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If the tree you want removed is protected, the permit application may ask for an arborist report — a written assessment from a qualified arborist explaining the tree's condition and why the work is needed. For homeowners, this is often the step that decides whether a removal is approved, how long it takes, and whether replacement planting is required. Here's when local cities ask for one, who can write it, and what goes in it.
Local codes define it in similar terms. Sacramento City Code ch. 12.56 defines an arborist report as one prepared by a "qualified arborist" that may include, as the City's director decides, information about the location and condition of City trees or private protected trees and the potential impacts of proposed work. Roseville Municipal Code ch. 19.66 describes a report containing specific information on the location, condition, potential impacts of development, recommended actions, and mitigation measures for one or more trees.
In plain terms: it's an expert's written record of what the tree is, how healthy and structurally sound it is, and what should happen to it. It is different from a contractor's bid, which prices a job, and different from the city's own review, which decides the permit.
First, find out whether the tree is protected at all. Trees that aren't protected generally don't need a permit, and then no report is required for the city. If it is protected, requirements vary by city:
Several local exemptions hinge on a qualified arborist's written determination, so even when no full permit is needed, you may need the arborist's paperwork:
Get the determination in writing before the tree comes down — once it's gone, nobody can verify its condition. See dead or hazardous trees and emergency tree removal.
Check your city's definition before you hire anyone:
For a tree that might fail, ask whether the arborist also holds the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). ISA says TRAQ holders complete a training course and pass written and performance-based assessments, and must retrain and retest every seven years. The American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) describes consulting arborists as providing objective advice, including tree risk assessments, diagnosis, appraisals, and tree protection for construction.
Many tree companies employ ISA Certified Arborists who can write permit reports. That can be efficient, but the same company may also want the removal job. The Sacramento Tree Foundation – Hiring an arborist page notes that many consulting arborists don't perform tree work themselves and can give a valuable second opinion on a complex tree issue before you hire a tree service. A sensible approach for a large or healthy-looking protected tree is an independent report; for an obviously dead tree, a qualified company arborist's letter may be enough. Either way, the city's arborist usually reviews the request — Sacramento says a City arborist inspects City trees and private protected trees when a pruning or removal permit is requested (City of Sacramento – Tree Questions).
Roseville's code (§ 19.66.050) spells out a typical minimum: each protected tree identified by number with its botanical and common names, location, diameter at breast height, optional height, dripline radius, condition, and recommendations. Condition is rated as excellent, good, fair to good, fair, fair to poor, or poor, considering the root crown, trunk (decay, injuries, fungus), limbs (weak crotches, deadwood, hollows), twigs, leaves, and the dripline environment — with structure rated separately from vigor when they differ.
Other cities add their own items. Elk Grove's report also covers nearby trees, effects on soil stability, shade, and alternatives that would preserve the tree. Citrus Heights asks for each tree's names, location, diameter at 54 inches, protected-zone radius, condition, construction impacts, and recommendations. If roots are the issue, expect the arborist to look at alternatives like root pruning or barriers — Sacramento's permit findings specifically list cutting roots, trimming the canopy, or installing a root barrier as reasonable alternatives (§ 12.56.050). See tree roots, sewers and foundations.
Most thresholds use diameter at 4.5 feet above natural grade. Sacramento's code says to divide the circumference by 3.14. For a tree that branches below 4.5 feet, measure at the narrowest point below the branching; for a multi-trunk tree from a common root system, Sacramento adds the largest trunk's diameter to half the combined diameter of the other trunks.
We didn't find a reliable published price for arborist reports, so we won't guess. Fees depend on how many trees are involved, what your city requires, and whether a site plan or diagnostic testing is needed. The removal itself is priced separately: national published ranges put the average around $750 (Angi) to $850 (HomeGuide), with permits listed around $60–$150 where required. See tree removal cost in Sacramento.
Most reports in this region involve native oaks, because nearly every local ordinance protects them. See oak tree removal rules. Native California sycamore is also protected in the City of Sacramento and Elk Grove — see sycamore and London plane removal. For trees in the park strip, see who's responsible for street trees.
Only for some trees and some cities. In the City of Sacramento, the permit rules let the City require an arborist report with a tree permit application, which covers City trees and private protected trees. Roseville requires an arborist's report with its tree permit applications, Elk Grove requires an ISA Certified Arborist report before a removal request is considered, and Rancho Cordova requires a statement of reasons written by a certified arborist. Trees that aren't protected generally don't need a permit or a report.
It depends on the city's definition. Sacramento accepts an ISA Certified Arborist with an active certification number, an ASCA registered consulting arborist, or someone with five or more years of documented arborist experience who agrees in writing to follow ANSI A300 standards. Rancho Cordova accepts an ISA Certified Arborist, an ASCA registered consulting arborist, or an SAF certified urban forester. Roseville's code defines an arborist as someone certified by the ISA.
Requirements vary, but Roseville's code is a good example: each protected tree identified by number with its botanical and common names, location, diameter at 4.5 feet, dripline radius, a condition rating from excellent to poor, and recommendations for each tree. Elk Grove's report also covers nearby trees, effects on soil stability, shade, and alternatives that would preserve the tree.
We didn't find a reliable published price for arborist reports, and fees vary with the number of trees, the city's requirements, and whether testing or a site plan is needed. Ask for the fee in writing before the visit. The Sacramento Tree Foundation also suggests asking up front whether there's a charge for an estimate or consultation.
Often, if the person is qualified under your city's definition. Some homeowners prefer an independent consulting arborist who doesn't do removals, for an objective second opinion. Either way, the city's own arborist usually reviews the request, so the report needs to be accurate rather than persuasive.
We don't do tree work ourselves. Tell us about your tree and we'll connect you with independent local tree professionals so you can compare written quotes. Always verify the contractor's license and insurance at cslb.ca.gov.
Tree removal costs by area: Sacramento · Elk Grove · Roseville · Folsom · Citrus Heights · Rancho Cordova · Carmichael · West Sacramento · Davis · Natomas · Antelope · Fair Oaks
More guides: Stump grinding cost · Emergency/storm removal · Tree trimming cost · Palm tree removal · Tree permits · Tree fell on house: insurance · Neighbor & boundary trees · Oak tree removal · Dead/hazardous trees · Trees near power lines · Roots, sewers & foundations · Elk Grove permits · Roseville permits · Folsom permits · Citrus Heights permits · Rancho Cordova permits · Sacramento County permits · Davis permits · West Sacramento permits · Hiring a tree service · After a storm · Pine tree removal · When to trim · Defensible space · Landlords, tenants & HOAs · Trees & solar panels · Remove or trim? · Preparing for removal day · Eucalyptus removal · Crane removal cost · Tree removal in an HOA · Arborist reports for permits · Street trees: who's responsible · Sycamore removal