Hazardous Tree Removal Program
Our Hazardous Tree Removal Program is temporarily closed until late-Spring 2026. We're anticipating reopening around April 15, 2026. Please contact our Program Coordinator for further details at grantadmin@edcfiresafe.org.
The El Dorado County Fire Safe Council (EDCFSC) has received funding to provide hazardous tree removal for individual homeowners on the Western Slope of El Dorado County who are willing to improve the safety of their property and community. This is a cost share service between the EDCFSC and the applicant to help mitigate the costs of removing dead and dying trees. Participating in defensible space services around the home will improve the chances of each resident surviving a wildfire. Removing excess vegetation could improve fire suppression efforts and provide a safe area for firefighters to defend the home and/or respond to emergency calls on the property.
- Create Defensible Space: Services will help meet the requirements of the El Dorado County’s Ordinance No. 5186 by focusing on the first 100ft surrounding your home.
- Good Neighbor Policy: It is not to be used for clearing acreage or vacant parcels except when used to comply with the El Dorado County Vegetation Management Ordinance Good Neighbor Policy. Services may extend onto your neighbor’s property within 100 feet of your home. Please inform your Evaluator and your Neighbor.
- One (1) Free Service: Services are available for primary residences only.
- Free Hazardous Tree Evaluation: An ISA TRAQ Certified Arborist will identify beetle-infested, dead/dying, or diseased trees that could potentially fall on a permitted structure, driveway or access road leading to those structures.
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Cost Share Agreement: EDCFSC will provide a maximum of $4,000 of tree removal and chipping services with the applicant’s 25% contribution of the total cost.
- Example: A $4,000 dollar job will cost the homeowner $1,000.
- Low Income Exemption: Those who are within the El Dorado County Area Median Income Chart for Low-Income will be exempt from the cost share contribution and the total cost will be covered by the EDCFSC.
- Service Notices: Address any notices received from the County, CAL FIRE or your HOA during your evaluation.
If you are not the homeowner, please have your landlord fill out the Owner Consent Form below and email it to our Program Coordinator at grantadmin@edcfiresafe.org along with your application number.
Please read both sections below before continuing to the application:
- Safety: Residents/children/pets shall be kept clear of all equipment and crews.
- Hazards & Utilities: The applicant is responsible for telling the crew about any sensitive areas, hazards, or aboveground/underground utilities on my property.
- Arborist vs. Tree Removal Contractor: They are different companies. You must be home to sign the Hazardous Tree Evaluation Form with the Arborist.
- Work Authorization: No work will begin until the applicant approves the recommended tree removal on the Landowner Agreement Form with the Tree Removal Contractor.
- Soil Disturbance: Some minor soil disturbance may occur during tree removal work.
- Eligible Trees: Trees within 100 feet of a permitted structure that are dead, dying, diseased, or show symptoms of an active beetle infestation.
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Wood Material: The crew is not responsible for hauling wood off my property.
- Wood 8" and larger will be moved at least 30 feet from structures when possible.
- Wood smaller than 8" will be chipped and spread on site.
- Additional Work: If the applicant wants any extra tree removal beyond what is approved, they can complete a separate Landowner Agreement with the Tree Removal Contractor.
- Right of Entry/Scheduling: By signing the application, you have agreed to allow the Contractor to access your property when they’re available. The Contractor will inform you of their availability to service your property. You do not have to be home for services to be rendered.
- Chipping Program: Clumps of dead trees under 7 inches in diameter are eligible for our Chipping Program here: https://www.edcfiresafe.org/chipping-program
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Mutual respect between residents and all associates contracted with the EDCFSC is essential. Please file all complaints with our Program Coordinator at grantadmin@edcfiresafe.org
Removing hazardous trees on your property can help prevent accidents, damage to property, and improve access to the area in case of an emergency. The proactive removal of stressed or infested trees can also prevent future tree mortality by greatly slowing the spread of invasive beetles.
- Right Of Entry: Will be signed when the application is submitted.
- Initial Evaluation: Will be completed by an ISA TRAQ Certified Arborist.
- Arborist Submits Evaluation: Evaluation is only a recommendation for landowner to approve with Tree Removal Contractor.
- Tree Removal: Tree Removal Contractors will remove as many recommended trees as funding will allow.
- Chipping: All branches under 7 inches in diameter will be chipped.
- Logs/Rounds: We do not haul away logs, but they can be cut into rounds upon request. Logs/rounds will be moved 30 feet away from structure to comply with the Defensible Space Ordinance No. 5186.
- Cost Share: Will be paid after tree removal is complete to determine the 25% contribution of the total cost. With the EDCFSC contributing a maximum of $4,000, the landowner could only be responsible for up to a maximum of $1,333.33.
TAHOE BASIN Residents: For assistance programs in the Tahoe Basin please contact your local fire department, Tahoe RCD 530-543-1501 or Tahoe Fuels and Fire Team at www.tahoelivingwithfire.com for a list of services.
