Shot Hole Borer in California: The Tiny Beetle Causing Big Tree Damage
Invasive shothole borers are no longer just a Southern California problem. In September 2025, officials confirmed the beetles in two trees in the Tannery area
It can be quite shocking to look out the window and see that a tree has fallen on your home, property, or commercial building. You may not only be looking at thousands of dollars in property damage, but you may also find yourself trapped if the tree is creating accessibility problems. And unfortunately, many homeowners and property managers don’t even know what to do in this kind of situation or who they should call. But the answer is pretty clear for those in California’s Central Coast region: Simply contact the emergency tree removal specialists at Adney Tree Service.
Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in need of emergency tree removal. But if you do, you can rest assured that prompt and professional help is only one call away. Adney Tree Service has been offering emergency tree removal for residents and property managers in the Central Coast region since 2015. And because these kinds of tree-related emergencies often happen at incredibly inconvenient times, we remain on call and ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It’s important to note that emergency tree removal differs in many ways from typical removals, which are often scheduled many weeks in advance. Emergency removals not only require different tools and equipment but also a different skill set. And even though the tree may be on the ground, there are still significant safety risks involved.
But unfortunately, many run-of-the-mill tree companies start knocking on doors and offering emergency tree removal following severe weather, wildfires, and similar events, despite not being qualified to carry out the work.
So, it is always important for homeowners and property managers to select a tree service that is equipped to conduct emergency removals safely — like the professionals at Adney Tree Service. We’ve been providing emergency tree removal services for more than 10 years, and our crew has not only the skills and expertise to conduct them safely but also the equipment (including cranes) necessary for the work.
Contact us now for emergency tree removal in the Central Coast region!
There are a variety of situations that may lead to the need for emergency tree removal. Some of the most common scenarios in which our clients require emergency removals are listed below, but it’s always wise to contact us immediately if you’re unsure whether emergency service is necessary.
It’s obviously important to have trees lying on homes or apartments removed immediately to prevent further damage and keep the occupants safe.
Whether staff is present or not, trees can present significant problems for commercial buildings, and they should be removed promptly.
It’s important to treat trees blocking roadways and similar areas as emergencies, as they impede first-responder access.
Sometimes the utility company will handle these trees, but property owners are responsible in other cases — contact us and we’ll provide guidance.
Perhaps the most challenging and dangerous emergency situation, these kinds of trees require immediate attention.
Called “hangers” in arboricultural circles, these kinds of precarious branches can cause injuries or worse for anyone below.
It’s always better to have a tree removed before it falls over to limit the damage it can cause and help prevent injuries.
Every emergency tree removal situation is different, so we always devise a custom plan to assist homeowners and property managers in need of help. With that said, we’ve developed a standard process over the course of the last decade, which serves as our starting point for every job.
Many homeowners and property managers understand the importance of hiring reliable professionals to care for living trees. But it’s also important to choose reputable professionals when you find yourself in need of emergency removals. In fact, given the safety risks involved with emergency removals, it may be even more important to rely on experts.
That’s not a problem when you choose Adney Tree Service for your emergency tree removal needs. We’ve gone to great lengths to distinguish ourselves from some of the low-quality service providers in the Central Coast region, and we’re proud to say:
Our team is led by a certified arborist, and all of our team members are skilled tree-removal experts.
We provide artisan-caliber results for all of the services we provide, including emergency tree removals.
We understand the characteristics of California’s trees, including the manner in which they often fail.
We have been providing emergency tree removal services for the Central Coast region since 2015.
We offer all of the tree-care services you may need, from planting to pruning to emergency removals.
We’re licensed by the State of California and fully insured to ensure complete peace of mind.
Have lingering questions about emergency tree removal in California’s Central Coast region? Want to learn more about our emergency removal services? We’ve gathered some of the most common questions our clients ask and answered them below.
A variety of situations and circumstances may qualify as a tree emergency, but the term is usually most appropriate whenever a tree may fall on a home, commercial building, or high-traffic area (or has already fallen in these kinds of places). In practice, it’s generally wise to err on the side of caution and seek emergency tree removal help anytime you’re concerned about the safety or stability of the tree.
FEMA may cover the costs for tree removal in some cases, such as declared disasters. However, each situation is unique and it is difficult to make broad generalizations in this regard.
