A leaning eucalyptus after a storm, roots buckling the driveway, or a fire-clearance deadline from your insurer. Tree work in LA is part safety job, part craft, and the wrong crew can butcher a healthy tree. We compared every tree service in Los Angeles with a real Google track record, weighed how many customers actually rate them and how consistently, and picked five you can trust with the chainsaw.
Short answer: The top tree removal pick in Los Angeles is Gabriel´s Tree Service And Landscaping (a perfect 5.0 stars across 641 Google reviews, the rare combination of a flawless rating and heavy volume). Runners-up are Pacific Tree Care in Santa Monica (4.9, 176 reviews) and California Tree Design (4.8). A typical removal runs about $400 to $1,200, with large or hazardous trees climbing higher, plus stump grinding near $100 to $400 in 2026.
How the scoring works
Every number on this page comes from public Google data pulled on the verified date, not from opinion or payment. Rating is the live Google star average. Volume is how many customers have left a review, ranked against other LA tree services. Confidence weighs the rating by that volume, so a 5.0 from 641 people carries far more weight than the same score from a dozen. Recency tracks how lately people are still reviewing. No business can pay to change these numbers.
What does tree removal cost in Los Angeles? (2026)
Price depends most on tree size, health, access and whether power lines or structures are nearby. Emergency and crane work costs more. Here are current 2026 ranges for common jobs:
| Job | Typical price |
|---|
| Small tree removal (under 30 ft) | $200 - $600 |
| Medium tree removal (30-60 ft) | $600 - $1,200 |
| Large tree removal (60 ft+) | $1,500 - $3,000+ |
| Stump grinding | $100 - $400 |
| Tree trimming / pruning | $250 - $700 |
| Arborist inspection / report | $150 - $300 |
Ranges compiled July 2026 from Angi, HomeGuide and Forbes Home tree-service data, adjusted for Los Angeles; the arborist-inspection figure reflects California Tree Design’s published $250 rate. Get a written, on-site estimate, since access and hazards move the price more than height alone.
Serving Los Angeles and beyond
These crews cover Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, the Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale and the San Fernando Valley. Searching tree removal near me? Each listing below shows a live phone number and directions so you can reach the closest crew fast.
What to ask before you hire a tree service
- Are you licensed and insured in California, including liability and workers’ comp?
- Is the quote flat-rate, and does it include haul-away and cleanup?
- Do you grind the stump, and is that priced separately?
- Who assesses the job, and is an arborist involved for a hazardous or protected tree?
- Do you handle emergency or storm-damage removals, and what’s the after-hours rate?
- Will I get the estimate in writing after an on-site visit?
Frequently asked questions
How did you choose these tree services?
We started from every tree service in Los Angeles with a public Google presence, then ranked by rating, review volume, consistency and recency. See how the scoring works above.
Are these rankings paid?
No. Rankings come from the public Google data in the scorecard. A business can pay to be a Featured Partner, which adds a badge and top placement, but that never changes another business’s score or position.
How often is this updated?
The data carries a verified date of July 2026. We refresh the listings periodically so ratings and review counts stay current.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Los Angeles?
Sometimes. LA protects certain native and heritage trees (including some oaks), and rules vary by city and property. A good tree service or arborist will flag whether your tree needs a permit before any cutting starts, so ask during the estimate.
How fast can someone come for a fallen or dangerous tree?
Several crews here, including Gabriel´s and Hallelujah, advertise 24/7 emergency response. For an immediate hazard, call and say it’s an emergency; confirm the after-hours rate and that they can safely handle work near power lines or structures.
The bottom line
Gabriel´s is the safe default for most LA homeowners, with a flawless rating on real volume and 24/7 response, while Pacific Tree Care is the Westside specialist for careful work on mature trees. For anything near a power line or a protected tree, get a licensed, insured crew and a written on-site estimate first.
