17+ YEARS BAY AREA TREE EXPERIENCE
Crane Tree Removal Bay Area — ISA-Certified. Zero Property Damage.
The Bay Area's crane tree removal specialists — estate properties, trees over pools, tight hillside access, Heritage Oak permits. When the job is too complex for conventional equipment, we are the call you make.
CA License N.- 1055868
17+
YEARS IN THE
BAY AREA
100%
GENERAL LIABILITY
INSURANCE
25+
CITIES
SERVED
4.9
RATED ON
REAL JOB - ATHERTON, CA
The Tuscalosa & Austin Ave Job - BETWEEN TWO ESTATE PROPERTIES
This is the job that defines what Skyline can do with a crane. A massive Heritage Oak positioned directly between two multi-million dollar properties in Atherton — no safe fall zone in either direction, both neighbors watching, Heritage permit required, tight residential street access for the crane. Our ISA-certified crew removed the tree without a single branch touching either structure.
This is the standard we bring to every crane job across the Bay Area — from Hillsborough estate properties to Woodside hillside terrain to Orinda canyon access situations. When the job has no margin for error, this is the team you call.
0
STRUCTURES
TOUCHED
2
ESTATE PROPERTIES
PROTECTED
OAK
HERITAGE OAK
TREE PERMIT SECURED
100%
ATHERTON BUSINESS
LICENSE HELD
WHEN YOU NEED A CRANE
6 Situations Where Crane Removal
Is the Only Safe Answer
A crane is not always necessary — but when it is, conventional rigging becomes dangerous and irresponsible. These are the situations where Skyline deploys crane equipment as the professional standard for hazardous tree removal and large tree removal across the Bay Area.
Trees Over Pools, Decks & Backyard Structures
A tree positioned directly over your pool, pergola, or outdoor kitchen cannot be safely rigged using conventional methods — dropped sections would cause catastrophic damage. The crane lifts each section off the tree and swings it clear, with zero ground impact on protected areas. Same approach applies to Los Gatos creek-side tree removal where a single dropped log could damage waterway banks.
Common in: Los Gatos · Saratoga · Monte Sereno · Danville · Menlo Park backyards
Steep Hillside & Mountain Terrain
Safe hillside tree removal using cranes Woodside CA — and the same precision applies to Portola Valley acreage, Los Gatos mountain tree removal crane services, Orinda canyons, and Lafayette ridges. The crane reaches from a road or flat staging area, eliminating equipment on the slope and protecting your hillside vegetation. Professional arborist crane services Portola Valley CA homeowners trust.
Common in: Woodside · Portola Valley · Los Gatos · Orinda · Lafayette · Alamo
Trees Near Power Lines & Utility Clearance
When a large tree is adjacent to active power lines, conventional felling is not an option. Menlo Park crane assisted tree removal near power lines and crane assisted hazardous tree removal Los Gatos CA both follow the same protocol: the crane allows the arborist to work from the opposite side of the tree, lifting sections away from the utility corridor. We coordinate directly with PG&E for de-energization when required.
Common in: All service areas · Menlo Park · Los Gatos · suburban density
Trees Between Neighboring Properties
When a large tree sits directly between your property and your neighbor's — with structures on both sides and no safe fall zone — crane extraction is the only method that guarantees zero impact on either property. Safe crane assisted tree removal for tight spaces in Atherton, Hillsborough residential crane tree services for large pines, and compact crane services for Menlo Park backyard tree removal are routine for our crew.
Common in: Atherton · Hillsborough · Menlo Park · Palo Alto
Trees Over or Against Structures
Storm-damaged trees leaning against your roof, or large trees that have grown into your structure over time, require the crane's precision lift to extract without additional structural damage. Precision tree removal over structures Hillsborough CA homeowners depend on — each section is removed vertically. No sliding, no dragging, no impact.
Common in: All Peninsula communities · East Bay hillside cities
Massive Estate, Heritage & Redwood Trees
Saratoga redwood tree removal using heavy lift cranes, large heritage oak removal with crane Portola Valley, and Atherton estate tree removal with specialized cranes — all use the same principle. Coast live oaks, valley oaks, mature eucalyptus, and coastal redwoods over 80 feet with trunk diameters exceeding 36 inches present section weights that conventional rigging cannot safely control. The crane's rated load capacity eliminates the physics problem entirely.
