In many areas, you'd also need a permit from the city or another governing agency.

"Yes, for any tree that measures 6 inches in diameter or larger and
is at least 4 feet, five inches tall. Permits can be obtained by
contacting the Parks Division at (831) 646-3860. There is no charge for a
permit if the tree is dead, dying or dangerous. Otherwise, there is a permit fee. To apply to have a tree removed, please complete a tree removal permit application."

Monterey tree ordinance

Felling a large tree is definitely an art form. A few years ago we had to have an 100 + year old American Elm taken down. It was along a busy road and there were many folks that stopped to watch the talented crew at work. We took lots of pictures

It also cost big $$$. At least in my area it does, but I do like it that they will either haul the debris away or feed it into their chipper.

Around here we are bombarded with tree cutting services, I have cards stuck in the mailbox, into the screen door, on the driveway in little packages of rocks so they don't blow away. I have had numerous huge trees cut down and removed. It's like the loss of a family member I hate to lose a tree. But due to the drought we lost several big ones. The crew I use are great. It's a family from the old man to his grandsons, they are extremely talented at the art. We don't have to get any type of approval or permission, they would be dealing with that 24/7.

We had 5 large pine trees cut down several years ago for $1500. They removed the debris but we had to remove the stumps. They were able to drop the trees on the spot there were no power lines or other obstacles.

It was fun watching them work. I did a lot of burning. Love to burn yard debris.

Lucille, I agree it's impressive to watch tree people work. Several years ago our neighbor had wind damage in her very large tree, and it was amazing to watch the workers scramble around inside the tree to cut out the bad limbs. It's dangerous work.

Well trained professional arborists have often undergone an education and certification process pertinent to achieving their International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) credentials.

I'm proud to say that I've taught many tree physiology, pathology, and identification classes for ISA students as part of my career. It makes me want to jump for joy to know that you all admire them at work.

I, too, will pull over to watch good arborists on the job!

I always recommend the hiring of ISA professionals. It is not an easy nor inexpensive credential to earn and maintain.

Oh good! The company I hired is an ISA member. I didn't really know what it meant but they have it displayed on their paperwork.

I'm impressed with your teaching Rhizo.

I read today that the Ash is becoming extinct in northern Europe. We spent $7K having ashes removed from our property as soon as the Emerald Ash Borer was reported in our area (north of Chicago).

We spend $600 alternate years to inject our 'century' American Elm against Dutch Elm disease. We've seen dozens come down just along our street -- so far, so good. (Fingers crossed.) Irreplaceable beauty.

Our town initiated strict tree removal laws after the Mr. T incident. We have a City Arborist and are a "Tree City".

rhizo_1 -- You may be interested to know that the volunteer master gardeners here in Hawaii responded to my question about the three 'rainbow trees' that block some of my ocean view. Evidently, this tree is something of a 'weed' in its ability to flourish despite severe trimming. Pollarding -- removing the top third of the tree -- would result in a restored view for me and a more appropriately shaped tree as well. (All I have to do is convince the condo board! LOL)

We had about 6 90 foot trees that had to come down (ash trees). 5 of them they couldn't use the "cherry picker". I got so nervous I had to stop watching! The climber was so good, fascinating to see.

Several in the neighborhood need cutting after the wind storm or twister we had last night. Next door a huge oak split luckily it fell to the driveway instead of the house. Another neighbor had one fall on her fence.

DH and our son have had quite a time with tree removal on our property. I prefer not to watch. One day there was a knocking at the door. DH had been testing/practicing how to run the cherry picker--and got STUCK . Too funny!! I am soooo glad we do not live in town where the laws/price of tree removal is bank-rupting!!

We've had several trees removed and each has cost at least $2000. We're in critical area and have to have all sorts of approvals to remove trees. Fortunately the tree company and arborist take care of the permits, etc. We had one that they couldn't get equipment too and the guy went up on a line and cut - it was amazing to watch.