walnut, and cherry can have value as lumber or firewood, but in most residential removals the cost of milling and transport outweighs it. If you’d like to keep wood for firewood or a project, tell us during the estimate and we’ll cut it to size and leave it for you.
Please stay well away from the work area. Falling limbs, rigging, and equipment create hazards well beyond where they appear, especially during removals and stump grinding.
Neighbor & Property-Line Trees
General information only, not legal advice. All neighbor tree situations are unique. To prune any large or high-value tree, TCI generally requires a signed right to trespass letter, which we provide. The letter advises your neighbor of the planned work and helps avoid costly litigation. For a dispute, consult a real estate attorney.
Generally, yes. California law allows you to trim branches that extend over your property, up to the property line. You can’t enter your neighbor’s yard without permission, cut past the line, or prune in a way that kills or seriously damages the tree. It’s good practice to talk with your neighbor first, and local tree ordinances (such as protected oak rules) still apply.
The same property-line rule applies to roots, but root cutting is riskier than branch pruning. Severing large roots can destabilize a tree or kill it, which can make you liable for the damage. Have an arborist evaluate the tree before any roots are cut.
If any part of the trunk stands on the line, the tree belongs to both owners. Neither owner should remove it or do major work on it without the other’s consent. If the trunk stands entirely on one property, that owner owns the tree, even if its branches or roots cross the line.
Generally, whoever wants the work done pays for it, unless the neighbors agree otherwise. Many neighbors split the cost. We’re happy to provide one estimate for both of you, and handling both sides in a single visit is often less expensive.
Yes. We can prune overhanging branches back to the property line from your side. For large or high-value trees, we generally require a signed right to trespass letter from the tree’s owner before work begins. We provide the letter, and it lets your neighbor know what’s planned. We also need the owner’s written permission to enter their yard or work beyond the property line.
Start by sharing your concerns with your neighbor, ideally in writing. One of our arborists can assess the tree from your property and provide a written evaluation you can share with them. If the tree is in the street planter strip, contact your city, since many cities maintain or regulate street trees.
It depends on the circumstances. A tree owner who knew, or reasonably should have known, that the tree was hazardous can be held responsible for the damage. If a healthy tree falls in a storm, it’s often treated as an act of nature and handled through insurance. Take photos, contact your insurance company, and call us for emergency cleanup.
California law allows the tree owner to recover double or triple the actual damages for wrongful injury to trees, and cities may impose fines for protected trees. That’s why we never prune past the property line or remove a shared tree without proper consent.
Falling leaves, needles, and fruit are generally considered a natural occurrence, not a nuisance, so cleanup is usually the responsibility of the owner of the yard where they land. You can still trim overhanging branches back to the property line to reduce the mess.
Generally, no. California doesn’t grant a general right to a view or sunlight. Exceptions can come from HOA rules, a local view ordinance, or California’s Solar Shade Control Act, which offers limited protection for solar panels.
It depends on your city. Many cities own or regulate trees in the planter strip and require a permit before they’re pruned or removed. Check with your city before doing any work, and we can help you find out who’s responsible.
Stump Grinding
Yes, and TCI handles this for you. By law, underground utilities must be located before any mechanical digging. We coordinate with Call 811 (California) to mark public utility lines and independently survey for private lines like irrigation, landscape lighting, and septic systems.
TCI recommends a standard depth of 4–6 inches below grade for most residential jobs. This is sufficient for lawn and landscape restoration and has a practical advantage: less depth means a smaller chip pile, less backfill required, and less soil settling over time, reducing your long-term repair costs. If you’re planning concrete, a driveway, or a new tree in the exact same spot, we’ll specify a deeper grind (12–18+ inches) in your estimate.
For most species, no. However, aggressive species like Mulberry, Poplar, Eucalyptus, Willow, Tree of Heaven, and certain Elms can send up suckers from lateral roots left underground. For these species, TCI recommends applying a targeted systemic herbicide to the fresh cut before grinding to prevent regrowth.
Grinding creates a pile of wood chip and soil mixture 3–4 times the original stump volume. Our standard “Grind & Go” service leaves this mounded over the hole, which is great for use as landscape mulch. Full cleanup with haulaway and topsoil backfill is available as an add-on service.
Yes, with precision. Our operators can maneuver within inches of hardscaping, but always leave a buffer to protect your property and equipment. If a stump has grown into concrete footings or metal fencing, full grinding may not be possible without structural damage.
It’s not recommended. Fresh wood chips and decomposing roots deplete soil nitrogen, which starves new plantings. The dense underground root plate also blocks root establishment. Best practice: offset the new tree from the old stump center, and backfill with fresh organic topsoil.
Large grinders need 35–36 inches of gate clearance and relatively flat terrain. Walk-behind units can fit through gates as narrow as 24–30 inches, though they take longer on large stumps. We’ll assess access during your free estimate.
