Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Tree Care Services in Santa Cruz
Since 1982, we have dedicated ourselves to providing comprehensive tree care services in Santa Cruz County. Our journey began under the name The Tree Company in 1980 and evolved into Koala Tree Care in 2001. Our founder, Craig Erickson, brings extensive expertise from his experience as a PG&E contract arborist, where he surveyed transmission lines for tree clearance, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure. This background, coupled with years of hands-on tree care, has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by trees in our region. We specialize in a wide range of services, from tree pruning and removal to disease treatment and preservation. Our team is fully licensed and insured, and we are proud to be certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which underscores our commitment to adhering to the highest industry standards.We prioritize prompt communication and personalized service, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve. Our mission is to enhance the health and safety of your trees while also contributing to the overall value of your property. Our approach to fire prevention through sustainable practices and selective harvesting sets us apart, and our dedication to the preservation of native oak woodlands drives our work. We are proud to serve Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties, building lasting relationships with our clients through honesty and trust.
Services
Tree Pruning
Stump Removal
Tree Fertilizing
Hazardous Tree Removal
Oak Tree Preservation
Arborist Reports
Eucalyptus Management
Disease Treatment
Fire Prevention
Fruit Tree Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have served Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties for over 30 years with local expertise.
- Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists with specialized training in tree safety.
- We provide 24/7 hazardous tree removal services for urgent safety concerns.
- Our fire prevention methods combine sustainability with proven risk reduction techniques.
- We offer transparent consultations with no hidden fees or obligations.
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Services
Tree Removal
We provide professional tree removal services with free consultations and detailed explanations of the process. Our team safely removes hazardous or dying trees to protect properties and people. We prioritize safety and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Our approach includes stump assessment for potential replacement options.
Arborist Reports
Our certified arborists create comprehensive inventory reports, tree surveys, and protection documentation for permit requirements. We analyze tree health, structural integrity, and environmental factors. These reports meet city and county regulatory standards while providing actionable recommendations for tree preservation or management.
Oak Tree Preservation
We specialize in protecting native California oak trees through targeted conservation strategies. Our services include disease prevention, structural support, and habitat maintenance. We address threats like Sudden Oak Death with early intervention treatments. This work preserves ecological balance while maintaining property safety and aesthetics.
Fire Prevention
Our sustainable fire prevention methods combine selective harvesting with vegetation management. We create defensible spaces around properties while maintaining ecosystem health. Techniques include strategic thinning, debris removal, and fire-resistant planting recommendations. These proactive measures reduce wildfire risks without harming local biodiversity.
Eucalyptus Management
We address blue gum eucalyptus overgrowth through expert pruning, disease control, and selective removal. Our approach balances safety concerns with ecological considerations. Services include pest management, structural pruning, and root system maintenance. We help control invasive eucalyptus growth while preserving beneficial tree populations.
People
Craig Erickson
Owner
With over 30 years of local tree care experience, Craig leads our team as a certified arborist. His background includes critical tree clearance work for PG&E transmission lines. He combines technical expertise with community knowledge to deliver practical tree management solutions. Craig's commitment to environmental stewardship drives our sustainable practices.
Questions
What tree services do you offer?
We provide full-service tree care including pruning, removal, stump grinding, disease treatment, and arborist reports. Specialties include oak preservation, eucalyptus management, and fire prevention techniques.
Do you provide free consultations?
Yes, we offer free consultations for tree removal, hazardous assessments, and stump removal projects. Our arborists will explain all available options and provide detailed recommendations.
Are you available for emergency tree work?
We handle urgent tree-related safety concerns 24/7. This includes hazardous limb removal, storm damage, and immediate threat situations where trees pose risks to people or property.
What areas do you serve?
We service Santa Cruz County and adjacent communities including Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, San Jose, and surrounding mountain areas. Our local knowledge benefits both residential and commercial clients.
Are you ISA certified?
Yes, we are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (WE-6869A). This certification demonstrates our commitment to proven tree care practices and ongoing professional education.
How do you handle payment?
Payment methods are discussed during consultation as details vary by project. We provide clear estimates upfront and work with clients to find payment solutions that match their needs.
Reviews (4)
Greg N.
Dec 17, 2021
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Very helpful and provided quick recommendations for a downed tree in our yard. Much appreciated for their expertise and helpfulness.
Jeffrey W.
Nov 13, 2021
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Total pros. They did an acre+ of fire mitigation cutting of trees and brush for us on rugged, steeply sloped terrain. Everything from limbing mature trees to felling large dead trees safely and cleanly. And it was HOT. Super impressive how they made methodical progress each and every day. As always, up-front communication is the absolute key to a successful job so get everything agreed upon ahead of time and written into the work order. We were very happy with the value they delivered. They're honest, they do good work, they're safe, and they actually care about how the job turns
Eli T.
Sep 11, 2021
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Great experience with Koala Tree Care. Professional, friendly and fast! Removed a large oak that had fallen and did so expertly. Will be calling again for future needs!
Vincent C.
Aug 13, 2021
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I called Koala to trim the trees surrounding my house. Non nonsense quote, timely service, fine work and great attitude made them a pleasure to deal with. Great job, thanks Koala!
