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Emergency Tree Removal · California

Emergency Tree Removal in San Francisco, CA

Emergency Tree Removal in San Francisco, CA: if a tree is on your house, across power lines or blocking an exit, get everyone out of the affected area first. Locally, winter storms: Atmospheric rivers and wind topple big trees on saturated soil.
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Tree problems in San Francisco, CA that call for emergency tree removal

  1. 1

    Winter storms

    Atmospheric rivers and wind topple big trees on saturated soil.

  2. 2

    City-maintained street trees

    Public Works has maintained all street trees since July 2017 (Prop E).

  3. 3

    Significant and landmark trees

    Special protections under Public Works Code Section 810.

What emergency tree removal covers

If a tree is on your house, across power lines or blocking an exit, get everyone out of the affected area first.

How emergency tree removal works, step by step · part of tree removal

Describe the tree and what it's near, and you'll reach an independent provider serving San Francisco, CA.

Call about a tree emergency

Safety first in San Francisco, CA

Stay well away from any downed wire and anything touching it. Call 911 for injuries or lines down, then the utility.

What you can safely do

  • Get people and pets out of rooms under or near the tree.
  • Shut off gas at the meter if you smell gas, and leave the house.
  • Photograph the scene from a safe distance before anything is moved.
  • Call your insurer early. Many policies want to know before major work.

Leave these to professionals

  • Never go near or touch a tree that's touching a wire. Treat every line as live.
  • Don't try to cut a tree off a roof yourself. The weight can shift without warning.
  • Don't stand under hanging or cracked limbs to look at the damage.
  • Don't let anyone pressure you into signing a contract or assigning insurance benefits at the door.

Trees in San Francisco, CA that most often need emergency tree removal

Monterey pine
Old plantings; pitch canker and decline
Monterey cypress
Massive, aging trees; limb failure
Blue gum eucalyptus
Large limb drop; bark shedding

Tree rules and permits in San Francisco, CA

  • Since July 1, 2017, Public Works has maintained all street trees and the sidewalk damage they cause, under Proposition E.
  • Public Works Code Section 810 defines significant trees and landmark trees; removing one, or any street tree, requires a permit.

Sources (checked 2026-10-03)

Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.

What affects the price of emergency tree removal in San Francisco, CA

The usual drivers are size, access, what's under the tree and cleanup; see the full list for emergency tree removal.

In San Francisco, CA: Most homes are attached, with small backyards reached only through the house or a narrow side passage. Almost every backyard removal is done by climbers lowering pieces, with wood carried out by hand or lifted over the building by crane.

Emergency Tree Removal in San Francisco, CA: common questions

Do I need a permit for emergency Tree Removal in San Francisco, CA?

Since July 1, 2017, Public Works has maintained all street trees and the sidewalk damage they cause, under Proposition E. Public Works Code Section 810 defines significant trees and landmark trees; removing one, or any street tree, requires a permit.

Which trees in San Francisco, CA most often need emergency tree removal?

Monterey pine: old plantings; pitch canker and decline Monterey cypress: massive, aging trees; limb failure Blue gum eucalyptus: large limb drop; bark shedding

Winter storms: what does it mean for emergency tree removal in San Francisco, CA?

Atmospheric rivers and wind topple big trees on saturated soil.

City-maintained street trees: what does it mean for emergency tree removal in San Francisco, CA?

Public Works has maintained all street trees since July 2017 (Prop E).

Significant and landmark trees: what does it mean for emergency tree removal in San Francisco, CA?

Special protections under Public Works Code Section 810.

How do access and lot layout in San Francisco, CA affect emergency tree removal?

Most homes are attached, with small backyards reached only through the house or a narrow side passage. Almost every backyard removal is done by climbers lowering pieces, with wood carried out by hand or lifted over the building by crane.

Other tree services in San Francisco, CA

Emergency Tree Removal nearby

More about San Francisco, CA: tree removal in San Francisco, CA · all locations

Need emergency tree removal in San Francisco, CA?

Call to reach an independent tree-service provider that serves San Francisco, CA. Calling is free and you decide whether to hire anyone.

Call for tree service

By calling, you agree that your call may be recorded and routed to an independent local tree-service provider, who may call or text you back about your request. Calling is free and does not obligate you to hire anyone. See our Privacy Policy.

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