Common in: Woodside · Atherton · Hillsborough · Portola Valley · Saratoga
OUR PROCESS
The Skyline Tree Removal Process — No Surprises
Every removal follows a disciplined 5-step process developed over 17 years of Bay Area work. You know what to expect at every stage before we start.
01
02
03
04
05
Free On-Site Assessment
An ISA-certified arborist visits, evaluates every tree, identifies hidden hazards, checks permit requirements for your city, and provides a written itemized estimate. Always free, always on-site — we never quote complex removals over the phone.
Permit Coordination (If Required)
For Heritage Trees in Woodside, Portola Valley, Hillsborough, Atherton, or Los Altos Hills — we prepare all application materials, submit to the building department or Planning Commission, and attend hearings. Work only begins after permit is issued.
Safety Zone Setup & Protection
We protect your property before a single cut. Fencing, ground covers, and rigging are positioned to ensure the tree lands exactly where planned — never on structures, vehicles, or neighboring property.
Precision Removal — Section by Section
Our certified crew works top-down, piece by piece, using professional rigging and — when required — crane systems. Every cut is planned. Wood is lowered, never dropped. For estate and heritage situations, ground impact is zero.
🏠 Will Removal Damage My Property?
This is the question we hear most from Woodside, Hillsborough, and Atherton homeowners. Our answer: not if the job is planned and executed correctly. We assess weight distribution, fall zones, and clearances before any equipment moves. For tight estate properties, crane-assisted removal eliminates the risk of ground-fall impact entirely. We have never damaged a neighboring property on a crane job.
📋 What Documentation Do I Receive?
Every Skyline removal includes a complete photo documentation package — before, during, and after the job. This is accepted by all major California homeowners insurers, suitable for WFPD and CalFire compliance reporting, and meets Heritage Tree disclosure requirements for real estate transactions in Woodside, Portola Valley, and Atherton.
Not Sure how to proceed?
Use our AI Arborist tool to describe your tree's condition and get an instant expert assessment .
Full Cleanup, Haul-Away & Documentation
All debris, chips, and wood are removed. The area is raked clean. You receive full photo documentation of the completed work — suitable for insurance claims, real estate disclosure, and fire district compliance reporting.
WHEN YOU NEED A CRANE
6 Situations Where Crane Removal
Is the Only Safe Answer
A crane is not always necessary — but when it is, conventional rigging becomes dangerous and irresponsible. These are the situations where Skyline deploys crane equipment as the professional standard for hazardous tree removal and large tree removal across the Bay Area.
Trees Over Pools, Decks & Backyard Structures
A tree positioned directly over your pool, pergola, or outdoor kitchen cannot be safely rigged using conventional methods — dropped sections would cause catastrophic damage. The crane lifts each section off the tree and swings it clear, with zero ground impact on protected areas. Same approach applies to Los Gatos creek-side tree removal where a single dropped log could damage waterway banks.
Common in: Los Gatos · Saratoga · Monte Sereno · Danville · Menlo Park backyards
Steep Hillside & Mountain Terrain
Safe hillside tree removal using cranes Woodside CA — and the same precision applies to Portola Valley acreage, Los Gatos mountain tree removal crane services, Orinda canyons, and Lafayette ridges. The crane reaches from a road or flat staging area, eliminating equipment on the slope and protecting your hillside vegetation. Professional arborist crane services Portola Valley CA homeowners trust.
Common in: Woodside · Portola Valley · Los Gatos · Orinda · Lafayette · Alamo
Trees Near Power Lines & Utility Clearance
When a large tree is adjacent to active power lines, conventional felling is not an option. Menlo Park crane assisted tree removal near power lines and crane assisted hazardous tree removal Los Gatos CA both follow the same protocol: the crane allows the arborist to work from the opposite side of the tree, lifting sections away from the utility corridor. We coordinate directly with PG&E for de-energization when required.
Common in: All service areas · Menlo Park · Los Gatos · suburban density
Trees Between Neighboring Properties
When a large tree sits directly between your property and your neighbor's — with structures on both sides and no safe fall zone — crane extraction is the only method that guarantees zero impact on either property. Safe crane assisted tree removal for tight spaces in Atherton, Hillsborough residential crane tree services for large pines, and compact crane services for Menlo Park backyard tree removal are routine for our crew.
