Los Altos Hills County Fire District

In its efforts to reduce the fuel load in the District, the Los Altos Hills County Fire District has established a number of programs to assist district homeowners:

1. Free monthly drop off of yard waste at Foothill College
2. Free Brush chipping programs
3. Educational efforts regarding defensible spaces around homes, etc.

The District has begun to study the feasibility of offering optional and voluntary removal of dead or dying pine trees from resident’s property. You may have received a card in the mail asking if you would be interested in participating in this sort of program. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the program:

Who is eligible?

Any resident of the Los Altos Hills County Fire District which includes all of Los Altos Hills and the connected portions of unincorporated Santa Clara County.

How much does it cost to have my dead or dying tree removed?

If approved by the District’s designated arborist, the District will cover the cost.

What varieties of trees are covered?

Any dead or dying pine tree.  Pine trees are defined as cedars, redwoods, firs, deodaras, etc.

Are eucalyptus or oak trees included?

No.

Can I use my own arborist or Tree Company?

The District will only cover the removal if the approved tree company is used.  The approved arborist will make the decision as to whether a tree is eligible for the program.

Can I keep all the wood and chips? Will the tree company haul away it all away?

Its up to you and the tree company…you can keep some, all or none of the tree/chips.

What about the Sudden Oak Death problem?

The approved arborist will comply with all rules and regulations about appropriate disposal of the tree.

How many dead or dying trees can I have removed?

This is a pilot program. The District is looking to gauge the interest.  In general, 1 or 2 trees per parcel but if you have a unique situation, talk to the approved arborist.

I am a renter…can I use the program?

Yes, but the Homeowner needs to sign the work order authorizing the work.

Can I hire the tree company to consult on and provide other tree services?

Yes, but they must be handled separately on separate work orders.  The District will only cover the cost of the removal of approved dead or dying pine trees.

Is the tree company licensed and insured?

Yes, they can provide you with specifics.

How do I sign up?

You can either return the postcard you received in the mail or you can send a letter (with your contact information and property address) to:

Los Altos Hills County Fire District
P.O. Box 1766
Los Altos, CA 94023-1766