Tree removal services – benefits, costs and more

Trees accentuate the beauty of a garden, provide shade, and keep the air clean and fresh. However, if a tree has become weak or diseased, it should be removed at the earliest to protect the nearby trees and your property. If a weak tree is near your house, it may fall when there is a strong wind or rain and will pose a danger to life and property. Tree removal is not everyone’s cup of tea and should be done by professionals. Here’s a look at the benefits, factors to consider, and the costs of tree removal services.

Benefits of tree removal services

If you are pondering on removing one or more trees from your backyard, a professional tree removing company can do it quickly, easily, and safely. The benefits of opting for professional tree removal services are:

• Prevention of injuries
  Removing trees, especially the larger ones, requires the right tools and the knowledge to use them safely. A small mistake can injure you or others around you. Therefore, it is always wise to hire the services of a company with good experience in the field.
• Saves time
  Tree removal is a time-consuming task, especially if you don’t have any experience. If you have a job and other essential things to do, you cannot waste the entire day cutting down one or more trees. While you may use regular home tools such as axes and machetes, a company offering tree removal services will come equipped with the modern ones. These tools and equipment will expedite the process and save you from any hassles.
• Saves money
  When you hire professional services, you can save yourself from buying expensive tools and equipment. The employees of a professional company will also take necessary precautions to ensure that your property foundation, sewage system, and other parts are not harmed or damaged during the tree felling operation. This will save you from expensive repairs.
• Safety of your property
  If a big tree is near your property, its roots can weaken the foundation of your house. Therefore, complete removal of the tree and its roots is important for safety reasons. A professional company will know how to remove the tree and its roots safely without damaging your property.
• Cleanup services
  Professional tree removal companies also provide cleanup services after every tree felling operation. They remove the trunks and branches from the compound and leave the space neat and clean.

Factors to consider while choosing a tree removal company
When you are looking to avail tree removal services, make sure you keep these factors in mind.

Service provider’s credentials

Check the tree removal company’s license and credentials before hiring them. Make sure the company is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association to get reliable services. The license proves that the company is operating legally and has complied with all state laws.

Terms and conditions of the contract

Before finalizing the contract, go through the terms and conditions carefully and talk to the service provider if you need any clarifications. Make all points clear to avoid any confusion later. For instance, ask the company if the mentioned fee is only for cutting the trees or whether it includes inspection and clearing charges. In case a service provider hesitates to clarify the terms and conditions, look for another company.

Valid insurance cover

This is one of the most important factors to consider before selecting a company offering tree removal services. Choose a company with liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. In case an employee gets injured, or a part of your house gets damaged during the tree felling operation, the company will take care of the expenses or compensate you for the damage.

Check referrals

Talk to the previous customers to get a better picture of the company and an idea about the quality of work they offer. You can also go through the company’s website and customer reviews section.

Cost estimates

When you are looking to hire tree removal services, ask for a quotation from the shortlisted companies and compare their charges. Go for a reputed service provider who is charging a fair price. Do not blindly select a company with the lowest fee as they may offer low-quality services.

Make sure they have the right equipment

Choose a well-equipped company for smooth execution of the task. If you have tall or large trees, ask the company if they have the right tools and equipment to remove them safely. Chainsaws, excavators, tree cutting machines, and wood clippers are some standard tools used for this. The employees should also use gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, harnesses, and other personal protective equipment while executing the work to prevent accidents and injuries.

Find out the type of services they will offer: Before finalizing the contract, ask the company what services they will provide for the quoted rate. Some companies offer additional services such as stump grinding and removal of trunks and branches free of cost, while others may charge extra. Try to find a company that will offer all the necessary services, even if it means paying a few dollars extra.

Check employee experience

This is yet another vital point to keep in mind. The employees should have good experience in the field. They should also have proper training in handling the equipment safely.

Costs

Tree removal services can be affordable or slightly expensive, depending on various factors, such as the size, condition, diameter, and location of the trees to be removed. Here’s some information for you.

Tree size

The removal charges are different for small, medium, and large trees.

• Small trees
  The average cost of removing a small tree, which is about 30 feet in height, is around $400 to $500. These trees are the easiest to remove.
• Medium trees
  If the tree that has to be removed is of medium height, the average cost of removing it may be between $500 to $900. The length of a medium tree can be 30 to 60 feet.
• Large trees
  Removal of a large tree may cost you $1,000 to $2,000. The tree’s height is usually between 60 to 80 feet.
• Very large trees
  If the tree is more than 80-feet-tall, removing it may cost about $2,000 or a little more. These trees are the most difficult to remove. Professionals also have to take special care not to damage the power lines and plumbing pipes while removing them. For trees up to 120 feet tall, you may have to pay something around $2,500 to $4,500. This usually includes stump removal charges as well.

Oak tree removal

Oak trees have very strong wood and can be as tall as 60 feet. Removing an oak tree may cost you around $400 to $1,000. Professionals need to use heavy-duty equipment to execute the task.

Palm tree removal

A palm tree that is approximately 30-feet-high will cost you something between $150 and $500. If the tree is about 80-feet-tall, you may have to spend around $1,100 to $1,500 to remove it.

Pine tree removal
The average cost of removing a 40-feet-tall pine tree is approximately $400. The ones that are about 80-feet-tall may cost you around $1,500 because cutting it is difficult and dangerous. It may also involve some additional work, such as removing the cones and branches.

Removing a fallen tree

This is less expensive as most of the work is done already. To get a fallen tree removed, you may have to pay about $75 to $150. The cost depends on the tree size and its species. Pruning the branches and stump removal will incur some additional charges.

Stump removal

Removal of tree stump will incur some additional charges. It depends on various factors, such as the age of the stump, the root system, the wood’s harness and condition, the soil’s condition, and the stump’s diameter. Stump removal may cost you anything between $80 and $500. If the tree is a giant one and has a massive diameter, you may have to pay a larger amount to remove the stump.

Diameter

Trees that have broad trunks and dense wood are difficult to remove. A tree removal services company will take more time to cut them down, and the wood is also heavier and difficult to handle. Therefore, the charges of removing broader trees are more.

Location

If the tree is located close to your house or any other structure, extra care and effort may be needed to remove it safely. Therefore, a tree removal company may charge you more for removing it. A tree that is hard to access may also incur extra removal charges.

To conclude, cutting and removing trees can be risky and is best done by an experienced tree removal company. A professional tree removal services provider will take all necessary precautions to execute the entire task safely to prevent injuries and damage to your property.