(818) 996-4577 thriftytreeservice.com
18625 Topham St, Tarzana, California 91335
Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Bucket Truck, Chipper
Tree Services: Dead Tree Experience, Stump Removal, Large Trees, Works Near Structures, Tree Assessments
Specialty Expertise: Fruit Tree Specialist, Works Near Power Lines, Palm Specialist
Credentials and Trust: Long Established
Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Cleanup Included, Affordable
Emergency and Storm: Quick Response
Thrifty Tree Service was established in 1985, and became A Corporation in February 1997 by Dave Aviram, company President. Thrifty Tree Service has been providing Residential, Commercial, and Public agencies with tree care services in Los Angeles, Ventura Counties and all surrounding areas. Our company provides a wide range of tree services to help meet the tree care needs for our customers. We specialize in all aspects of the tree care industry. W are experienced in all phases of the tree care industry enabling us to advise you on how to care for your trees. Thrifty Tree Service is dedicated to serving our client's needs, and 100% client satisfaction.
4.8 from 100 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 5% of total ratings
Thrifty Tree Service is best suited for property owners with mature landscapes in the San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica foothills who face complex, safety-critical tree work. This company excels on large properties, multi-tree projects, and jobs that demand an arborist-led approach: emergency removals of dangerous limbs, trees crowding structures, or work that must be staged around roofs, fences, pools, or live utilities. For single modest trims on a tight budget, the value proposition is less about bargain pricing and more about getting a durable, health-focused result from a team that treats trees as living infrastructure. Urgency matters here; when safety is at stake, Thrifty can mobilize quickly, often delivering a same-day or next-day response with a sizable crew and the right equipment.
The backbone of Thrifty Tree Service is a licensed, experienced arborist-led operation. The owner, Dave Aviram, is repeatedly described as a certified arborist with decades of hands-on experience, and he consistently brings an additional arborist to large jobs. Clients note the team’s depth of knowledge across pruning cuts, disease and insect management, and long-term tree health. This is not a casual pruning outfit; it’s a professional outfit that can interpret tree biology, select appropriate pruning strategies, and explain the rationale in plain language. Onsite leadership is visible, with Dave or a supervisor actively guiding crews, adjusting plans as needed, and returning for post-work reviews to confirm outcomes.
Safety and cleanup standards are Thrifty’s strongest differentiators. Reviews repeatedly highlight meticulous site protection, with yards shielded from equipment, plants safeguarded, and neighboring properties respected. The crews bring specialized gear, telescoping bucket trucks, large cranes for big removals, stump grinders, and protective boards to minimize damage to surrounding root zones and delicate landscape features. Work is staged to avoid damage to roofs, gutters, and hardscape; even more telling, debris removal is thorough and immediate, leaving sites “clean and clear.” The emphasis on safety extends to climbing practices and equipment choices that protect the tree’s integrity, such as avoiding damaging spikes and performing cuts at eye level to minimize wound size. For property owners with high-value trees or proximity to structures, these standards translate into lower risk of costly mistakes and faster, cleaner project closeouts.
Cleanup after the job is consistently described as thorough and reliable. Thrifty’s crews are praised for protecting non-target vegetation and structures, managing noise and disruption, and returning the yard to a near-pristine state. Several reviews note stump grinding, wood chip management, and landscaping touch-ups that actually enhance the site, not just “getting the job done.” The company’s approach to cleanup aligns with best arboricultural practice: provide a finished product that looks intentional, not just a trimmed canopy. For homeowners who worry about mess or collateral damage during aggressive removals or heavy limbing near power lines, Thrifty’s track record offers meaningful reassurance.
Value judgments about pricing are nuanced. Thrifty’s bids tend to reflect the breadth of expertise, equipment, and accountability that come with an arborist-led crew. Numerous clients emphasize that the price is fair for the quality and longevity of the work, sometimes even quoting the services as a premium investment that pays off over years of healthier trees and improved safety. That said, a few reviews cite higher estimates than competitors; these examples are dosing out the message that the company is not the cheapest option, but the cost is commensurate with the sophistication of the service. For property owners weighing a “get-it-done-right” decision, the premium is frequently justified by the assurance of licensed arborists supervising work, a long-term care mindset, and robust insurance coverage.