Common in: Atherton · Hillsborough · Menlo Park · Palo Alto
Trees Over or Against Structures
Storm-damaged trees leaning against your roof, or large trees that have grown into your structure over time, require the crane's precision lift to extract without additional structural damage. Precision tree removal over structures Hillsborough CA homeowners depend on — each section is removed vertically. No sliding, no dragging, no impact.
Common in: All Peninsula communities · East Bay hillside cities
Massive Estate, Heritage & Redwood Trees
Saratoga redwood tree removal using heavy lift cranes, large heritage oak removal with crane Portola Valley, and Atherton estate tree removal with specialized cranes — all use the same principle. Coast live oaks, valley oaks, mature eucalyptus, and coastal redwoods over 80 feet with trunk diameters exceeding 36 inches present section weights that conventional rigging cannot safely control. The crane's rated load capacity eliminates the physics problem entirely.
Common in: Woodside · Atherton · Hillsborough · Portola Valley · Saratoga
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Tree Removal Cost in the Bay Area:
What to Expect in 2026
Pricing varies by tree size, species, and site access. Get a free on-site estimate from an ISA-certified arborist — itemized, transparent, and with no obligation.
Small Trees
Under 25 ft — ornamentals, fruit trees, young oaks
$400 - $1200
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Per tree · varies by access and species
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Fruit trees, Japanese maples, ornamentals
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Accessible without aerial or crane equipment
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Stump grinding available as add-on ($200–$300)
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Full cleanup and haul-away included
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Same-day scheduling often available
Medium Trees
25–60 ft — mature oaks, redwoods, eucalyptus
$1200 - $4000
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Per tree · terrain and access significantly affect pricing
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Standard shade trees, mature Coast Live Oaks
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Eucalyptus, Monterey Pine, liquid amber
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May require climbing arborist or aerial lift
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Heritage permit coordination if required
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Full compliance documentation included
Large & Estate Trees
60+ ft — tall oaks, redwoods, eucalyptus
$4000+
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Crane-assisted jobs quoted separately on-site
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Tall eucalyptus, Valley Oaks, Coastal Redwoods
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Crane-assisted for estate & tight-access properties
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Heritage permit preparation and submission
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Full insurance documentation package
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Construction coordination available
Before any work begins, your ISA-certified arborist walks the property, reviews every factor involved, and hands you a written quote — fully itemized, no guesswork, no surprise charges after the job. That includes site access and terrain on hillside properties in Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Gatos, Atherton, and Orinda; Heritage Tree permit requirements where applicable; crane requirements for trees where standard equipment cannot safely reach; species considerations such as eucalyptus and redwood which require more crew time than standard trees.
Coast Live Oak
$1,200–$8,000+
Heritage permits required in most Peninsula cities. ISA-certified arborist and Planning Commission approval needed in Woodside, Atherton, PV, Hillsborough. Replace with 36-inch container oak where required.
Monterey Pine
$1,000–$4,000+
Dense canopy and height require experienced climbing crew. Removal during construction or landscaping projects most common.
Eucalyptus Tree
$1,500–$6,000+
Fast-growing, heavy limbs, high fire risk. Common in fire zone communities — removal is frequently required for WFPD and CalFire compliance. Often requires aerial lift or crane due to height.
Coastal Redwood
$2,500–$10,000+
Protected in many Bay Area cities — check local ordinances before any work. Height and root system make this one of the most complex removal species. Crane typically required for specimens over 60 ft.
HERITAGE TREE PERMITS
You Cannot Remove These Trees Without a Permit — And the Fines Are Severe
Before removing any large tree in the Bay Area, know this: most cities have heritage tree ordinances, and cutting down a protected tree without a permit can cost you $20,000 to $60,000 in fines — regardless of whether you knew the tree was protected. Woodside, Portola Valley, Hillsborough, Atherton, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Saratoga, San Jose, Orinda, Lafayette and Pleasanton are among the strictest. Skyline manages the entire permit process for you, so you never have to worry about getting it wrong.
