When it comes to safe and reliable tree trimming, A Sandoval Tree Service is the trusted choice for homeowners and businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley. With over 30 years of hands-on experience and a proud family legacy, we bring expert care and attention to every trimming project, enhancing the health, safety, and beauty of your trees.
Led by Alfredo Sandoval Jr., our licensed, insured, and bonded team uses the latest equipment and proven techniques to deliver precise, efficient trims that promote strong growth and reduce the risk of storm damage or falling limbs. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, hazard reduction, or shape correction, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Proper tree trimming not only protects your property, it also improves curb appeal and helps your trees thrive for years to come. We take the time to evaluate your landscape and provide honest, professional guidance every step of the way.
Choose A Sandoval Tree Service for expert tree trimming that keeps your trees healthy and your property safe.




What is your tree trimming process?
Our tree trimming process is tailored to deliver clean, healthy results with minimal disruption to your property or routine. Below is a step-by-step overview of how we handle tree trimming to ensure the health of your trees and the safety of your property.
🌿 1. Free Consultation & Tree Evaluation
We start with a no-cost on-site visit to evaluate the tree’s species, condition, structure, and surrounding environment. We’ll discuss your goals—whether it’s health, aesthetics, clearance, or safety—and recommend the best trimming approach.
📝 2. Transparent Estimate & Scheduling
Following the evaluation, we provide a detailed written estimate that covers the scope of work, timeline, and associated costs. Once approved, we schedule the trimming at a time that fits your schedule.
✂️ 3. Expert Tree Trimming
Our experienced crew carefully trims dead, damaged, or overgrown limbs using industry-best practices. Whether it’s crown thinning, canopy lifting, or structural pruning, we make precise cuts to improve the tree’s health, shape, and safety.
🧹 4. Clean-Up & Debris Removal
We collect and haul away all branches and clippings unless you’d like to keep the wood chips or mulch. The site is left clean, with minimal disruption to your landscape.
✅ 5. Final Walkthrough & Recommendations
After the job is complete, we walk the property with you to ensure you’re satisfied with the results. We also offer care tips and future maintenance recommendations tailored to your trees.
Why choose A Sandoval Tree Service for tree trimming?
At A Sandoval Tree Service, we bring over 30 years of trusted experience to every tree trimming project in Los Angeles. As a fully licensed, insured, and bonded company, we provide peace of mind knowing your trees are cared for by skilled professionals who prioritize safety, tree health, and the beauty of your landscape.
Licensed, Insured & Bonded
We’re fully licensed, insured & bonded. No risks. No surprises. Just total protection and professionalism from start to finish.
Decades of Local Expertise
With over 30 years of experience and deep roots in the community, we know how to handle Los Angeles unique tree challenges.
Total Transparency
We offer clear estimates, honest advice, and never push unnecessary work. What you see is what you get.
What is tree trimming?
Tree trimming is the selective removal of specific branches or limbs from a tree to improve its structure, appearance, or safety. It involves cutting away dead, diseased, overgrown, or hazardous branches to maintain the tree’s health and prevent potential damage to nearby property or people.
Beyond aesthetics, trimming plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth. By allowing better air circulation and sunlight penetration, it reduces the risk of disease and encourages strong branch development. Trimming is also essential for clearing power lines, sidewalks, roofs, and improving visibility on streets or driveways. It’s a key part of responsible tree care and maintenance.
What tools are used for professional tree trimming?
Professional tree trimming requires a range of specialized tools designed for precision, efficiency, and safety. The tools used depend on the size of the tree, the type of cuts needed, and the accessibility of the branches.
For smaller branches and detail work, hand pruners, loppers, and pruning saws are commonly used. These allow for clean cuts that minimize damage to the tree. For thicker branches or higher limbs, professionals rely on chainsaws, pole saws, and extendable pruning tools. When working on large trees or in hard-to-reach areas, climbers use harnesses, ropes, and saddles. In many cases, bucket trucks or aerial lifts provide access without the need to climb.
Safety equipment is also crucial, including helmets, gloves, protective glasses, and hearing protection, to ensure the job is completed safely for both the crew and the surrounding property.