Yes. TCI uses volume/tiered pricing: the first stump is billed at full rate; additional stumps receive a significant discount. We also offer savings when stump grinding is combined with the same-trip tree removal or other scheduled TCI services.
A stump grinder chews the stump and exposed roots down into wood chips. Removing stumps eliminates tripping hazards, frees up space, and prevents termites, carpenter ants, wood bees, and fungal disease from moving in.
Grinding takes the stump below ground level and leaves the roots to decompose naturally. Full removal digs out the stump and major roots, which is more invasive and usually reserved for construction projects.
Surface roots attached to the stump above ground are almost always included. The actual grinding area should be discussed case by case.
We work hard to avoid it, but please point out or flag sprinkler and drip lines before we arrive. If a line is damaged, TCI can make minor irrigation repairs at little or no cost.
Grinding comes after the tree removal. It can be done the same day if time allows, but is typically scheduled for a future date.
Yes. Remove the chip-and-soil mixture, fill with quality topsoil, and allow time for settling before seeding, sodding, or planting.
Plant Health Care (PHC)
PHC is a proactive program to keep trees and shrubs healthy through targeted treatments: fertilization, insect and disease control, and soil care. Our state-licensed Qualified Applicators handle all treatments.
Call us for an arborist visit. Trees decline for many reasons, including insects, disease, drought, soil problems, or root damage, and many can be saved with the right diagnosis and treatment.
The most common problem we see is trunk or root crown damage, decay, or rot caused by overwatering at the trunk. We also regularly treat anthracnose on sycamore, ash, oak, and London plane; powdery mildew; California oakworm; elm leaf beetle; aphids, scale, whiteflies, thrips, and mites; peach leaf curl on fruit trees; soilborne root rot; and drought stress.
Early diagnostics prevent hidden, permanent structural damage. Pathogens, insect pests, and nutritional deficiencies destroy trees from the inside out long before showing visible signs above ground. Waiting until leaves discolor, wilt, or drop means the infestation or disease has already advanced. Proactive management is highly effective, whereas attempting to cure an advanced condition is costly and often unsuccessful.
PHC is required long before a tree looks visibly sick. We highly recommend a proactive program for:
- High-value landscape focal trees
- Tree species highly prone to localized pests, such as native Oaks and Crape Myrtles
- Trees experiencing extreme environmental stress, including drought, heatwaves, or construction damage
While many tree diseases are invisible to the untrained eye, you should schedule an arborist consultation immediately if you notice:
- A history of seasonal pests on your property
- Dying or declining trees in your immediate neighborhood
- Recent soil compaction from construction, renovations, or heavy equipment driving over the root zone
Yes. Many structural defects, soilborne pathogens, and internal vascular issues show zero above-ground symptoms. By the time you see the damage, the root or trunk architecture may already be heavily degraded and dangerous.
Preventative treatment must begin in late winter before insect populations hatch. Tree Care Incorporated applies systemic insecticides during dormancy so the material distributes thoroughly through the tree’s vascular system.
This ensures protection is active inside the leaves before aphids or whiteflies can emerge to feed and create messy, destructive honeydew on:
- Crape Myrtles
- Hackberries
- Xylosma trees
If your property misses the late-winter window, we apply targeted topical sprays during the early spring active growing seasons as well. While winter systemic prevention is the most effective method, these seasonal topical applications manage active pest populations on untreated trees before severe canopy defoliation occurs.
Oakworm larvae can completely skeletonize an oak canopy once they hatch in the spring.
We aggressively monitor native oak canopies across Placer and Sacramento counties ahead of time. Our team applies beneficial bacteria, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), precisely as the small caterpillars emerge, halting the infestation before the insects drop into your gardens on silk threads.
Anthracnose is a devastating fungal disease that spreads rapidly during wet northern California springs. To prevent it, we must establish a care plan before there is an active outbreak on your property. Depending on your localized risks, we utilize one of two protocols:
- Bark sprays: Two applications in the fall and spring to induce natural systemic resistance.
- Canopy sprays: A series of three targeted fungicide sprays to shield emerging spring foliage.
Peach leaf curl is a fungus that infects budding tissue the exact moment stone fruit trees break dormancy in the spring. Once the leaves emerge puckered, swollen, and deformed, it is too late to alter the disease cycle for that season. We apply a rigorous 3-stage management method entirely within the winter dormant cycle while the branches are bare.
No. There is no chemical cure for soilborne root rot once it fully infects a tree’s root architecture. Symptoms like bleeding cankers or canopy die-back only appear after the root system is heavily degraded. We utilize preventative care plans to manage soil moisture and aeration, protecting the root zone before structural decay sets in.
Drought-stressed trees cannot allocate resources to defend themselves against secondary invaders like bark beetles or borers. Under extreme weather conditions, our PHC programs pivot to include:
- Specialized soil conditioning
- Root zone hydration optimization
- Plant health defense boosters
Hormone treatments utilize two targeted sprays to achieve maximum coverage on flower blooms. We schedule these precise applications when the flowers are in full bloom to reduce unwanted fruit production by 50% to 70%. This effectively reduces messy fruit drop and slip hazards on your walkways and driveways.
