Tree Trimming in Shingle Springs

Yes, we reach Shingle Springs. Call (279) 256-3385 and we'll book a pro who works along Highway 50 to visit your oaks.

The pro looks at the trees and quotes the job. We set it up.

A landmark town on Highway 50

Highway 50 runs straight through Shingle Springs, an El Dorado County town in the Gold Country foothills. The 2020 census counted 4,660 people on 8.2 square miles.

The town grew out of a gold rush camp. The camp's name came from a horse-drawn machine that could turn out 16,000 shingles daily. Today it is California Historical Landmark #456.

Also based in town: the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, with its headquarters here. Before settlers came, a Maidu village called Bamom stood nearby.

Spotting mistletoe

Winter is the best time to look up. Once the leaves drop, the green clumps stand out. UC says evergreen mistletoe clumps are readily observed on deciduous trees in winter.

What should you know?

Healthy oaks can tolerate some mistletoe, UC says, but the branches are more likely to break.
Cutting off just the clump won't control it. New plants usually resprout from the parts left inside the branch.
Real control means cutting at least a foot under the point where it attaches.
Topping a tree to remove a heavy infestation weakens the tree.

Birds spread it. Berries show up from October to December, UC says, and birds eat them and spread the seeds. They prefer the high perches of tall trees, so the big, mature trees get it first.

Oaks over roofs

Oaks and roofs don't always get along. Big horizontal limbs over a house, walk or driveway are ones UC would remove. And dead wood can come off any month. UC also notes that summer limb drop happens on hot, calm days, so a limb that looks fine can still let go.

When you do cut, cuts go just outside the branch collar, per the ISA. For a limb thicker than about 2 inches, UC describes a three-cut method. Cut one starts underneath, a third of the way through the limb, one or two feet from the trunk.

Folsom's oak rules don't apply in Shingle Springs. It's in El Dorado County, so ask the county about your oak.

What it costs in Shingle Springs

Oak work costs more than most. Fixr lists oak trimming at $175 to $1,500, sometimes more. A big oak over a roof sits at the top of that range.

The pro gives the number after standing under the tree.

What drives oak prices

LawnStarter lists oak at $230 to $1,480. That's a wide range. Height is the big one, then access. Homeyou notes higher prices when dead wood sits high in the canopy, close to buildings, or among healthy growth.

A one-limb job is cheaper. Homeyou puts large limb removal at $168 to $486.

Foothill driveways can be long and steep, which can add time. Mention yours on the call, and get two quotes if the job is big.

Shingle Springs FAQ

Is Shingle Springs on your list?

Yes. Call (279) 256-3385 with your street.

Is mistletoe killing my oak?

Probably not fast. UC says healthy oaks tolerate some, but heavy loads weaken trees. Have a pro look.

Can I cut mistletoe out myself?

Small clumps on low branches, maybe. UC says cutting only the clump won't control it, so plan to take off the branch itself. Anything high or near a wire belongs to a pro.

When should I cut out mistletoe?

Winter is easiest, since it shows. UC says even a yearly cut-out beats doing nothing.

Next door

Neighbors we cover: Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Rancho Murieta. Oak questions? Visit the oak page. The Folsom page and town list help too.