How often should trees be trimmed in Los Angeles?
Most trees in Los Angeles should be trimmed every 1 to 3 years, depending on the species, age, and location of the tree. Young trees may need annual shaping to establish strong structure, while mature trees often require less frequent attention, typically every few years.
Local climate and tree growth patterns also influence the schedule. In areas with year-round growth, like much of Southern California, trees may benefit from more regular maintenance. Fast-growing species or trees near structures, streets, or power lines may need more frequent trimming to stay safe and healthy. It’s important to consider the individual needs of each tree, and when in doubt, consult a certified arborist for a personalized maintenance plan.
What is the best time of year to trim trees in Southern California?
The best time to trim most trees in Southern California is during the late winter to early spring months, typically between January and March. During this period, trees are either dormant or just beginning to grow, which reduces stress and promotes healthy new growth.
Trimming in the cooler months also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases, which are more active in warmer weather. However, timing can vary based on tree species. For example, flowering trees may be pruned after blooming, while palm trees are often trimmed in late spring or early summer once dead fronds become visible. In all cases, avoid heavy trimming during extreme heat or drought conditions to protect the tree’s health.
Can you trim trees during a drought in California?
Yes, trees can be trimmed during a drought, but it should be done carefully and with minimal stress to the tree. Light trimming is generally safe, especially when removing dead or hazardous branches. However, major trimming or thinning should be avoided during severe drought conditions.
Trees under water stress have limited resources to heal and defend against pests or disease. Excessive trimming can further weaken them. If trimming is necessary, it’s best to do it during cooler months when trees are less vulnerable. It’s also important to ensure trees receive proper deep watering during and after trimming to support recovery. When in doubt, consult a professional who understands how drought impacts local tree species.
Do palm trees need regular trimming in LA?
Yes, palm trees in LA typically need regular trimming to stay healthy, safe, and attractive. While they don’t require as much maintenance as some other tree species, removing dead or dying fronds, seed pods, and flower stalks is important to prevent hazards and maintain a clean appearance.
In Los Angeles, palm trees are often trimmed once or twice a year, depending on the species and location. Dead fronds can become fire risks, or fall causing injury or property damage, especially in windy conditions. Regular trimming also discourages pests, such as rats and insects, that nest in old growth. However, over-trimming should be avoided, as removing healthy green fronds can weaken the tree. Proper timing and technique are crucial for maintaining healthy palms.
What is the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?
The difference between tree trimming and tree pruning is that tree trimming is done to maintain a tree’s shape, appearance, and clearance, while tree pruning is focused on the tree’s health, safety, and structural integrity.
Trimming is often part of routine maintenance to control size and preserve a clean look, especially for trees near homes, driveways, or power lines. It helps prevent overgrowth from blocking sunlight, views, or access, and reduces the chance of falling branches.
Pruning goes deeper by targeting specific limbs that are dead, diseased, crossing, or structurally unsound. It’s done to reduce stress on the tree, stimulate healthy new growth, and eliminate risks that could lead to damage or decay. Pruning is also used to shape young trees for long-term strength or to manage fruit production in certain species.
While trimming can often be done more frequently, pruning is usually more precise and should be guided by an understanding of tree biology and seasonal timing.
What are the signs a tree needs trimming?
Knowing when to trim a tree is crucial for maintaining a tidy, safe, and functional landscape. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate a tree may need professional trimming.
- Overgrown or Misshapen Canopy: When a tree grows unchecked, its shape can become irregular, giving it a wild or unbalanced appearance. You might notice one side is fuller than the other, or branches growing in awkward directions. Trimming brings the canopy back to a clean, symmetrical shape that complements your landscape design and prevents the tree from overwhelming its space.
- Branches Touching Structures: Branches that reach out and touch your home, garage, roof, windows, or even utility poles are a clear sign it’s time for trimming. These limbs can scrape surfaces, clog gutters with leaves, or cause damage during storms. Regular trimming protects your property and helps maintain a safe distance between trees and structures.
- Blocked Views or Sunlight: If you’ve lost a scenic view or your yard and home feel darker than they used to, your trees might be overgrown. Thick upper branches can block sunlight from reaching your lawn, garden, or windows. Trimming opens up the canopy to allow more natural light and restores visibility for driveways, security cameras, or street views.