Generally speaking, the property owner is responsible for removing a fallen tree.
Homeowners insurance may cover hazardous tree removal in some situations, but this is not typical. Some will cover the costs associated with removing a tree that’s already fallen, but every policy is different. Consult your insurance provider for more information.
Liability is a complicated subject when it comes to trees, and it is difficult to make broad generalizations about who is responsible in the case of a tree that’s fallen on your home. But if the tree was not known to be hazardous beforehand, it is likely that you’ll have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance provider.
In most cases, a utility company will remove a tree that falls over the main transmission lines. However, you may be responsible if a tree falls on your individual service line.
Never touch a tree that is in contact with any kind of utility line. Keep people away from the area and contact Adney Tree Service or your local utility provider immediately.
Invasive shothole borers are no longer just a Southern California problem. In September 2025, officials confirmed the beetles in two trees in the Tannery area
With its rugged, wind-sculpted silhouette, the Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) is a familiar sight along the Central and Northern California coast. Drive along Highway 1
In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned 86,509 acres across Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, destroyed 1,490 structures, and forced more than
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Heather Mietz Egli2 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Every thing from start to finish was awesome. Sean explained everything very clearly in our first visit and offered to be there when the work started which I appreciated. The guys showed up on time, were exceptionally courteous, did a great job, and the cleanup was perfect. It was almost like they hadn’t been there at all. I also thought the price was very fair. All in all, I would highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
Jane Groscost8 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sean and his Crew were reliable and efficient. Knowledgeable about the work at hand, safety hazards, timely completion and thorough debris cleanup. We had large cypress removed, several oaks pruned and an overgrown hedge trimmed. Will use them again!Posted on Google![]()
Mary Gonzalez14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The entire staff and crew, Sean, Taylor, Gabriel, Dona and two others whose names escape me, all represent the quality of service I received and would rate 5 stars. Everyone was efficient, knowledgeable and performed as expected. Taylor clearly explained how and why he would trim and shape the tree, as well as reasons for leaving some branches needed for the future growth and health of the tree. The crew took great care to lower extremely large branches so as not to damage any of the plantings. They removed pots and anything breakable to a safe area. When completed the yard was clean and the big oak is ready for winter.Posted on Google![]()
Leslie G14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have a gigantic avocado tree that is producing fruit for the first time in the 12 years I’ve been here. It must have been making up for lost time because it was laden with small avocados. I wanted to retain some of the fruit and ensure it keeps producing but it needed pruning badly. Adney Tree Service did an exceptional job with that! Sean came over and sent the quote the same day. The crew was outstanding also. They had me come out and check to see if I was satisfied with the shape, they cleaned the roof, and also cleaned up the yard. Sean came by to check in while the work was going on and called me that evening to make sure I was satisfied. All in all, excellent customer service!Posted on Google![]()
Susanne Pereira18 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Adney Tree Service did a wonderful job in every way. They do excellent work, are very neat and clean up everything and their employees couldn’t be better. They are very skilled and courteous. I would use them again in a minute, and would recommend them to anyone for their fine work.Posted on Google![]()
Kim Denton25 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We just had Adney remove a tree, and from start to finish the process was a breeze. All communication was prompt & professional, and the crew was polite & efficient. We did get a less expensive quote from someone else, but decided to go with Adney because we were more confident in their expertise. So glad we did; you definitely get what you pay for! There is no question we will use them again for any future needs.Posted on Google![]()
Beth James37 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I love these guys. We’ve used them twice now. Once for a trim and this time a full removal. Communication is great. The guys are professional and fast. They did a great clean up!Posted on Google![]()
Brian Friss37 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kyle and team were extremely responsive, knowledgeable, and detailed. Pricing was fair and feels great to have a true partner in managing the health of our beautiful trees. Thank you team!Posted on Google![]()
Janet Wellersdick37 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had Adney Tree service cut back some trees and bushes. They are prompt and communicate well about all aspects of the job. I have had them do work on our property multiple times and will have them back again when needed. Especially appreciate the thorough clean up.Posted on Google![]()
Gabrielle Wilder39 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They are easy to work with, polite and did a great job on a challenging project. Would definitely use them again.
Feel free to leave your contact information on our online form. A consultation is always free, and it’s the first step towards finding a tree care solution!