Investing in Tree Removal Cost: Why Tree Removal Isn’t DIY

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Trees serve humans and the environment in both aesthetic and ecological ways. When we plant trees on our properties, they provide an ideal location for shade. These massive plants also cleanse the air, providing cleaner air to breathe. On the other hand, damaged, dead, or overgrown trees may endanger public safety. If you have an overgrown or damaged tree, you must get tree removal services as soon as possible.

The cost of tree removal for a homeowner is an investment in the quality and beauty of their property. While you may be tempted to dig up an old tree or stump on your own, hiring a professional tree removal service near you will be safer and more beneficial.

Is it expensive to remove a tree?

Expect to pay between $150 and $2000 for tree removal services, with the typical cost being around $700-$750. You can get a little tree removed for as little as $200, according to HomeAdvisor; however, expect to pay in the thousands of dollars for any decent-sized mature tree. And that may or may not cover extras like stump removal or dealing with unique hazards like power wires. So, tree removal isn’t cheap, but there’s a reason for it. The price of tree removal is influenced by factors such as the size, kind, and health or condition of the tree.

Does anyone remove trees for free?

Tree removal can be expensive, often costing several thousand dollars or more; however, depending on the tree and the scenario, there are occasions when it is possible to have it removed for free.

• You can inquire with a reliable logging firm about cutting and removing your trees. Many small businesses will do this for free if there are enough trees, typically around 20 or more.
• See if your trees are included in a city, state, or federal tree-care program. If the trees are close to the street, the city will likely remove them for free if needed.
• Power companies can also remove your trees at no cost if they are near power lines and are likely to become an issue or threat.

The high expense of tree removal reflects the job’s numerous risks and associated insurance costs, the specific expertise and equipment necessary, and the project’s sheer labor. 

Should you remove a tree close to the house?

 It’s normally fine to cut down a tree that’s too close to your home, but you should always consult a licensed arborist for a thorough evaluation.

Trees should ideally be at most 15 feet away from your house. Larger species will require more space to thrive, whereas smaller species may be planted closer together depending on the landscaping. It’s far too close for comfort if the tree is right over your house or if its branches are already touching the roof. Rather than removing the tree, you might be able to have the branches chopped back.

DIY tree removal: possible but not recommended…

With proper precautions, you can cut down a tall tree yourself, according to HomeGuides. However, you should hire a professional if the tree you want to chop down has a trunk more than 16 inches in diameter or if it will fall on buildings or other impediments.

Follow the following guidelines to cut down a large tree by yourself safely:

• Inspect the tree and the area around it. Look for evidence that the tree is prone to falling to one side, such as noticeable lean or uneven limbs. Ensure there are no obstacles in the place where you want the tree to fall, like buildings, vehicles, or other trees.
• Make the undercut, which is a V-shaped notch on the side of the tree where you want it to fall. Make the initial cut low in the trunk and parallel to the ground using a chainsaw. This cut should go about a quarter to a third of the way into the tree trunk. Remove a wedge of wood from one side of the tree with a 45-degree angle diagonal cut above or below the initial cut.
• On the tree’s opposite side, make a horizontal cut up to 8 inches deep. This cut, known as the back-cut, reduces stress on the tree’s bark and allows it to fall. Place the back-cut a little higher than the point of the undercut, leaving about 1/10 of the tree’s diameter between the two. The wood between the two cuts will act as a hinge, allowing the tree to fall gracefully under its weight. Smaller trees may need to be pushed down, but most large trees will fall naturally. As soon as you notice the tree starting to fall, get out of the area.
• Remove the excess hinge pieces and the visible portion of the tree stump. Split the wood into small bits with an ax before removing the fragments by hand.
• Dig a hole around the stump’s remaining portion. Sever any roots you come across, and use the ax to break up the remains of the stump. Insect problems, like termite infestation, can be avoided by removing the stump.

Is it cheaper to trim a tree or cut it down? 

Typically, the most expensive type of tree service is tree removal. Trimming a tree costs about $460 on average. In most circumstances, the price will range from $75 to $1,500. On the other hand, tree removal can cost several thousands of dollars.

Pricing a tree removal job

Tree removal can cost anything from $400 to $1200, with the average cost being approximately $750. The cost of tree removal ranges from $5 to $15 per foot. The difficulty of the removal and the tree’s accessibility is the determining elements in calculating the cost.

Tree removal service has different levels. The most basic service is to have the tree chopped down and all debris removed from your property. The most comprehensive (and most expensive) service is to have the tree cut, the stump ground removed, and debris carted away. You can price depending on the kind of service you’re getting.

When should trees be removed?

As a tree owner, you are liable for any damage or harm caused by a tree that should have been removed but was not. The good news is that by simply examining a tree’s branches, trunk, roots, and position, you can often identify if it is in trouble.

Here are signs that your trees need to be removed.

• Infection symptoms are present.
• Your tree isn’t thriving.
• Root flaws have been discovered. Root flaws aren’t often obvious, but shifting soil and fungi near the tree’s base are both signs of a problem.
• The tree is suddenly leaning to one side, which may signify structural issues.
• A house or other construction is too close to the tree. Large trees should be 20 feet away from a house or structure.

How do you tell if a tree needs to be cut down?

It’s difficult to cut down a tree, but it is sometimes essential. Trees, like humans, are complex living beings susceptible to disease, stress, and aging. Contact a reputable tree removal company when you notice signs that your tree might be dangerous.

There are certain methods for safely removing a tree on your own, but only if the tree is small enough. If you have to use a ladder to reach and cut tree branches, the tree is too big for you to remove without help safely. The safest option for huge tree removal is to hire a professional company to conduct the job for you. They have the necessary equipment, expertise, and insurance to complete the task safely. When you require tree removal, call our team at Montgomery Tree Trimming & Removal Services.