- Hanging or Low-Hanging Branches: Branches that droop too low can obstruct walkways, driveways, patios, or seating areas, making them inconvenient or hazardous. These can also interfere with mowing or other landscaping work. Trimming raises the canopy to ensure clear access underneath and helps improve the overall usability of your outdoor spaces.
- Fast-Growing Trees Near Boundaries: Trees growing too quickly near fences, walls, sidewalks, or neighboring properties can easily become a problem. Overgrowth may lead to boundary disputes or damage to nearby structures. Trimming helps keep growth contained and ensures your tree remains a good neighbor, without encroaching on other spaces.
- Storm Preparation or After-Storm Clean-Up: Before storm season, trimming helps reduce the risk of branches breaking off due to high winds or heavy rain. After a storm, trimming is often necessary to remove split or hanging limbs that are still attached but pose a threat to property or people. Routine trimming makes trees more resilient and keeps your property safer year-round.
- Dense Foliage Causing Wind Resistance: A thick, tightly packed canopy acts like a sail, catching strong winds and increasing the chances of the tree being uprooted or damaged. Trimming some of the outer and overlapping branches can reduce wind resistance, helping the tree stay grounded and more stable in adverse weather.
- Seasonal Maintenance for Aesthetic Appeal: Even healthy trees require regular maintenance to maintain their attractive appearance. Over time, they can develop an unruly or shaggy look that makes your property appear neglected. Seasonal trimming sharpens their outline, enhances curb appeal, and keeps your landscape looking well-kept and inviting.
What are the benefits of tree trimming?
Tree trimming isn’t just about improving appearance. It also helps protect your property, manage growth, and maintain a safe outdoor environment. Below are some of the most important benefits of regular tree trimming.
- Improves Appearance and Shape: A well-trimmed tree looks intentional, neat, and balanced. Without trimming, trees can become lopsided, misshapen, or overly dense, making your landscape appear cluttered or neglected. Regular trimming enhances the tree’s natural form, creating clean lines and a visually pleasing profile that complements nearby structures and plantings.
- Prevents Property Damage: Overgrown limbs that extend too far can cause costly problems. Branches rubbing against siding, scraping roofs, or hanging over power lines and driveways pose serious risks. Trimming keeps branches from interfering with structures, reducing the chances of broken windows, damaged gutters, or fallen limbs during high winds or storms.
- Increases Sunlight and Airflow: Dense tree canopies can block sunlight from reaching grass, gardens, or patios, leading to patchy lawns and limited plant growth. Trimming opens up space between branches, allowing more sunlight to filter through. It also promotes better airflow, which can help reduce mold, mildew, and moisture buildup around your home and yard.
- Maintains Safe Clearance: Low-hanging or wide-reaching branches can obstruct sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or outdoor gathering spaces. This creates safety hazards for pedestrians, drivers, and visitors. Trimming lifts the canopy and keeps trees from encroaching on walkways and open areas, ensuring people can move around your property safely and comfortably.
- Controls Growth and Size: Trees that grow too tall or wide can quickly outgrow their space, crowding buildings, fences, and other plants. Trimming allows you to control the tree’s size and direction of growth. This is especially important in urban or suburban areas where space is limited and overgrowth can lead to expensive repairs or removals.
- Reduces Storm Risk: Trees with long, heavy limbs or thick canopies are more vulnerable during storms. Strong winds or heavy rain can cause untrimmed branches to break, posing a threat to people, property, and vehicles. Trimming helps reduce wind resistance and removes weight from weak limbs, making the tree more resilient in extreme weather.
- Encourages Better Visibility: Overgrown trees can block views from windows, hide signage, or limit the visibility of driveways, entryways, and streets. This can create safety issues and reduce the visual appeal of your home or business. Trimming restores clear sight lines and improves both aesthetics and functionality around your property.
Is tree trimming necessary for tree health?
Yes, tree trimming is often necessary for maintaining a tree’s overall health. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, trimming helps prevent decay from spreading and reduces the risk of pest infestations or fungal infections that can weaken the tree over time.
