Do I even need a permit to remove a tree in Inglewood?
This is probably the first thing most homeowners ask. It is a good question because the answer is not always a simple yes or no. In Inglewood, you absolutely need a permit to remove what the city calls a "Protected Tree". What is a Protected Tree? It is any tree with a trunk diameter of eight inches or more. We measure this 54 inches above the ground. If you have a multi-trunk tree, the city adds up the diameters of the three largest trunks for the Protected Tree rule.
The Protected Tree definition also includes street trees as well as trees required by zoning. It also includes memorial trees as well as certain native species. These native species include Coast Live Oaks as well as California Sycamores as well as California Bay trees. This is true even if these trees are smaller than eight inches. So, if you are not sure about a tree removal in Inglewood, it is always best to check with the City of Inglewood's Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department. Removing a Protected Tree without a permit can lead to some big fines as well as other issues. We do not recommend messing around with this.
What is the deal with tree roots and my foundation or driveway?
This is a classic Inglewood problem. We have many older homes here in Inglewood. Many of these homes were built in the 1940s as well as the 1950s. Those beautiful, mature trees have had decades for their roots to really spread out. You see this all the time with cracked sidewalks as well as lifted driveways. This also includes damage to foundations. It is not always just brute force from a root pushing up concrete. That does happen sometimes. More often, especially with our clay-heavy soils in the Los Angeles Basin, roots pull moisture out of the ground. When the soil dries out and shrinks, your foundation can settle unevenly. This can cause cracks in your foundation.
If you are seeing signs of root damage, you will want to get a certified arborist to assess the tree and its roots. An arborist can tell you if the roots can be pruned safely. They can also tell you if tree removal is the only real solution to protect your property. Sometimes, root barriers can be installed. That is something you need a professional to advise on for your Inglewood property.
How much does tree removal actually cost in Inglewood?
This is where it gets tricky because there is no one-size-fits-all answer for tree removal costs. The cost of tree removal in Inglewood, like anywhere else in Southern California, depends on many factors. These factors include the tree's size as well as its species. They also include where the tree is located on your property as well as how accessible it is.
- Small trees (under 30 feet): You are generally looking at $500-$1,000 for small tree removal in Inglewood.
- Medium trees (30-60 feet): These can run you $1,000-$1,500 for medium tree removal.
- Large trees (over 60 feet): For the big ones, expect $1,500-$2,200 or more for large tree removal.
Things that drive the price up for tree removal in Inglewood include trees near power lines as well as trees close to your house. Trees in tight spots that require specialized equipment or manual labor also cost more. Most tree removal quotes do not include stump grinding. You should ask about stump grinding separately if you want the stump gone completely.
What happens to the stump after the tree is removed?
When we remove a tree in Inglewood, the stump is still there. Most tree removal services, including Oasis Tree, do not automatically include stump grinding in the initial tree removal cost. It is usually an extra service. Stump grinding involves a machine that grinds the stump down below ground level. This is typically 6 to 12 inches deep. This gets rid of the visible part of the stump. It also allows you to plant grass or even another small tree over the spot.
Why bother with stump grinding? A leftover stump can be an eyesore. It can also be a tripping hazard. In addition, it can attract pests like termites. On our smaller Inglewood lots, that space is valuable. Grinding it out frees up that area for whatever you have in mind for your property.
What should I look for when hiring a tree removal company?
Do not just pick the cheapest guy with a chainsaw for your tree removal in Inglewood. This is skilled, dangerous work. Here is what you need to check:
- License and Insurance: Make sure they are licensed and fully insured. This means liability insurance to cover any damage to your property. It also means worker's compensation for their crew. If they are not insured, you could be responsible for accidents on your property.
- Experience: Look for a company with a good track record. This is especially important for tree removal in Inglewood. We have unique challenges here with tight spaces as well as older trees.
- References and Reviews: Check online reviews for the tree removal company. You should also ask for references.
- Written Estimates: Always get a detailed, written estimate. This estimate should clearly outline the scope of work. It should also state what is included and what is not included, like stump grinding.
- Arborist Certification: An ISA Certified Arborist on staff means they know their stuff about tree health. It also means they understand proper tree removal techniques.
Can I remove a tree on my property if it is causing a dispute with a neighbor?
Neighbor disputes over trees are common. This is especially true with roots crossing property lines. In California, property owners are generally responsible for maintaining trees on their land. If your tree's roots are causing measurable harm to a neighbor's property, you could be held responsible. The same goes if your neighbor's tree is damaging your property in Inglewood.
Before you do anything drastic, try to talk to your neighbor. If that does not work, you might need to get an arborist involved. An arborist can document the damage. They can also determine the best course of action. Sometimes, legal action is necessary. That is usually a last resort for tree disputes.
What if the tree is on city property, like in the parkway?
If the tree is in the parkway between the sidewalk and the street, that is generally considered a city-owned tree. You cannot just remove it yourself. If it is dead, or severely diseased, the City of Inglewood might remove it. This also applies if its roots are messing with the curb, gutter, or sidewalk in a way that cannot be fixed otherwise. You will need to contact the Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services at 310-412-8750 to request an assessment or removal for a city tree.
Tree removal is not a small job. It takes careful planning as well as the right equipment. It also takes folks who know what they are doing. Here at Oasis Tree, we have been helping Inglewood homeowners with their tree challenges for years. We have seen it all, from those massive Ficus trees near Morningside Park to the older Sycamores along Crenshaw. We know how to get the tree removal job done safely and efficiently. If you have a tree that needs to go, give us a call. We will give you an honest assessment as well as a clear plan. We offer good service for tree removal in Inglewood.