Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Tree Removal Bond - City of Saratoga, CA in California

Brief Summary

When every affected tree on a Saratoga project is coming out, the City wants security equal to 100 percent of their appraised value, not a token amount. A bond covers that figure for a premium, so the cash stays available for replacement planting and the rest of the job.

Saratoga requires a tree removal, pruning or encroachment permit for any protected tree under Municipal Code Section 15-50.050. Section 15-50.080 lets the Community Development Director condition that permit on a bond or security deposit, and the City's tree protection rules set the minimum at 100 percent of the ISA appraised value of the trees proposed for removal when all affected trees are being removed. The City may also require a maintenance bond of at least five years for replacement trees.

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How to Apply for a Tree Removal Bond:

Have an ISA Certified Arborist appraise each protected tree using the Trunk Formula Method.
Apply for the tree removal permit with the Saratoga Community Development Department.
Calculate the security, at 100 percent of appraised value when all affected trees are being removed.
Confirm the City accepts a surety bond and the form it requires.
Post the bond before Building Division permits are issued.
Plant and maintain any required replacement trees until the City releases the security.

Detailed Information About the California Tree Removal Bond:

How much security a removal carries

Saratoga values trees with the Trunk Formula Method in the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal, calculated by an ISA Certified Arborist. Under Section 15-50.080(d) and the City's Tree Protection Plan sheet, if all affected trees on a project are proposed for removal, the minimum deposit is 100 percent of their total appraised value. Trees that stay but sit near the work carry 25 percent of appraised value, rising to 100 percent where work reaches the inner half of the tree protection zone. The security must be posted before Building Division permits issue.

Which trees need a permit

Protected trees include native trees of 6 inches DBH or more, any other tree of 10 inches DBH or more, street trees and heritage trees of any size, and any tree required by a prior approval or planted as a replacement. Section 15-50.060 excuses removals ordered in an emergency, safety work by public utilities under the State Public Utilities Commission, and removals already authorized in a project approval where the Director confirms the code criteria are met. Even then, those trees cannot come down until the building or grading permit is issued.

Replacement trees and the maintenance bond

The Director can condition a removal permit on replacement planting, relocation, or a fee, bond or security deposit payable to the City Tree Fund. The City may also require a maintenance bond or deposit of at least five years for affected or replacement trees. Anyone ordered under Section 15-50.170 to plant replacement trees after an unlawful removal must maintain them for at least five years and post a maintenance bond or security deposit in a form the Community Development Director prescribes, along with a recorded maintenance agreement.

Who can do the work

Section 15-50.180 requires any business removing or structurally pruning protected trees in Saratoga to hold a Saratoga business license and have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff supervising the work. Confirm with the Community Development Department that a surety bond is accepted for your permit and in what form before it is written.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California Tree Removal Bond:

City of Saratoga named as obligee.
Bond amount tied to the arborist's appraised value of the trees.
Tree removal contractor holding a Saratoga business license with an ISA Certified Arborist supervising.
Approved permit kept on site during the work.
Possible five year maintenance bond for replacement trees.

California Tree Removal Bond FAQs:

How much is the Saratoga tree removal bond?

When all affected trees are proposed for removal, the minimum is 100 percent of their total ISA appraised value. Retained trees near the work carry 25 percent, or 100 percent if work reaches the inner half of the protection zone.

Does every tree removal need a permit?

Only protected trees, but that covers native trees of 6 inches DBH or more and other trees of 10 inches or more, plus all street and heritage trees. Emergencies and utility safety work are excepted.

Is there a bond after an unlawful removal?

Yes. A violator required to plant replacement trees must maintain them for at least five years and post a maintenance bond or security deposit under Section 15-50.170.

What sets the premium?

The surety prices it from the bond amount, the applicant's credit and finances, and how long the City is likely to hold the bond.