Cost to Remove a Tree: Is It Worth It?
Removing a tree can cost as little as $150 or as much as $10,000, depending on the complexity of the job.
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The cost to remove a tree typically ranges from $200 to $2,000, with an average price of $750. What you’ll pay depends on several factors, including tree species, size, condition, location and accessibility.
Your actual costs may be as low as $150 for the simple removal of a very small tree, but a complex removal for a very large tree could cost as much as $10,000.
It may seem like a big expense to remove a tree, but it could save you trouble and expense down the road. Neglecting to remove a dead or dying tree brings serious risks, including:
- Falling tree limbs (or the entire tree falling). This could result in serious injury or property damage. Depending on where the fallen timber lands, it could also result in legal liability or expensive repairs. If the tree hits electrical lines, it could even cause fires.
- Spread of dangerous pests. Termites like to live in dead and dying trees, and they could easily migrate to your home.
- Spread of disease. If your tree is diseased, this could spread to your surrounding trees and plants.
When it’s worth it to remove a tree
Sometimes, a tree can’t or shouldn’t be saved by trimming or pruning. Here are some of the most common reasons to remove a tree:
- The species is invasive, undesirable or prone to breakage, debris accumulation and shallow roots that damage pavement and lawns.
- The tree is diseased or infested.
- The tree is leaning more than 15% from vertical.
- Over 50% of the tree is damaged.
- Over 50% of the tree’s root system is damaged.
- The trunk is rotting or has a large fungal growth at its base.
- The trunk is severely damaged, and over 25% contains vertical cracks, seams, large old wounds or dead branch stubs.
- One-third or more of the tree is hollow or rotten.
- More than 25% of the tree’s branches are dead or damaged.
- All the dead branches on a tree are on only one side.
- Sprouts are growing from the base of the tree.
- The tree is impacting the health of nearby trees.
Factors that affect tree removal costs
Each tree removal job has specific challenges. Some of the factors that determine final costs include:
- Height: The taller the tree, the more you can expect to pay for its removal. Many tree removal companies charge by the foot.
- Species: Some types of trees are more difficult to remove than others, and the harder it is to remove a particular tree species, the more the job will generally cost. For example, an aspen may be more expensive to remove than a young pine because of its connected root system.
- Condition: If the tree is damaged or rotting, it may require extra supports for safety, increasing the cost of removal.
- Accessibility: If the tree is difficult to access because it’s too close to structures, power lines or other trees, your removal cost can increase by 25% to 50%.
- Urgency: If tree removal needs to be done immediately to prevent further property damage or injury, this typically costs more than a non-emergency job where the time frame is more flexible.
- Location: If you live outside of your tree service’s usual area of operation, you may be charged an additional mileage fee.
Services involved in a basic tree removal job may include cutting the trunk into smaller sections and cutting and removing branches, leaving only a stump where the tree used to be. Stump grinding, trunk hauling, chipping, trunk splitting and other services may incur additional costs. When hiring a tree service, make sure to get a very clear list of what your estimate includes.
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How to remove a tree
While each tree removal is unique, most involve the same basic steps. A tree removal company will likely do the following:
- Assess the tree to determine safety concerns, such as leaning and dead branches.
- Clear the area around the tree by removing snow, brush, smaller trees and fallen branches.
- Remove branches from the tree.
- Cut the trunk down, making sure it falls away from any structures.
- Cut up the fallen trunk and branches into smaller sections for removal.
- Remove the stump, if necessary, with a shovel or stump grinder.
- Clean up all branches and debris.
How to choose a tree removal company
- Choose a certified arborist. Certified arborists must complete training with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). You can find a certified arborist near you and check their ISA credentials at Treesaregood.org. Some tree removal companies have a certified arborist on staff and will require them to visit your property before quoting the job.
- Choose a company that belongs to a professional industry organization, such as the International Society of Arboriculture, the American Society of Consulting Arborists, or the Tree Care Industry Association.
- Confirm that the tree service has proper insurance, will conform to the latest industry standards, and will comply with local permitting and licensing regulations.
- Get multiple pricing estimates. If you need cleanup or stump removal, make sure your estimate includes those services.
- Always sign a written contract before proceeding with work.
- Find out if others have been satisfied with the work of any tree service you’re considering. Check out the business with the Better Business Bureau, get references from people you know and read public reviews.
What Reddit users say about tree removal
Reddit is an online forum where users share their thoughts in “threads” on various topics. The popular site includes plenty of discussion on financial subjects like home improvement, so we sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about whether tree removal is worth it. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.
Reddit users who have had trees removed often recommend having the work done during the cold season, when all the leaves are down, since this is the slow season for tree professionals. Safety is also a top concern. One Reddit user mentions the importance of completing necessary tree removal before hurricane season or other expected dangerous storms, and others say to get this work done before trees fall on people or property.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to have a tree removed from my property?
A small tree removal should take only a few hours. However, a medium-sized tree removal may take between four and eight hours, and a very large tree removal might involve up to two eight-hour working days. The size, location and accessibility of the tree affect how long it takes to remove it.
How can I time my tree removal to save money?
If safety permits, it may be cheaper to wait until February or March to have your tree removed. These months are the least expensive because all the leaves will have fallen and the tree will be easier to remove. This time of year is also the off-season for arborists, so you won’t be paying peak rates.
Do I need to get a permit to get my tree removed?
It depends on where you live. Each area has its own regulations for tree removal, and some towns require permits for this job. Ask your tree service if you’ll need a permit, or contact your city or town government to find out if one is required.
Can I remove a tree myself?
Tree removal is very dangerous work. Unless you have a lot of experience or the tree is small enough that you don’t need a ladder to reach its uppermost branches, it’s safer to bring in a professional.
Trying to cut down a tree yourself can result in injuries from falling, chainsaw recoil or decaying wood landing on you. Additionally, you risk damaging property, causing possible power interruptions and even incurring lawsuits if you incorrectly estimate where the tree will fall.
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