- Yard trees shaped and thinned
- Parkway trees need a permit
- Over 15 feet needs a license
- Hauling included in the estimate
Your Tree Or The City Tree
The city cares for about 94,000 public trees. If the trunk is in the parkway, assume it is the city tree. You can ask the city to inspect and trim it, or get a Permit to Trim from Public Works and pay for it to be done sooner.
What Takes A License
CSLB lists tree removal, stump removal and pruning higher than 15 feet as licensed work. Do not let anyone on a ladder at your house without asking about that and about insurance.
License Rule
State rule says any landscaping job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials needs a contractor license. Ask for the license number on your written estimate, and you can check any license at cslb.ca.gov.
Questions We Hear
Can I remove the street tree that is lifting my sidewalk?
Not on your own. Removing a public tree starts with an Arborist Inspection Request to Public Works.
Where We Do This Work
Where These Facts Come From
- Contractors State License Board, Choosing the Right Landscaper
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Terms
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Design Requirements
- City of Long Beach memo, Green Parkways Initiative Analysis, May 4 2026
- Long Beach Utilities, Water Use Restrictions
- City of Long Beach Public Works, Public Trees