In practical terms, Thrifty is the choice for owners who demand more than a quick fix. For dangerous removals or pruning tasks that involve high limbs over a house, a pool, or neighboring yards, the company’s combination of licensed arborists, heavy equipment, and disciplined safety practices delivers a combination of risk mitigation and aesthetic integrity that is rarely matched by lower-cost outfits. HOA managers, commercial property portfolios, and multi-acre estates especially benefit from the company’s consistency, responsiveness, and long-standing reliability, plus the ability to schedule recurring maintenance on an efficient cadence. Critics remind that care and politeness can vary by individual encounter, but the overarching pattern remains: when the job is complicated and the trees matter, Thrifty earns its keep.
For owners considering next steps, the takeaway is clear. If the goal is to preserve or reshape a landscape with an eye toward tree health, public safety, and clean execution, Thrifty Tree Service is the practical, confident recommendation in Tarzana and the broader Valley. Engage with the firm expecting an arborist-led assessment, a transparent plan, and a crew that treats every limb, root, and trunk as part of a living system. Prepare for a professional process: on-site evaluations that include not just the mechanical removal or pruning, but recommendations for pest management, disease control, and ongoing maintenance. Permit questions should be clarified up front, and the team should provide a clear contract, timeline, and a pre- and post-work safety brief that aligns with the property’s unique constraints.
In short, Thrifty Tree Service is best for property types with complex arboricultural needs, where safety is non-negotiable and long-term vitality matters. It is a premium service that delivers exceptional pruning, careful removals, and comprehensive cleanup, with credentials, discipline, and a track record to back it up. For discerning owners who value expert guidance, minimal risk, and a landscape that ages gracefully rather than merely looks neat today, Thrifty remains a practical, candid, and ultimately reliable investment.
Crane-assisted removal for trees that can't be conventionally climbed or sectioned - ideal for extremely large, hazardous, or tightly situated trees.
Heavy-lift crane capability enables safe removal of large trees in tight spaces. Crews routinely arrive with a crane and a sizable team to tackle complex jobs—such as trees overhanging alleys or wedged between two houses—and they take care to protect nearby structures. On a standout project, a 44-ton crane was used to remove two monster trees between homes, with hauling, stump grinding, and roof/structure protection so no damage occurred. This equipment also supports rapid turnaround, with some jobs done within hours of arrival and thorough cleanup when complete. Together with licensed arborist supervision and rigorous safety practices, the crane capability helps Thrifty Tree Service safely manage challenging removals in Tarzana, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding Los Angeles areas.
Uses an aerial bucket truck for safe, efficient access to tall or hard-to-reach branches. Faster and more stable than climbing for many jobs.
Bucket trucks and telescoping bucket platforms are a clear strength, giving crews elevated access to tall limbs without relying on risky ladders near structures. Customers frequently note that Thrifty Tree Service arrives with bucket-equipped trucks (and, when needed, a crane), enabling fast, high-reach pruning and removal in a single visit. This capability proves especially valuable for jobs over alleys, near power lines, or between homes, while protecting roofs, landscaping, and nearby structures. The feedback consistently highlights speed, efficiency, and thorough cleanup following bucket-truck work. In Tarzana and the wider Los Angeles area, this combination of advanced access and careful execution is repeatedly described as a hallmark of their service.
On-site wood chipping turns bulky brush and branches into manageable mulch. Efficient cleanup and an option to keep the chips for your garden.
On-site wood-chipping is a core capability, with crews arriving equipped to shred branches and debris rather than haul everything away. One customer noted a large team—about 10 workers—showing up with a wood chipper, enabling rapid debris processing and a quick, clean finish. This chipper capability is consistently paired with a safe, efficient approach and thorough cleanup, often alongside cranes or bucket trucks as needed. In the Tarzana and broader Los Angeles area, customers value the speed and minimal disruption that the on-site chipping provides, even when trees are near structures or power lines. The pattern across feedback highlights skilled arborists, a sizable crew, and on-site chipping as delivering reliable, high-value tree care.
Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.
