brush clearance program - palm tree trimming? Fines?!?

Question

I received a letter from the City of Los Angeles regarding brush clearance for 2019.  It lists what needs to happen in terms of clearance by April 30th and I think I am good all except for maybe a palm tree that is in my yard.  It definitely has some dead fronds on it but Waaaaay less than the ones in the median across from my house that they city maintains.  Does anyone have experience with these inspections?  Any good suggestions for palm tree trimming services?  The first fine looks to be around $250 and if it is not fixed in two weeks it jumps to $1,100?!?   Now I know why people are moving to Texas...

Lee Bell · Answer

Lots of people trim palms around here. Try Angies list or another search. I will venture a guess it will cost a few hundred bucks. Per tree. We had a big olive cut back and shaped last fall. It was hanging over the roof, too big a job for me. Five guys with chain saws climbed up, and 2 more on the ground refilled gas in chain saws, and put branches in the chipper. After and before shots. $800.

Michael Phillips · Answer

I am in a high fire hazard zone on a hillside and the dropping fronds are close to lines unfortunately...  Sounds like I should just knock this out.  Anyone have this done and have a rec that will service Echo park?

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Michael,

If you contract for a Palm Trimmer ask for some close references from the past 4 weeks and go visit them to see his work.

There are butchers who will leave cards or knock on doors and destroy the look of the tree and you don't have an way to verify what their previous work looks like.

Just my 2 cents.

Good Luck!

Lee Bell · Answer

I assume you are in a designated very high fire hazard severity zone? Pretty much any hillside area is. If not sure you can look on zimas.lacity.org, and you can probably also find link to the brush clearance regs. I would think a palm tree is not considered brush, but who knows.

Nabil Suleiman · Answer

@Michael Phillips

Was it just a general letter or was it specific to you and your house? If the tree is not touching DWP lines you should be able to just hire a local gardener to help you out. I am sure the recent fires have created a large demand around removing brush and anything that can feed those possibilities.

Anyways, good luck.

Wesley Brown · Answer

Um, they're moving to Texas because they can't afford a home in the first place, palm tree fine or no palm tree fine.