In addition to removing unhealthy growth, trimming can improve airflow and sunlight penetration within the canopy, which supports healthy development and reduces stress. It also helps balance the tree’s structure, preventing uneven weight distribution that can lead to breakage or leaning. While not all trees require frequent trimming, periodic maintenance is an important part of keeping trees strong, stable, and thriving in their environment.
Will trimming my tree make it grow faster?
Trimming a tree can promote healthier and sometimes faster growth, but only when done correctly and at the right time. By removing dead, weak, or crowded branches, trimming allows the tree to redirect its energy toward stronger limbs and new growth.
It also improves airflow and light exposure, which encourages the development of healthy leaves and branches. However, excessive or improper trimming can have the opposite effect, weakening the tree or slowing its growth. Light, strategic cuts made with the tree’s natural structure in mind are the most effective for stimulating growth without causing stress.
Can tree trimming prevent storm damage?
Yes, proper tree trimming can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage. By removing weak, dead, or overextended branches, trimming helps prevent limbs from breaking off during high winds, heavy rain, or other extreme weather conditions.
Trimming also improves the tree’s overall structure and balance, making it more resistant to strong gusts and reducing the chance of the tree leaning or uprooting. Thinning dense canopies allows wind to pass through more easily, lowering the risk of branches acting like sails and pulling the tree down. While no method can guarantee total protection, routine trimming is one of the most effective ways to minimize storm-related hazards and protect surrounding property.
What happens if I don’t trim my trees?
If trees are not regularly trimmed, several problems can develop over time. Overgrown branches can become weak or crowded, increasing the risk of breakage during storms or high winds. Dead or diseased limbs left in place may attract pests or spread decay throughout the tree.
Without trimming, trees can also grow unevenly or become unbalanced, which may lead to structural instability or leaning. In urban or residential settings, untrimmed trees can interfere with power lines, block sunlight, damage roofs, or obstruct walkways and driveways. Neglecting trimming for too long can lead to more expensive maintenance down the road—or in some cases, complete removal if the tree becomes hazardous. Regular trimming helps maintain health, safety, and appearance.
What are the risks of tree trimming?
There are also physical risks involved, especially when working at heights or near power lines. Falls, equipment injuries, and electrocution are serious hazards, particularly for those without proper training or safety gear. For these reasons, tree trimming is best left to experienced professionals who understand safe practices and how to cut without harming the tree.
How do I know if a tree is being over-trimmed?
A tree is being over-trimmed if a large portion of its canopy, typically more than 25%, is removed at once, especially when healthy, green branches are taken off unnecessarily. This can leave the tree looking bare or unbalanced, with long, exposed limbs and little foliage.
Other signs include excessive sprouting along the trunk or major branches, which is a stress response called “water sprouts” or “suckers.” These fast-growing shoots often indicate the tree is trying to recover from shock. Over-trimming can also lead to sunscald, where too much light suddenly hits previously shaded bark, causing cracking or damage. If you notice these symptoms or if the tree appears unhealthy or stunted after trimming, it may have been over-pruned and should be evaluated by an arborist.
Can over-trimming kill a tree?
Yes, over-trimming can kill a tree, especially if too much of the canopy is removed at once or if cuts are made incorrectly. Trees rely on their leaves to produce energy through photosynthesis. When a large portion of those leaves is removed, the tree’s ability to feed itself is severely reduced, leading to stress, decline, and eventually death if it cannot recover.
Over-trimming also creates open wounds, making the tree more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Repeated heavy pruning can deplete a tree’s energy reserves and weaken its natural defenses. While some trees may survive a single aggressive trimming, repeated or extreme cutting greatly increases the risk of long-term damage or failure. It’s important to trim conservatively and follow best practices to support the tree’s health.
How do I know if my tree was trimmed incorrectly?
Signs of incorrect tree trimming can include large, jagged cuts, missing major limbs, or a tree that looks unbalanced or unnaturally shaped. If more than a quarter of the canopy was removed at once, especially from a healthy tree, that’s a red flag. Excessive thinning, cutting too close to the trunk, or leaving large stubs can all indicate poor technique.
