Mature, well-pruned shade trees over a manicured front lawn and stucco home in warm evening light

    Permits & License

    Fully licensed and insured to provide professional tree services in California.

    At Golden State Tree Care, we are fully licensed and insured to provide professional tree services in California. Our California Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) license number is 1114033, ensuring compliance with state regulations and industry standards.

    We understand that tree removal and certain pruning activities often require permits from local authorities. Permit requirements can vary significantly depending on your location and the specific nature of the work.

    Navigating these regulations can be complex, but our experienced team is here to assist you through the process. We can help determine if a permit is needed for your project and guide you in obtaining the necessary approvals.

    How do you measure a tree's trunk diameter?

    Most East Bay tree ordinances use trunk size measured at a set height above the ground, often called diameter at breast height. Wrap a tape measure around the trunk at that height to get the circumference, then divide by 3.14 to get the diameter.

    For a tree with several trunks, cities usually add the trunks together in a specific way. Ask the city or our crew how your city counts multi-trunk trees before you assume a tree is under the limit.

    Removing a protected tree without approval can bring fines and replacement requirements. When in doubt, check before cutting.

    What are the tree removal permit rules in each city?

    Rules differ from city to city. Every number below is marked as pending until confirmed against the current city code. Always confirm with the city before work starts.

    Tree removal permits in Fremont, CA

    Fremont regulates removal of protected trees on private property and all work on city street trees. The rules live in the Fremont Municipal Code tree preservation section.

    Trunk diameter threshold:
    [Fremont protected-tree trunk diameter threshold pending city confirmation], measured at [measuring height pending confirmation] above ground.
    Heritage and protected trees:
    [Fremont heritage or protected species list, including any native oak rules, pending city confirmation.]
    Street trees:
    Trees in the public right-of-way are city trees. Pruning or removing them requires city approval.
    How to apply:
    [Fremont application steps, reviewing department, and typical review time pending confirmation.]
    Permit fee:
    [Fremont permit fee pending confirmation.]
    Replacement trees:
    [Fremont replacement tree or in-lieu fee requirements pending confirmation.]

    Tree removal permits in Hayward, CA

    Hayward protects certain trees on private property through its tree preservation ordinance and controls all street trees.

    Trunk diameter threshold:
    [Hayward protected-tree trunk diameter threshold pending city confirmation], measured at [measuring height pending confirmation] above ground.
    Heritage and protected trees:
    [Hayward protected species, including native oak, bay, and sycamore rules if applicable, pending city confirmation.]
    Street trees:
    Street trees and trees on city land require city approval for pruning or removal.
    How to apply:
    [Hayward application steps, reviewing department, and typical review time pending confirmation.]
    Permit fee:
    [Hayward permit fee pending confirmation.]
    Replacement trees:
    [Hayward replacement tree requirements pending confirmation.]

    Tree removal permits in Newark, CA

    Newark requires approval for work on trees in the public right-of-way. Some private trees may also need review depending on size and species.

    Trunk diameter threshold:
    [Newark private-tree trunk diameter threshold, if any, pending city confirmation.]
    Heritage and protected trees:
    [Newark heritage or protected tree designation rules pending city confirmation.]
    Street trees:
    Removal or major pruning of a street tree requires a city permit.
    How to apply:
    [Newark application steps and reviewing department pending confirmation.]
    Permit fee:
    [Newark permit fee pending confirmation.]
    Replacement trees:
    [Newark replacement tree requirements pending confirmation.]

    Tree removal permits in Union City, CA

    Union City regulates removal of larger private trees, heritage trees, and trees that are part of an approved landscape plan.

    Trunk diameter threshold:
    [Union City protected-tree trunk diameter threshold pending city confirmation.]
    Heritage and protected trees:
    [Union City heritage tree definition and protected species, such as oak, sycamore, or redwood, pending city confirmation.]
    Street trees:
    City street trees cannot be pruned or removed without approval.
    How to apply:
    [Union City application steps and reviewing department pending confirmation.]
    Permit fee:
    [Union City permit fee pending confirmation.]
    Replacement trees:
    [Union City replacement tree requirements pending confirmation.]

    Tree removal permits in Milpitas, CA

    Milpitas requires a tree permit for removing protected trees on private property and for any work on city-maintained street trees.

    Trunk diameter threshold:
    [Milpitas protected-tree trunk diameter or circumference threshold pending city confirmation.]
    Heritage and protected trees:
    [Milpitas heritage tree designation and protected species rules pending city confirmation.]
    Street trees:
    Street trees maintained by the city cannot be trimmed or removed without authorization.
    How to apply:
    [Milpitas application steps and reviewing department pending confirmation.]
    Permit fee:
    [Milpitas permit fee pending confirmation.]
    Replacement trees:
    [Milpitas replacement tree requirements pending confirmation.]

    How does Golden State Tree Care help with permits?

    • We measure the trunk and identify the species during the free estimate.
    • We tell you whether the tree is likely protected and which city office to contact.
    • We provide photos and a written assessment for your application.
    • We schedule removal only after required approval is in place.

    Emergencies are different. If a tree is failing, call (510) 876-4114. Cities usually allow urgent action, but may require notice afterward.

    Golden State Tree Care Licensing & Compliance

    Golden State Tree Care is a licensed and insured tree service provider. We comply with all local, state, and federal regulations to ensure safe and legal tree care operations. Our team holds the following certifications:

    • ✔ California State Contractor's License
    • ✔ Our Tree Care Crew on Staff
    • ✔ Workers' Compensation & Liability Insurance

    Why Choose Golden State Tree Care?

    • ✔ Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Professionals
    • ✔ Experts in Tree Permit Applications & City Compliance
    • ✔ Safe & Environmentally Friendly Tree Services
    • ✔ Serving Fremont and Surrounding Areas with Trusted Expertise

    For assistance with tree permits, removal, or maintenance:

    (510) 876-4114 info@goldenstatetreecare.net