Why is tree removal so expensive? You may think it’s simply cutting down a tree. In fact, sometimes a tree falls by itself—for free! Well, many things can complicate the situation and add to the cost of tree removal. Also, you could take the super cheap route and do it yourself or wait for it to fall, but that’s taking the risk of having to pay for any related repairs. This also goes for hiring a company that will do it for an almost unbelievably cheap price. Remember, you get what you pay for. So it’s best to understand why paying more for tree removal may be the better route to take. However, there are ways of lowering tree removal costs in a safe, efficient way.

What Adds to Tree Removal Costs

If you’re looking into getting a tree removed for the first time, you may be surprised by the high rate of such a project. Many factors contribute to this cost, such as:

1. Size. The larger the tree, the more money it’s going to take to remove it. Cutting into a thick trunk and carrying these heavy pieces away requires heavy-duty machinery. Procuring this machinery may mean rental costs or hiring a licensed operator.
2. Type. The type of tree comes into play since softer woods are easier to remove than hardwoods.
3. Location. A tree on an open lawn with little to no obstacles around is a lot easier to remove than a large tree close to a home or power lines. More care is needed to remove trees surrounded by obstacles. This may require more specialized support—such as from a power company—which means more money. If the crew has to climb a tree and drag cut pieces around obstacles, this also takes more labor, which is more money. Any work done around utility lines may also require permits, which again (you guessed it), costs more.
4. Condition. If you have to remove a relatively healthy tree it may not cost as much as having to remove one that’s dead, diseased, or infested with pests. The more precarious the situation, the more unpredictable the process. Also, if it becomes an emergency situation, the company may charge a rush fee.
5. Crew and equipment. After considering all the factors, a tree removal company will put together a crew and a list of equipment needed to get the job done. The more complicated the job, the larger the crew, the more equipment needed—it all adds up to a larger bill for you. They also have to offset the cost of running a business and staying insured. And you want to make sure they’re insured, for everyone’s sake.

After receiving quotes from several companies, you may be tempted to try removing the tree yourself. Just keep in mind, that this isn’t an easy process even if you know what you’re doing. Paying for a professional to handle the work may save you money if you end up having to pay for repairs or related medical bills after your DIY attempt. Your best option may be to try to negotiate certain aspects of the job and save money in other ways.

Lowering Tree Removal Costs

There are ways to help save money on a tree removal project safely and effectively. While you don’t necessarily want to go with a budget service, you can still lower costs in other ways.

Before you even start looking at tree removal companies, there are decisions you can make for yourself that will instantly save costs.

1. Time of year. Winter is typically the best time of the year to remove a tree. No leaves on the trees make the branches easier to cut and remove. There are fewer plant obstacles. Frozen ground means less stress on your grass. Companies are usually not as busy.
2. DIYing some work. Plan on doing some of the work yourself. You can start by removing the obstacles you’re able to move, such as lawn furniture and ornaments. Also, some companies charge extra for cleanup, so if you keep the logs and chop them up yourself you can probably save some money. You’ll save even more if you offer to clean up any leftover debris.
3. Keeping the stump. Stump removal is an extra cost on top of tree removal. Different equipment is required to do the work, so companies will charge extra. If you keep the stump, you’ll save this cost.
4. Hiring a smaller company. When researching tree removal companies in your area, the first page of web results is likely to list larger companies with enough money to pay to be there. Keep scrolling to find the smaller companies who can offer the same quality work for a cheaper price. At least keep a list of a few companies listed on different web pages and compare quotes.

If you want to see the difference in price for yourself, you can always ask a company to break down the quotes for including everything you want done and then paring down from there.

Tree Removal Quote Collection & Comparison

Gathering quotes from multiple companies is one of the keys to saving money on tree removal. While their prices may be similar, you also want to confirm a few things, such as:

1. Insurance. Are they covered if something happens to your property and their workers? These are typically two different types of insurance, so check for both liability coverage and worker’s compensation.
2. Services. Do they have the expertise and equipment needed to handle your particular job? Some companies may only handle small jobs because they don’t have access to large equipment for taking out larger trees.
3. Reviews. If you can’t find a single review online, it may be for a reason.

Free Tree Removal?

Is there even such a thing? Maybe, depending on what kind of tree you have. If it’s a popular tree, like one with expensive wood or a sought-after exotic type, research to see if someone will want to come and take it down for you. Some exotic trees, like certain types of palm, are in demand for decorative purposes. This may be incentive enough for a company to take it down and take it away at little cost to you. If you do have to pay for removing a hardwood tree, have them leave the wood and then contact lumbar companies to see if any will pay you for the trunks. This could offset the cost of removal.

It is possible to remove some trees yourself. Smaller trees that end up dying young or you want to relocate for whatever reason should be easy enough for you to handle on your own. However, if you’re about to reach for a ladder for any part of the process, stop, and call a professional. Climbing a ladder with any sharp object is never a good idea.

When you’re looking for a professional to call, add Elite Tree Care to your list. Our certified specialists are ready to quote your project and discuss any options for lowering tree removal costs, whether it’s an emergency or you can wait until winter.