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Tree Removal in Placerville
Trees acting up in Placerville? Call us now at (530) 441-2256. It's the nearest city to Camino. Tell us if your place is within city limits, or in the county outside them, since the rules differ.
Placerville in a few lines
Placerville is the seat of El Dorado County, with the old nickname Hangtown. The 2020 census counted 10,747 residents. At 1,867 feet, it sits far below Camino.
It's the only incorporated city on our list. Every other place we cover is a community or a census-designated place under county rule.
City or county? That is the question
This is the big thing about Placerville. Inside the city limits, city rules apply. Outside them, county rules apply, even if your mailing address says Placerville.
The city zoning code says approved projects should follow the Tree Preservation Guidelines the city council adopted. It also says plans should show any trees proposed for removal. If your job is part of a building project, the city may want to see the trees marked.
Unsure which side of the line you're on? Check with the city, or look at your tax bill. Then let us know.
Our permits page lists the other things to check, like burn rules and log sales.
Fire and burning in the city
In Placerville, the fire district is the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, which serves both the city and the surrounding community. Station 25 covers the city, and the aerial ladder is housed at Station 26, 730 Main Street.
The district's burn page says open campfires are not allowed in the city during fire season. In the city, fires are only allowed in a fireplace, permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace, incinerator or grill on a property you have the right to use.
So if you want to burn brush, ask the fire district first. Don't assume the rules for the hills apply to a city lot.
What goes wrong with trees in town
City lots are tight. Roots lift sidewalks. Limbs hang over roofs, lines and neighbors. Power lines run close.
- Check big limbs over the roof, the wires and the street.
- Look at root lifts near the sidewalk or the foundation.
- Dead pines on older lots, where beetles may have got in.
Tight lots mean smaller rigs and more rope work, which can raise the price. Ask the pro to explain why.
Old lots, power lines and neighbors
Placerville has some of the oldest lots in the county. The trees on them are old too. A huge pine or oak can sit a few feet from a house, a fence and a neighbor's yard.
When a tree sits on a property line, talk to the neighbor first. Say what you plan and when. A tree that crosses the line may be shared, and a surprise saw makes for a bad week.
Power lines are the other thing. If any wire touches or brushes the tree, say so on the first call. Work near live lines needs special care and sometimes a call to the utility. A pro should tell you who handles it before the day starts.
What it costs here
| What you need | What the guides list |
|---|---|
| Tree up to 30 feet tall | $200 to $500 |
| Tree 30 to 60 feet tall | $500 to $1,500 |
| Tree 60 to 80 feet tall | $850 to $2,000 |
| Permit fee, in cities that charge one | $60 to $150 |
Numbers from HomeGuide's tree removal page (Feb 2026) and Angi's tree removal page (updated Oct 2026). Angi's permit range is for cities that require permits. It is not a Placerville fee.
Placerville questions
Do I need a city permit?
Maybe. It depends on the tree and the job. Ask the city. We don't set the rules.
I have a Placerville address but live outside the city. What rules apply?
Probably the county's. Check which side of the city line you're on.
Who handles fire safety?
The El Dorado County Fire Protection District. Ask it about clearing near your house.
Nearby
Neighbors are Diamond Springs and El Dorado. Our home base is Camino.