Certified arborist in Reno, NV

Reno is a large city with every kind of tree situation. The one rule that matters most for arborists is the City's own: a Tree Work Permit and a Certified Arborist are required for work in the City right-of-way.

At a glance

• City right-of-way work requires a Tree Work Permit and a Certified Arborist
• No City permit for private-property trees
• About 37% of Reno homes built before 1980
• Two ISA Certified Arborists, credential WE-11728A

What is the City of Reno rule on tree work?

According to City of Reno Urban Forestry, a Tree Work Permit is required to work on trees in the City right-of-way or on City property, and a Certified Arborist is required for that work. On private property there is no City permit to remove or prune (TMWA summary of local ordinances). Reno Urban Forestry is at 775-321-8373.

If you are not sure which side of the line a tree is on, ask the City first. The agency decides.

When a Reno homeowner needs a consultation

Call when a tree is big, near a structure and of uncertain condition, when you are buying or selling and want a tree opinion in writing, or when a neighbor's tree is an issue and you need facts. About 37% of Reno homes were built before 1980, and about 36% in 2000 or later (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024), so the city has both old, fully grown trees and young ones.

Siberian elms and cottonwoods are widespread on older Northern Nevada lots; see our guides on each for the usual problems.

What the visit covers

The arborist inspects crown, trunk, base and roots, notes the targets around the tree, and explains the options: leave it, prune it, support it with cables or braces, or remove it. A basic consultation answers a single question. An in-depth consultation covers the whole yard and produces a personalized proposal and care plan.

Weather and fire in the valley

The Reno 1.4 NNE station, 1.9 miles from the city point, averages about 9.2 inches of precipitation and 33.3 inches of snow a year (NOAA 1991-2020 normals). Reno sits at about 4,500 feet in hardiness zone 7b.

The USDA Forest Service rates Reno's wildfire risk to homes higher than 97.7% of US communities. The 2026 Hawk Fire, mapped at 15,083 acres, has its center about 7.3 miles from the city point. Dead trees and brush near a house are fair topics for the consultation.

Driving from Carson City

Reno is about 33.5 miles from our yard, about 43 minutes without traffic. That is a drive estimate and not a promise of arrival. Phones are staffed seven days a week, and estimates are free.