Other warning signs may appear over time, such as the rapid sprouting of thin, weak shoots (called suckers or water sprouts), slow recovery, or visible wounds that don’t heal properly. Bark damage near the cuts, torn branches, or open splits are also indicators that improper tools or careless methods were used. If you’re unsure, a certified arborist can assess the tree’s condition and recommend corrective action if necessary.
Can I trim a tree myself?
You can trim a tree yourself if the work is small, manageable, and performed safely. Light maintenance tasks, such as removing small, low-hanging branches or dead twigs, can often be done with basic hand tools and proper precautions. For young trees or shrubs, routine shaping may also be safe for homeowners.
However, trimming larger trees, working at height, or cutting near structures or power lines should be left to professionals. These situations carry serious safety risks and require specialized equipment and training. Improper trimming can also harm the tree, leading to long-term damage or health decline. If you’re unsure about the size or complexity of the job, it’s best to consult a licensed tree care professional.
What happens to the branches and debris after trimming?
After tree trimming, the branches, leaves, and other debris are typically collected and removed from the property by the tree service. Most professional crews chip the branches on-site using a wood chipper, turning them into mulch or wood chips that can be hauled away or, in some cases, left for the homeowner to use in landscaping.
Larger limbs may be cut into manageable pieces for disposal, firewood, or recycling, depending on the condition of the wood and local guidelines. Reputable companies include cleanup and haul-away as part of their service, leaving the area neat and free of debris. It’s always a good idea to confirm cleanup details in advance when hiring a trimming service.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Los Angeles?
Additionally, certain tree species, such as native oaks, black walnuts, and California sycamores, may be protected on private property under the city’s Protected Tree Ordinance. Trimming these trees without a permit can result in fines or enforcement actions. For routine trimming of non-protected trees on private land, permits are generally not required. However, it’s important to verify this before undertaking any work. When in doubt, contact the Bureau of Street Services or a licensed arborist familiar with local regulations.
Can I be fined for trimming a protected tree in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can be fined for trimming a protected tree in Los Angeles without proper authorization. The city has specific regulations under the Protected Tree Ordinance that cover native species, including coast live oaks, Southern California black walnuts, western sycamores, and California bay laurels. Unauthorized cutting, pruning, or damaging of these trees can lead to substantial penalties.
Fines may vary depending on the severity of the violation and whether the damage is reversible. In some cases, additional requirements such as replacement planting or restoration plans may also be imposed. To avoid penalties, it’s essential to determine whether a tree is protected and obtain the necessary permits before performing any work.
Who is responsible for trimming parkway trees in Los Angeles?
The City is generally responsible for trimming parkway trees in Los Angeles. These trees are considered public property and fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division.
While property owners are not allowed to trim or remove parkway trees on their own, they can submit a request to the City for maintenance or, in some cases, apply for a permit to have a licensed contractor perform the work. Unauthorized trimming of parkway trees can result in fines or other enforcement actions. It’s always best to go through the proper city channels before taking any action on trees in the public right-of-way.
Can I trim a neighbor’s tree that hangs over my property in California?
Yes, in California, you are generally allowed to trim parts of a neighbor’s tree that extend over your property line, as long as the work is done without entering their property and does not harm the overall health or stability of the tree.
You can remove overhanging branches that encroach into your space, but you must do so carefully. If the trimming damages or kills the tree, you could be held liable for the cost of replacement, loss in value, or even additional damages. You also cannot trespass onto your neighbor’s land or cut beyond your property line without their permission. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to talk with your neighbor first and, for larger jobs, hire a certified arborist who understands how to trim safely and legally.
What should I do if my HOA has tree trimming rules?
If your HOA has tree trimming rules, the first step is to review the community’s governing documents, such as the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) or landscape guidelines. These documents typically outline the types of tree work permitted, who is responsible for maintenance, and whether approval is required before trimming.
Before scheduling any trimming, contact your HOA or management company to confirm the process and obtain any necessary permissions. Some associations require pre-approval, specific contractors, or adherence to seasonal schedules. Ignoring HOA rules can lead to fines, violation notices, or even requests to reverse the work. By following the proper steps, you can avoid conflicts and ensure the trimming is compliant with community standards.