In Tarzana and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, dead-tree removals are performed with a safety-first mindset, quickly addressing trees that threaten yards, structures, or power lines. Feedback patterns show rapid quotes and fast mobilization, with crews often arriving shortly after approval and sometimes the same day. A licensed arborist oversees the work, and large jobs are supported by crews with cranes or bucket trucks to safely manage hazardous removals near homes. Site protection and meticulous cleanup are standard, including stump removal and thorough debris cleanup to leave the area tidy. Beyond removal, they offer tree-health guidance and treatment options, reflecting a long-standing focus on preserving healthy trees and preventing future hazards. Customers repeatedly describe them as professional, communicative, fairly priced for the quality, and reliably capable for urgent dead-tree work in the Tarzana area.
Full stump extraction, root and all - not just grinding. Ideal when you need the area completely cleared for construction, landscaping, or replanting.
In Tarzana, CA, stump removal is often included with tree removal, and customers note that the stump is removed and the site is left clean. One client specifically described the crew removing the tree, the stump, and then thoroughly cleaning the entire yard. In a large job, they removed two massive eucalyptus trees and used a stump grinder to enable replanting a new tree. Reviewers also highlight careful protection of nearby structures and thorough cleanup during stump-related work. Overall, in the Los Angeles area including the San Fernando Valley, Thrifty Tree Service is perceived as capable and reliable for stump removal as part of comprehensive tree care.
Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.
Handling large_tree projects is a core capability for Thrifty Tree Service, demonstrated by their use of cranes, bucket trucks, and sizable crews to manage big trees safely. They regularly tackle giant trees in tight spaces—between structures, over driveways near power lines, and overhanging into alleys—without compromising safety or property. A 44-ton crane and multiple vehicles accompany arborist-led crews on complex removals, including two massive Italian Cyprus trees, with careful protection of roofs and surrounding landscaping and precise stump grinding when needed. Customers note fast quotes, prompt scheduling, professional execution, and thorough cleanup that leaves yards ready for the next phase of landscaping. Serving Tarzana and the broader San Fernando Valley, Thrifty Tree Service brings deep tree-health expertise and proven results for large trees, with Dave Aviram, a certified arborist, and a team of skilled professionals ensuring safety, compliance, and lasting value.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
The near-structure capability shows up as a core strength, with crews consistently protecting roofs, siding, and adjacent landscaping while working close to buildings. Clients repeatedly note safety-first execution, including covering the sides of houses and safeguarding lighting fixtures to keep neighboring properties unharmed. Heavy equipment is deployed when needed, such as a 44-ton crane used to remove two large trees between two houses without damaging either structure. They also handle trees that encroach on power lines with careful pruning and removal, prioritizing nearby structures and utilities. Cleanup is thorough and meticulous, with protective boards limiting collateral damage and crews returning to ensure the site is left in excellent condition.
Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.
On-site evaluations are led by a certified arborist who walks the property, identifies every tree, and uses that knowledge to tailor care plans. Customers consistently note precise diagnosis of tree health issues and clear, actionable recommendations, from heat/drought stress to insect infestations such as Goldspotted Oak Borer, with thoughtful guidance on treatment options. Assessments often involve advanced inspection methods, including looking inside the trunk with specialized equipment to inform decisions about preservation versus removal. Safety and site impact are integral to the assessment, with plans that protect roofs, nearby yards, and utilities when trees are near structures or power lines. The process naturally leads to prompt quotes, quick scheduling, and ongoing follow-up to ensure trees remain healthy and well-maintained.
Experienced with the pruning, shaping, and care of fruit-bearing trees. The right cuts at the right time keep trees productive and healthy season after season.
Pruning and shaping fruit trees is a core capability, with customers noting mulberry and lemon trees look amazing after Thrifty Tree Service’s work in Tarzana and the surrounding San Fernando Valley. They also provide ongoing fruit-tree care, including feeding to support vigor and targeted treatments for pests or disease when needed. A certified arborist oversees the job, ensuring cuts preserve tree health and future fruiting potential. Safety and site protection are emphasized, and crews leave yards clean after pruning or removal near structures or power lines. Across the LA area, clients consistently report professional, knowledgeable service and dependable scheduling for fruit-tree care.
Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.
Power-line clearance is a core capability, performed under licensed arborist oversight with a safety-first approach. In Tarzana and the San Fernando Valley, crews routinely prune or remove trees that overhang or grow into power lines, including cases where trees were growing directly into the lines. The work is supported by heavy equipment such as cranes and bucket trucks to reach tall limbs while protecting nearby structures and utilities. Clients also note fast responses, clear communication, and meticulous cleanup after power-line adjacent work.
