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Locally owned & operated
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Established in 1971
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Available by appointment
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Review Highlights
“I asked if I could pay ion cash, and Michael dropped by my house (how convenient) and accepted my payment.” in 31 reviews
“Craig provided a line-item breakdown of the trees and bamboo that will need pruning and the respective costs.” in 16 reviews
“A neighbor's tree (huge Monterey pine) fell in our yard, breaking through a fence and crushing several oaks.” in 28 reviews
About the Business
Business owner information
Michael V.
Give us a call today for a free estimate, we can be reached at 510-845-3644. Ponderosa Tree Service offers a comprehensive range of services, including safety pruning, view restoration, trimming, shaping, thinning, and the removal of large hazardous trees. A zero impact policy ensures that your property will be treated with care, and special attention will be made to delicate surroundings and landscaping.
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- Lewis C.Berkeley, CA0332Sep 14, 2016
I picked Ponderosa for tree work because the owner gave me some free consulting about a hazardous tree on a neighbor's property a few years ago. He's a good guy and I appreciate that.
For this job, the estimator (who is a certified arborist) showed up right on time. We reviewed all my trees and identified two that needed work; there was no attempt to upsell me in any way. Another good guy.
I scheduled the job through the Ponderosa office and the crew showed up on time, accompanied by the estimator who confirmed the work scope with the foreman. The crew got right to work, removing a medium-size tree and doing major pruning of a large tree. They worked efficiently, reviewed the results with me, and cleaned up thoroughly.
Everyone I've interacted with--owner, estimator, crew, office staff--has been professional, competent, reliable, and friendly. I recommend Ponderosa without hesitation.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Karen R.Oakland, CA0442Jun 25, 2024
I read about Ponderosa from the community and they spoke highly of this company.
I have some Oak trees on a hill that grew very large from the atmospheric river and 7 years of minimal trimming. I decided to go with them because of the great reviews of Craig Peterson, the arborist. He came over and gave me a free consultation, education about my trees and what he recommended. A day later, the company sent me an estimate which I thought was reasonable compared to what my friends were paying.
Very organized company, I agreed to the work and they set up a time with me at 8:30am. Exactly at 8:30am, they arrived. A nice young man greeted me and told me they were here. 6 strong looking men and shortly later, Mr. Peterson arrived and provided leadership to the men. They worked non stop and the transformation of my trees was just incredible. It was a tough job with old ivy wrapped around the tree and dried out but they worked diligently to remove it. Great preparation for fire season. My trees looked healthier from their cutting large branches and beautiful pruning and the trees do not look squeezed in together.
My neighbors were also happy with the work because we have some space between the trees.
The team also cleaned up all the branches and debri from the job. So great quality, good value and expertise plus a friendly, hard working crew and very knowledgeable arborist.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mike M.Oakland, CA06Apr 30, 2024
Mon, Apr 29, 6:33PM
Their crew did a great job today. I really appreciated the professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy of Ponderosa Tree Service. They did extensive tree trimming and removal around the perimeter of our house to help us respond to insurance renewal concerns! Thanks so much for helping us out! Very reasonable cost. I highly recommend them...Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Joey R.El Cerrito, CA0101Aug 10, 2024
Really went above and beyond in our free consultation. We look forward to giving these guys our business in the near future.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - martin ..HILLTOP MALL, CA022Mar 27, 2024
I was I was very clear not to knock the door or bother my tenants and the first thing they do knocked the door wake up my tenants daughter she's a newborn and my tenant complain on me and estimate was five times higher than other company so if you rich and loaded call Ponderosa
EHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mary S.Berkeley, CA145569635Dec 28, 2023
I needed to remove a dead tree from our yard that was right next to the property line. I obtained 4 quotes. Of these, Ponderosa was:
1. The most expensive:
Company 1: $2200 (but I later found out are not insured)
Ponderosa: $2440
Company 3: $2250
Company 4: $1800
I made the mistake of giving the previous 2 quotes' details to Company 3, but after I let them know I was going with Company 4, they offered $1700. I went with Company 3, which matched at $1700. So compared to what I paid ultimately, Ponderosa was higher by 43.5%.
2. The only company that requested access to my neighbor's yard.
3. Scheduling was for 3-4 weeks later. All other companies could schedule for the same or following week.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Diane D.Berkeley, CA03Mar 10, 2024
This group cares so deeply about trees! We have to take out a beloved tree due to a safety issue and their arborists went the extra mile trying to find a solution.
Kerry Bliss even reached back on a weekend with information on doing cuttings and grafting as to preserve the longevity of the tree! And he was so kind and friendly. You can tell he loves his job and the trees!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Ken Z.Oakland, CA1246May 26, 2023
I needed some fresh wood logs to grow mushroom. I contacted a bunch of tree services to see if they would sell me some. I got an email from Mary the very next day to coordinate picking up some maple (nobody else even responded). Within two days I got 7 nice maple wooden logs in my backyard ready to go. I want to thank Mary for responding to me so quickly and coordinating everything so well. Shoutout to the on-site team for being so nice and helpful and cutting the logs to my liking. Just a wonderful company with wonderful people. I didn't get service for a tree but I definitely will if I ever need to. A+
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Kerry B.
May 26, 2023
Thanks Ken for your kind words! We are so happy this all worked out, and wish you the best with your mushroom growing! Thanks again, Mary @ PTS
- Shua C.San Francisco, CA03May 29, 2024
Craig from Ponderosa came out and was very knowledgeable. He helped answer all my questions even after he provided the quote. We had some stumps removed that were near a gas line and Ponderosa did the 811 call and removed them expertly! All things others weren't willing to do. We also had 3 trees removed with the stumps ground down (several arborists didn't include the stump grinding) and Ponderosa's prices were very reasonable. They were also very responsive to some issues that came up. Very happy with the work and service, would highly recommend.
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Kerry B.
May 29, 2024
Thanks Shua, we are pleased that you are pleased! I will make sure to share this with Craig and the crew. Mary @ PTS
- Liz P.Emeryville, CA09Oct 12, 2023
They are great and helped me assess the need for work without charging me. Very honest and reliable company.
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Kerry B.
Oct 12, 2023
Thanks Liz, for your kind words! Mary @ PTS
- Steve O.San Rafael, CA16Feb 28, 2024
Craig Peterson, arborist together with Crew chief, Herculano and his team of hard workers did a fantastic job on our twin redwoods that had not been trimmed for many many years. Shaping and pruning this fifty-foot redwood and doing a great job of cleaning up afterwards. Top marks for making the redwood look beautiful again! Unsolicited compliments from our neighbors. A job well done!!
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Kerry B.
Feb 29, 2024
Thanks Steve, for your kind words. We are happy that you are happy! Win win for everyone! Mary @ PTS