Atherton
Municipal Code Chapter 8.10 · Ord. 673 (July 2025)
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Any oak (valley oak, coast live oak, blue oak) with trunk circumference ≥48" at 54" above grade
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Dead/dangerous trees: Building Department approval (faster path)
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All others: Planning Commission hearing (4th Wednesday, 6 PM)
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Heritage oak removed from buildable area must be replaced with 48-inch container oak
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Skyline holds a valid Atherton business license
Portola Valley
Portola Valley Tree Ordinance
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One of the strictest tree protection codes in the Bay Area
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Heritage Oaks and "Significant Trees" both protected
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Pre-sale fire inspection required for WUI properties — effective July 1, 2021
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AB 38 pre-sale compliance certificate required before escrow can close
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Skyline coordinates PV permit process and compliance documentation
Woodside
Town of Woodside Tree Ordinance
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Heritage oaks and significant trees protected town-wide
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Certified arborist report required for all permit applications
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WFPD Ordinance 24-01 fire compliance may also apply to removal scope
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Real estate sellers must disclose Heritage Tree compliance status at sale
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Skyline has secured Woodside removal permits successfully
Hillsborough & Los Altos Hills
City-Specific Heritage Tree Ordinances
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Both cities require permits for removal of protected oaks and significant trees
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Hillsborough: contact Public Works Department for tree permit requirements
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Los Altos Hills: significant tree ordinance protects trees over specified size
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Fines for unpermitted removal can be severe in both jurisdictions
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Skyline handles permit applications for both cities
⚠ Fines for unpermitted removal or damage: up to 50% of the tree's appraised value
⚠ Non-compliant sellers face escrow delays and potential legal complications
⚠ Always contact us before removing any large tree in portola valley.
⚠ Always contact us before removing any large tree in these cities
What Skyline Does for Heritage Tree Permits — Turnkey
We prepare the certified ISA arborist inspection report, produce the site map, compile all supporting documentation, submit the application to the correct department. You do not touch the paperwork. We have successfully navigated this process in Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, and Hillsborough — and we know each city's arborist by name and what they look for in a complete application.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Tree Trimming vs Tree Pruning
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different work with different outcomes. Understanding the difference helps you request the right service — and avoid contractors who use vague language to hide sloppy work.
TREE TRIMMING
Aesthetics & clearance
Shape,
clearance,
tidiness
Late spring / early summer
Advanced (ISA Certified Arborist)
TREE PRUNING
Tree health & structure
Selective branch removal, disease control, structural correction
Dormant season (winter)
Expert (ISA Certified Arborist)
TREE SERVICE
Primary Goal
Work Scope
Best Time of Year
Skill Required
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Trusted By Hundreds
of Bay Area Homeowners
4.9
★★★★★
Based on 56+
Google Reviews
Angela McLeod
Portola Valley, Ca.
Exceptional customer service. Unmatched professional tree service. I truly cannot overstate how impressed we were with Joel Valencia and the team at Skyline Tree Experts. Our neighbors highly recommended their services to us and I can see why. Our entire neighborhood trusts them for tree care with a conservationist mindset.
★★★★★
Jennifer Smart
Woodside, Ca.
I highly recommend Joel and the team at Skyline Tree Experts for their responsiveness, their knowledge of the local Woodside landscape, and, most of all, for their knowledge of tree species and their ability to apply the right tree management tactic to the specific tree and situation.
★★★★★
Yana F.
Orinda, Ca.
"Joel and his team are AMAZING! They work hard, fast and leave the place spotless after. I needed 4 large and very dead pine trees removed from my hilltop backyard - Joel's team handled it like the experts they are...
★★★★★
Ken Kormanak
Portola Valley, Ca.
They've done everything from light pruning to removal of an 8-foot diameter, multi-trunk bay tree that fell on my property. They can do it all safely and clean up neatly after they're done. I would highly recommend them for your Tree Service needs.
★★★★★
COMMON QUESTIONS
Tree Removal FAQs — What Bay Area
Homeowners Ask Most
The most common questions Bay Area homeowners ask before hiring a tree removal service. Don't see your question? Call us — we love tree talk.
How much does tree removal cost in the Bay Area?
Tree removal in the Bay Area typically costs $600–$1,500 for small trees, $1,500–$4,000 for medium trees (25–60 ft), and $4,000–$15,000+ for large estate trees or crane-assisted removals. Bay Area prices run 30–40% above national averages. Every Skyline estimate is free, on-site, and itemized. Call (650) 670-2647.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my property?
It depends on your city and tree species. Hillsborough, Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, and Los Altos Hills all have Heritage Tree ordinances — removing a protected oak without a permit can result in fines of $20,000–$60,000. Skyline handles all permit applications, arborist reports, and Planning Commission submissions for you.