Knows the unique needs of palm trees - trimming, skinning, removal, and health care specific to the species common in your area.
Palm care is a core strength, with clients noting precise trimming, shaping, and balanced canopies on their palm trees. They handle palm work safely around structures and power lines, often protecting landscaping and roofs while the crew works. The arborist-led approach—with Dave Aviram and on-site arborists overseeing jobs—helps ensure high-quality pruning and health of mature palms, sometimes with supervision on the ground. For tall palms, they frequently deploy cranes and telescoping bucket trucks, delivering efficient removal or heavy pruning without damage to nearby homes. Across Tarzana and the broader San Fernando Valley, homeowners report fast quotes, reliable scheduling, and thorough cleanup after palm trimming or removal, reinforcing their reputation as a trusted palm specialist in the area.
A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.
Dating back to 1985, this long-established service has built a durable presence in Tarzana and the broader Los Angeles area, serving residential, commercial, and public clients. Leadership by Dave Aviram, a certified arborist, and a team of on-site licensed arborists and long-tenured crews appears repeatedly in patterns of feedback, underscoring deep expertise across pruning, removal, stump grinding, and tree health care. Work is consistently described as safe and precise around structures and power lines, often with heavy equipment such as cranes and bucket trucks, and followed by thorough cleanup. Clients note rapid responsiveness and reliable scheduling, with quotes and work arranged promptly—sometimes within hours—and many maintaining relationships for 10 years or more, including over 30 years in some cases. Together, these patterns illustrate a long-established capability to manage complex, large-scale tree projects in Tarzana and the San Fernando Valley with professional care and lasting results.
No charge for coming out to assess the job and give you a price. Know what you're getting into before committing.
Free estimates appear frequently in customer feedback as a standard no-cost first step. Customers consistently report prompt property visits and quick quotes, with some estimates provided within 30 minutes of the initial call. The quotes are often followed by rapid scheduling, sometimes with crews arriving the next day or even the same day. Several reviews describe the estimate process as transparent, with clear explanations and helpful guidance to compare options. In the Tarzana and broader Los Angeles Valley area, homeowners repeatedly highlight the free estimate capability as a key part of their positive experience.
All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.
Cleanup is a core capability, with crews consistently leaving properties free of debris and looking neat after trimming, removal, or stump work. In Tarzana and the greater San Fernando Valley, customers report yards being well protected during the process and afterward, with no damage to landscaping or structures. They frequently remove the stump and haul away all debris, and they’ve even cleared rubble for neighboring yards when needed. Work is delivered with speed and efficiency—often within a day—while maintaining thorough cleanup of driveways, sidewalks, pools, and surrounding areas. Supervision by qualified arborists and careful site protection—using measures like protective boards and roof/pool safeguards—ensures the finished yard looks polished and the trees receive proper care.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
Affordability is a hallmark of Thrifty Tree Service’s value, with many customers noting the price as extremely fair for the quality and safety of the work. Across residential, commercial, and public projects—from trimming overhanging trees to removing dangerous dead trees—the service pairs competitive pricing with efficient, professional crews. Customers often report fast, affordable quotes and prompt project start times, sometimes even same-day service, in neighborhoods around Tarzana and the surrounding LA area. The company is consistently described as delivering high-value outcomes—expert arborist guidance, meticulous cleanup, and long-term tree health benefits—at prices customers feel are fair. In the San Fernando Valley and broader Los Angeles region, these patterns of fair pricing alongside strong expertise position them as a cost-effective choice for tree care.
Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.
Rapid-response is a hallmark of Thrifty Tree Service's operations in Tarzana and the wider Los Angeles area, with fast quotes and swift scheduling. Quotations can arrive within minutes, and the crew can be dispatched for same-day service. On-site arrivals are typically on time or early, and large teams with heavy equipment—often including cranes or telescoping bucket trucks—mobilize quickly to handle risky removals near structures or power lines. Work is executed efficiently and safely, with clear office communication and rapid progression from assessment to cleanup. Even complex, multi-tree removals are completed quickly—sometimes within a day—without sacrificing safety or leaving debris behind.