Tree Care including the pruning, trimming, removing, fertilizing and controlling of pests and diseases requires a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise which is acquired from many years of studying and hands on experience. This is one of the most dangerous occupations in the nation and should only be performed by a licensed and insured contractor.
In order to legally perform tree care services in the state of California, a tree contractor must possess a contractors license designation of C-61 (specialty trade) / D-49 Tree Service. Please verify any contractor's license number at the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board in Sacramento, CA. Their website address is Https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
In the state of California, all employees are required to be covered by worker's compensation insurance. A special w.c. insurance code designation and coverage will only be offered to a qualified contractor. Since this is a high risk occupation, most insurance companies do not offer tree care coverage and the few that do are very strict about who to allow coverage to. Please make sure that your tree care contractor shows you his tree care workman's compensation insurance coverage.