Tree Removal Modesto, CA 95351 | Stockton Tree Service

Modesto's mature street canopy of sycamores, ashes and elms shades the College Area, La Loma bungalows and the Magnolia Historic District, but those big old trees need expert care to stay healthy and safe.

Stockton Tree Service has been serving Modesto homeowners and property managers for years. We understand the specific challenges of the Central Valley: mistletoe weakening mature trees, summer branch drop on aging ash and elms, and the wind and saturated-soil damage that follows winter storms and atmospheric rivers. When a tree threatens your roof, a limb hangs over power lines, or you need crown thinning on a heritage specimen, our experienced arborists and fully insured crew know the local landscape and get the job done right.

Tree Service in Modesto (95351)

Modesto sits on flat Central Valley clay soils under hot, dry summers and winter fog. Your neighborhood's character depends on its era: the Spanish Revival and Craftsman cottages of the historic districts stand under London planes and southern magnolias; the 1950s ranch homes around University Park and Lakeview have wide, open lots; the 1970s and 1980s tracts near Quail Lakes feature stucco and tile roofs shaded by Chinese pistache and Aleppo pine; and the newer two-story subdivisions in Brookside and Weston Ranch have smaller backyards with young trees. All of it is vulnerable to the same threats: mistletoe parasitizing elms and ashes, branch drop during summer heat stress, and catastrophic wind and root failure when heavy winter storms saturate the heavy clay.

Our team has trimmed and removed trees in every Modesto neighborhood. We know how to work around power lines, tile roofs, tight lot access, and the property line rules that matter when a neighbor's elm branches hang over your fence. We also coordinate with HOAs and understand the local permit requirements for heritage and protected trees.

Our services in Modesto

Tree Removal in Modesto · Safe removal of hazardous, dead, or unwanted trees of any size.
Tree Trimming & Pruning in Modesto · Professional pruning to improve tree health, structure…
Stump Grinding in Modesto · Complete stump and surface-root grinding to reclaim your yard…
Emergency Tree Service in Modesto · 24/7 emergency response for storm-damaged, fallen…
Hedge Trimming & Shrub Care in Modesto · Clean, healthy hedges and shrubs shaped to your property line and style.
Land Clearing in Modesto · Lot clearing, brush removal, and defensible-space work for construction…
Arborist Consultation in Modesto · Expert arborist assessment of tree health, hazard risk, disease…

How a Job Works in Modesto

Step 1: You call us at (209) 299-7719 or request a free estimate online. We schedule an on-site assessment at your Modesto address. Our arborist walks the tree, inspects it for disease, structural defects, mistletoe load, or hazards, and discusses your goals. We look at roof clearance, power line proximity, access for equipment, and any HOA or permit requirements. No charge, no obligation.

Step 2: We provide a detailed estimate and timeline. If the job requires a permit (many removals and large pruning jobs do in Modesto), we guide you through that process or handle the paperwork. Once you approve, we arrive with crew and equipment. We fell, limb, chip, and haul debris. We work safely around structures, utilities and neighbors. If you have a stump, we grind it below grade and backfill.

Step 3: We clean up completely. We haul all chips and debris, sweep the site, and walk the job with you to confirm everything is done. You're left with a clear, safe property and peace of mind.

Tree removal in Modesto typically ranges from $800 to $3,500 or more, depending on tree size, species, access, and whether the trunk is near structures or power lines. A 40-foot ash or elm in an open yard costs less than a 60-foot London plane wedged between a house and a fence. Tree trimming and crown thinning start at $250 for smaller work and scale up based on height and complexity. Stump grinding runs from $150 to $400 per stump. Emergency storm removal after high winds or damage is available 24/7 and priced by the scope of work. The best way to know your cost is to call us at (209) 299-7719 for a free on-site estimate. We'll give you a straight answer based on what we see.

My mature Modesto ash tree has heavy mistletoe and is dropping branches in summer. Should I remove it or can it be saved?

Mistletoe is a chronic problem in Modesto elms and ashes. A healthy tree can tolerate some mistletoe, but heavy infestation weakens branches and accelerates decline. We can crown thin to remove dead wood and improve air flow, which helps the tree compartmentalize the parasite. If the tree is 40+ years old, structurally sound, and has good form, thinning often buys you 10-15 more years. If it's already hollow, heavily topped, or dropping large limbs onto your roof or power lines, removal is safer and more cost-effective. Our arborist can assess it during a free estimate.

A winter storm damaged my tree, and now there's a hanging limb over my roof and driveway. Can you come out today?

Yes. We offer emergency tree service 24/7 for storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous limbs. Call (209) 299-7719 immediately and describe the situation. We prioritize jobs that threaten structures, vehicles, or power lines. We'll dispatch a crew as soon as possible to safely remove the hazard and prevent further damage.

How much does it cost to remove a large tree in Modesto?

A large tree (50+ feet) typically costs $1,500 to $3,500, depending on species, location, and access. An elm or ash in an open yard is simpler and cheaper than a London plane tangled in power lines or hanging over a house. Proximity to structures, fences, pools, and utility lines all add complexity and cost. We provide a free estimate on-site so you know the real price before we start.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Modesto?

Many tree removals in Modesto require a permit, especially for trees over a certain diameter or trees protected under local heritage ordinances. Oak, redwood, and certain urban trees may be protected. Before you cut, check with the City of Modesto or contact us. We're familiar with local rules and can advise you or handle the paperwork. Visit the City of Modesto website for the full ordinance, or call us at (209) 299-7719 and we'll guide you through it.

My neighbor's elm branch hangs over my fence and property. Can I cut it, and what are my rights?

California law says you can trim branches that cross your property line, but you must stay on your side of the line and cannot damage the tree. You cannot enter your neighbor's property or cut the main trunk. If the branch is hazardous or blocks light, we recommend a friendly conversation first. If that doesn't work, we can trim the overhang safely and legally. If your HOA is involved, check their rules too, because some require approval before any visible trimming.

Are you fully insured to work on my Modesto property?

Yes. Stockton Tree Service is fully insured, including general liability and workers' compensation. We carry the coverage needed to protect your property and our crew. You can work with confidence knowing you're covered if anything goes wrong.

Winter storms and high winds are coming. What should I do to prepare my trees?

Before winter arrives, have our arborist inspect mature trees for dead wood, weak crotches, and mistletoe load. Crown thinning removes wind-catching branches and improves balance, so the tree sheds wind stress better. We also remove any limbs that hang over your roof, power lines, or driveway. Trees on saturated clay soils are more prone to root failure, so reducing canopy weight helps. Call (209) 299-7719 in fall to schedule a pre-storm inspection and pruning.