Best Tree Services in Burlingame, CA

Yes, if the tree is protected. Under Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 11.06, any private tree with a circumference of 44 inches or more (approximately 14 inches in diameter) measured at 54 inches above natural grade is protected. You need a permit to remove a protected tree, prune more than 25% of its crown, or prune more than 15% of its roots. Heritage trees and groves designated by the Beautification Commission have additional protections. Contact Parks Division at (650) 558-7330.

Burlingame takes tree protection seriously. Violations can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per violation plus restitution for the tree's appraised value. After-the-fact tree removal permit fees can be up to 10 times the normal permit fee. The in-lieu fee for failing to plant a required replacement tree is $22,262. Fine revenues go into the City Tree Replacement Fund.

Burlingame has been designated Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1980. The Howard-Ralston Eucalyptus Tree Rows along El Camino Real are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2012) and are over 130 years old. Much of Burlingame's urban forest was planted by John McLaren, who also designed Golden Gate Park. The city's tree ordinance has been in place since 1975.

Tree removal costs in Burlingame vary widely by tree size, species, and access. Small trees (20–35 ft) typically run $1,500–$3,500; medium trees (35–60 ft) $3,500–$6,000; large trees (60–80 ft) $6,000–$12,000; and heritage-protected trees $10,000–$18,000+. Stump grinding adds $250–$500. Permit fees ($60–$200) apply to all protected trees. If you fail to plant a required replacement tree, expect a $22,262 in-lieu fee.

Under Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 11.06, any private tree with a circumference of 44 inches or more (approximately 14 inches in diameter) measured at 54 inches above natural grade is protected. Heritage trees and groves designated by the Beautification Commission are also protected, regardless of size. Replacement trees planted by the city or property owners become protected immediately upon planting. Street trees are protected under separate city authority. The Howard-Ralston Eucalyptus Tree Rows are heritage-designated and have additional protections due to their National Register listing.

The $22,262 in-lieu fee applies when you remove a protected tree and fail to plant the required replacement tree (one 24-inch box or 15-gallon California native). This fee funds the city's Tree Replacement Program instead of on-site planting. It's designed to incentivize actual tree planting — the fee is set high to discourage this route. Burlingame enforces this strictly, especially for heritage tree removals. If you remove a tree without a permit and the city discovers it, you may face both the in-lieu fee and a $1,000 violation fine.

Trimming costs depend on tree size and scope of work. Small trees (20–35 ft) cost $250–$500; medium trees (35–60 ft) $500–$1,000; large trees (60–80 ft) $1,000–$2,000. Specialized work like maintaining the Howard-Ralston Eucalyptus Rows costs $2,000–$4,000+. Important: You cannot prune more than 25% of a tree's crown volume without a permit. Exceeding this threshold triggers a violation fine of $1,000 plus restitution. Ensure your contractor understands the 25% cap and Burlingame's pruning requirements.

Tree safety inspections range from $200–$350 for a basic visual assessment to $800–$1,500 for full-scope pre-purchase audits. Written arborist reports (required for permits) run $350–$600. Advanced diagnostics like Resistograph testing cost $600–$1,000 and are critical for heritage tree assessment. Construction impact assessments near protected trees run $700–$1,200 and are essential for ADU projects. Investing in a proper inspection speeds permit approval and documents your due diligence.

Removing a protected tree without a permit is a serious violation in Burlingame. Penalties include fines up to $1,000 per violation, restitution for the tree's appraised value, and after-the-fact permit fees of up to 10x the normal cost. Violations can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. If you fail to plant a required replacement, expect the $22,262 in-lieu fee. Burlingame strictly enforces this — the city does not grant retroactive permits. Contact the Parks Division at (650) 558-7330 before any tree work to ensure compliance.

California law allows you to trim branches that hang over your property, but only up to the property line and only in a way that doesn't kill the tree. In Burlingame, if the neighbor's tree is protected (44-inch circumference or larger), trimming it without the owner's permission and a permit could trigger penalties. Best practice: Get written permission from your neighbor and consult a certified arborist to ensure the work complies with Burlingame's 25% crown cap. If your neighbor refuses, consider mediation or small claims court — never trespass to trim their tree.

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum and affects oak species, primarily coast live oaks and tanoaks. Tanoaks are at highest risk and often die within a few years of infection. While Burlingame itself has moderate SOD pressure, neighboring areas and oak groves in the San Mateo County hills face significant risk. Symptoms include bleeding cankers on trunk and limbs, and leaf spotting. If you suspect SOD on your property, contact the county or hire a certified arborist for diagnosis. Early detection and removal of infected trees can prevent spread to neighboring oaks.

The best time to prune oak trees in Burlingame is late fall through winter (November–March), when the trees are dormant and less susceptible to disease and pest entry. Avoid pruning in spring and early summer when sap is flowing and the tree is under stress. Never prune during acorn maturation (summer). Always maintain the 25% crown reduction cap and ensure your contractor has a valid permit for protected trees (44-inch circumference or larger). Use sharp tools and avoid leaving large stubs — proper pruning technique minimizes disease risk.

Yes, if your construction project is near a protected tree (44-inch circumference or larger). Burlingame requires a tree protection plan during building permit review, especially for ADU and remodel projects. The plan must include barriers, root zone protection, and arborist oversight during construction. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 per tree plus restitution for any damage. The city is strict about this — if a tree dies as a result of construction negligence, you may face removal costs and replanting fees. Hire an ISA Certified Arborist to prepare the plan early in your project timeline.

The Howard-Ralston Eucalyptus Tree Rows run along El Camino Real between Ray Drive and Peninsula Avenue and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (designated 2012). These trees are over 130 years old and are designated as a heritage grove under Burlingame's Beautification Commission. Any work on or near these trees requires city coordination and may trigger additional environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Contractors unfamiliar with these protections should not touch them. The city strictly enforces heritage tree rules — contact Parks Division at (650) 558-7330 before any work.

Fines up to $1,000 per violation plus restitution for the tree's appraised value. The city may also require replacement plantings at a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. Always obtain a permit before removing any protected tree in Burlingame.