Note: Specific application timing depends strictly on tree species, sun exposure, and ambient heat, making fruit reduction a moving target.
We apply Tree Growth Regulators (TGRs) in the fall or in the spring. These applications:
- Slow rapid, weak vertical canopy expansion
- Thicken leaf cuticles to prevent moisture loss
- Direct energy toward fine root growth to maximize drought and pathogen defenses
Missing a specific treatment window allows the targeted pest or pathogen life cycle to complete uninterrupted. This results in preventable canopy defoliation, extreme tree stress, or structural decline that can take several seasons of costly, reactive treatments to correct.
No, PHC is an ongoing, seasonal management program. Environmental pressures, regional weather variations, and insect life cycles shift constantly throughout the year. Your trees require different types of protection, monitoring, and nutrients as the seasons change.
These are systemic insecticides applied to the soil around the tree during winter. The tree absorbs the product through its roots and carries it to the leaves in spring, protecting against aphids, elm leaf beetle, whiteflies, scale, and thrips without repeated foliar sprays. It works on elm, ash, hackberry, birch, crape myrtle, locust, maple, oak, and more. If the tree isn’t irrigated in summer, extra water around the base keeps the treatment available to the roots. Detailed watering instructions are required and will be provided.
Yes. Our traditional fertilization service delivers nutrients directly to the root zone through a soil drench, tailored to your tree’s needs and the time of year. Our Bio-Blend formula contains over 43 nutrients, including 8 micronutrients, along with soil supplements that improve drought tolerance and water uptake. For ash and sycamore trees especially, annual fertilization is one of the best defenses against anthracnose.
TCI provides re-entry guidance and follows all label requirements. All applications are made by state-licensed applicators following product labels and California Department of Pesticide Regulation rules.
Mulch
Arborist mulch is made from the trees our crews maintain, chipped and delivered fresh. We never deliver palm mulch, so you get clean, quality material for your landscaping.
Mulch retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and helps control erosion, while giving garden beds and pathways a finished look.
We deliver in full truck loads of 7 to 15 yards. We don’t offer partial loads, so make sure you have enough space before scheduling a delivery.
Yes. Delivery is free on all arborist mulch orders in the Sacramento and Roseville area.
Yes. We deliver to both residential and commercial properties, including garden beds, tree rings, and pathways.
Arborist Reports & Risk Assessment
A certified arborist assesses tree health, identifies species, diagnoses problems, and recommends care such as pruning, removal, or treatment. Our arborists hold ISA certification, and many are also ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialists.
Arborist reports are typically required for building permits, environmental impact reports, or development projects involving existing trees. We prepare detailed reports identifying each tree by species with health evaluations.
Yes. A landscape tree assessment can identify disease, structural issues, or root damage before a tree becomes a safety hazard.
Yes. We work with homeowners, builders, developers, and government agencies who need professional tree evaluations for permits and site planning.
Call our Sacramento or Roseville office or request a free estimate online, and a certified arborist will schedule a visit.
An arborist report is a written evaluation of a tree or group of trees, identifying each by species and describing condition, risks, and recommendations. Cities and counties often require one for tree removal permits, construction and building permits, and environmental review. Homeowners, builders, developers, and agencies all use them.
An arborist meets you on site, evaluates the trees and shrubs on your property, and provides detailed verbal guidance on care and maintenance.
Warning signs include deep cracks, cavities or decay, dead branches, mushrooms at the base, a new or worsening lean, heaving soil, and root damage. Our TRAQ-qualified arborist can perform a formal tree risk assessment and recommend options to reduce the risk.
Talk to an arborist before work starts. Root damage from trenching, grading, and soil compaction is a leading cause of tree decline after construction, and many cities require tree protection plans for protected trees.
Emergencies & Storms
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency service at (916) 852-9500.
No. We respond to emergencies for new and existing customers alike.
Get everyone to safety first. If power lines are involved or anyone is hurt, call 911 and the utility company, and stay far away. Once it’s safe, call us at (916) 852-9500. Take photos for your insurance claim.
Have an arborist inspect large trees near your home before winter. Removing deadwood, reducing heavy end weight, and addressing weak branch unions ahead of time greatly lowers the chance of failure in high winds.
Fire Safety
Yes. We can prune and clear trees and vegetation to meet defensible space requirements and reduce “fire laddering” into tree canopies. Requirements vary by city and fire district, so check with your local fire department.
Planting
Yes. We offer tree planting and regeneration, including help choosing species suited to your site and Sacramento’s climate.
After the Job
Clean. We haul away debris (unless you ask us to leave wood or chips), rake beds and lawns, and blow off walkways, patios, and roofs we can reach.
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Call (916) 852-9500 or email info@treecareinc.biz.