When is the best time to remove a tree in California?
Late winter to early spring (January–March) is generally best — trees are dormant, making removal easier and less stressful on surrounding vegetation. For fire safety, removing dead or hazardous trees before May is strongly recommended. Emergency hazardous removal should happen immediately regardless of season. Monterey Pine removal should avoid May–September to prevent bark beetle attraction.
Can you remove trees near power lines?
Yes — but only with proper coordination. We work directly with PG&E and local utilities to ensure the line is de-energized before our crew approaches. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove a tree near power lines yourself. We handle all utility coordination as part of the job at no extra charge.
Do you handle Heritage Tree permits in Woodside, Hillsborough and Atherton?
Yes — this is work we do regularly across all Heritage Tree ordinance cities on the Peninsula. We prepare the certified arborist report, site documentation, and Planning Commission application. We attend hearings on your behalf. Skyline holds an Atherton business license and has successfully secured permits in all Heritage Tree cities across San Mateo County.
Is stump grinding included in the tree removal?
Stump grinding is typically quoted separately — $200–$600 per stump depending on diameter and access. We grind to 6–12 inches below grade, then fill and rake the area clean. Just mention stump grinding when requesting your estimate and we include it in the on-site quote.
How long does tree removal take?
A single small or medium tree typically takes 2–4 hours. Large trees or crane-assisted removals can take a full day or more. Multiple estate trees may require 1–2 days. We give you an accurate time estimate during the free on-site assessment and keep you informed throughout the job.
Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Insurance typically covers removal when a tree falls on a covered structure (home, garage, fence) due to a named peril like storm or wind. It generally does not cover standing hazardous trees before they fall. Skyline provides full photo documentation, arborist reports, and work records for all insurance claims — at no extra charge.
What areas do you serve for tree removal?
Skyline serves all four Bay Area counties: San Mateo County (Hillsborough, Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, Menlo Park, San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City), Santa Clara County (Los Gatos, San Jose, Los Altos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Mountain View, Santa Clara), Contra Costa County (Walnut Creek, Danville, Lafayette, Alamo, Orinda, Pleasant Hill), and Alameda County (Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, Castro Valley). Call (650) 670-2647 for Peninsula, (925) 949-9037 for East Bay.
What happens to the wood after removal?
All debris is chipped, hauled, and disposed of or recycled — we never leave material on-site. If you want to keep firewood-sized pieces, just let us know during the estimate and we will cut and stack them.
SERVICE AREA
Tree Removal Near Me — Bay Area Coverage
ISA-certified tree removal across all four Bay Area counties. Free estimates, same-week scheduling for most locations.
WFPD · fire compliance
Full tree removal service
ISA-certified arborist
Large Tree Experts
ISA-certified arborist
Heritage permit experts
Tree Removal & Grinding
Tree removal Permit
Dangerous Tree removal
Tree Removal service
Crane · estate · permits
Large Tree Removal
Heritage Tree Expertise
ISA-certified arborist
Commercial Tree Care
Heritage Tree Removal
Residential & Commercial
Commercial Tree service
Fire Preventive
Dead tree removal
ISA-certified arborist
Tree Removal and stump
Tree removal service
Tree Permit Experts
Tree Experts
GET STARTED TODAY
Ready for Your Free
Tree Removal Estimate?
Request Your Free Estimate
ISA-certified arborist responds within 60 minutes · No obligation
Our ISA-certified arborists provide free on-site assessments throughout the Bay Area — including Heritage Tree permit review, permit cost estimates, and honest advice about whether removal is actually necessary. No pressure, no obligation.
🔒 Secure · We never share your information · Reply within 1 hour
ALSO SERVING
Neighboring Communities
ISA-certified tree services across the Bay Area since 2008.
24/7 response for storm-damaged, fallen, or hazardous trees threatening your property.
Specialized prevention and treatment protocols for California oaks at risk of SOD.
Safe removal of large or hard-to-access trees using crane technology. For the toughest jobs.
Professional tree trimming services by certified Arborist.
Best practices for your trees.
CAL FIRE-compliant fuel reduction and fire-wise tree work for wildfire-zone properties.
Get instant answers about your trees — 24/7, free, and powered by real arborist knowledge.