Lake Tahoe tree work: your questions answered

Which Lake Tahoe communities do you serve?

We serve the Nevada side: Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Glenbrook, Zephyr Cove, Stateline and Kingsbury. Each has its own page with local numbers such as elevation and wildfire risk. The yard and office are in Carson City, so the drive varies by community. Call 775.232.8243 to confirm your address, and ask about timing at the same time. A certified arborist assesses every job before work begins, whichever shore community you are in. See our overview of Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Do you work in South Lake Tahoe, Truckee or Tahoe City?

No. We work in Nevada only. Tree work on the California shore falls under California's contractor licensing rules, so for those towns you need a California-licensed company. We use phrases such as North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe to mean the Nevada side of the lake. Call us if your property is at Stateline, Zephyr Cove or another Nevada community. Read about tree service in Stateline.

Full answer: Do you work in South Lake Tahoe, Truckee or Tahoe City?

Do I need a permit to remove a tree at Tahoe?

Often yes. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requires a permit to remove a live tree over 14 inches in diameter at breast height. On lakeshore lots, the threshold is 6 inches for trees between the house and the lake. A dead tree that could fall on a house does not need a permit. TRPA decides, so confirm with them before work. Read our guide on Tahoe tree removal permits and the 14-inch rule.

How do I measure my tree for the 14-inch rule?

Diameter at breast height, or DBH, is measured 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side. Wrap a tape around the trunk to get the circumference, then divide by 3.14 for the diameter. A 44-inch circumference is about 14 inches across. The checker on this page does the math for you. If the tree forks or leans, the measuring point can shift, so ask TRPA or the arborist. For the estimate visit, measure if you can.

What if the tree is dead?

TRPA says a dead tree that could fall on a house does not need a permit. A dead tree that is not an immediate threat to a structure may be treated differently, so check with the agency. Do not assume a tree is dead because it looks bare in winter. The arborist can tell at the visit. Our guide on removing dead pines after bark beetles explains how dead trees are assessed.

Full answer: Does a dead tree at Lake Tahoe need a permit?

Can I prune a Tahoe tree without a permit?

TRPA says removing branches from the upper two-thirds of a tree needs a permit, with exceptions for work near structures, utility conflicts and dead wood. The rule is aimed at protecting the tree's crown and views. If you are unsure, ask TRPA before you schedule. Our two ISA Certified Arborists can tell you what the pruning plan would involve at the estimate visit. See tree trimming and pruning.

Full answer: Can I prune a Tahoe tree without a permit?

Who handles defensible-space tree permits?

Fire districts. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District covers Incline Village and Crystal Bay. The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District covers the Nevada south shore. TRPA says they issue defensible-space tree permits with a free evaluation. Contact the district first, then we can do the work to their direction. Read our guide to free evaluations and chipping programs and see defensible space questions.

Full answer: Who handles defensible-space tree permits at Lake Tahoe?

Do you provide snow removal around Lake Tahoe?

Snow removal is a winter service we offer, and our team is available 24 hours a day through the snow season. Our site names the Reno, Carson City and surrounding areas, so ask the office whether your Tahoe address is within the route. Do not assume. Snow loads are heavy at lake elevations. Our guide on heavy wet snow and broken limbs covers the morning after. See the snow removal questions page.

Who decides if I am unsure about the rules?

The agency does, and we recommend that you ask before you schedule work. TRPA covers tree removal in the Basin, and the fire district covers defensible space. We can describe the process and give you an estimate, but we do not decide permits. Bring the permit with you or send it with your estimate form note. For other places, see the permits and rules page.