Even while trees have indisputable advantages, there are times when we need to remove hazardous trees, for example, if they might fall on utility lines. Tree removal is a major job, and if it happens unexpectedly (like after a storm), the cost can be more than you had anticipated.
Thankfully, you may learn how to negotiate tree removal to save money while still having the work done by a trustworthy service.
What is the average cost for tree removal near me?
The tree removal costs will vary according to the size of the tree, the ease of access, the power lines, and the complexity of the task.
The cost of tree removal will be significantly less if it is in a front yard with no obstructions surrounding it than if it is a similar-sized tree behind a rear shed with power lines running through it.
Time is money, thus the more quickly and easily a tree can be removed by a tree service, the less money they will charge.
Why tree removal process is so pricey
The high overhead and operating expenses a tree service has, are the reason why removing a tree costs so much. Any tree removal task requires a climber and a ground crew of at least three people.
The majority of businesses invest more than $200,000 in capital expenditures only to buy the equipment they require to operate their business. This could incorporate:
- truck
- chipper
- bobcat
- crane
- cactus picker
Because the groundskeepers and climbers are paid so generously, operating expenses are also increased.
For tree services, insurance is a significant cost that includes public liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, as well as coverage for all huge, sophisticated equipment.
You can see that for the business to break even, it needs to earn far over $1,500 every day. Large tree removal projects are expensive because of this.
Other factors that affect tree removal costs
Large trees are more expensive to remove since they need more hefty machinery, the job is hazardous, and there is more waste to get rid of. However, there are additional elements that affect the cost of tree removal.
The tree’s size
Small trees are those that are less than 30 feet tall; their removal normally runs between $150 and $500. Hawthorns and silver birches are both small, as are many fruit trees.
How much does it cost to cut a 50-foot tree?
A 30- to 60-foot-tall medium-sized tree, like an elm or maple, will cost between $600 and $1,000 to remove. A huge tree, such as a mature oak, can grow to be 60–80 feet tall and can be removed for between $800 and $1,700. An 80-foot-tall tree will cost between $1,500 and $3,000 to remove.
Height is important, but it’s not the only one. Generally speaking, a large tree will have a thicker trunk. It might be less expensive to cut down a large tree with a thin trunk than a thick-trunk tree of the same height.
A tree removal firm might charge you more if the trunk of a short tree is very difficult to cut. Similarly to this, removing a mature tree with multiple trunks is more difficult and expensive.
The tree’s health or condition
A sick tree poses a risk to anyone entering your front yard, other nearby trees, your property, and other people. A tree like that might be less expensive to take down since it’s simpler, but if it’s in a risky location or poses a risk of causing harm if it falls, it might be more expensive. To acquire a price in this case, schedule an inspection with a tree removal service.
On the other hand, it is less expensive to have a fallen tree cut down and transported away than a live one, assuming it hasn’t caused an emergency. A tree removal crew will find it much safer to deal with fallen trees that are merely lying on the ground.
Emergency tree removal
You must get rid of a tree as soon as possible if it suddenly falls on your house, power lines, or car or if it leans dangerously.
The cost of tree removal that is scheduled a few weeks or days in advance vs. one that is required as soon as possible will differ significantly.
You will have to pay more for urgent service, just like with any rush job. The professionals will need to be extremely careful not to cause further damage, making the job riskier.
What’s the best time of year to remove trees?
The dormant season, which lasts from late winter to early spring, is one of the greatest periods to cut down a dangerous tree if it has fewer serious issues. This is why. A qualified arborist will find it much simpler to cut and manage the branches of dormant trees because they are lighter and without leaves.
What time of year is the cheapest for tree removal?
Choosing the most advantageous time of year to remove a tree is your first tool in the fight against high tree removal service costs.
The most affordable time of year to have a tree removed is always winter. The supply and demand paradigm holds the key.
Since fewer people are outside working in their gardens in the winter, there is far less demand for tree removal services. You will typically receive reduced bids and fair pricing, as tree services lower costs to win employment due to the low demand but constant supply of tree services.
How to negotiate tree removal companies
Trees provide their surroundings with shade, natural beauty, and oxygen, but a bad storm, neglect, disease, tree fungus, and pests can cause their branches to hang or their trunks to become unstable.
You might need to cut down a tree to keep your home and family safe if it is close to electricity lines or other hazards. So, it’s important to know how to negotiate with tree removal companies.
What to look for
You have a lot of inquiries if you need a tree removal service. How do you find the most qualified business?
Reputation
- A professional reputation is the first thing to check for. Make sure the business has been operating for at least five years and has been removing trees for that long.
Services
- Ask them about their services next. Do they provide mulching or stump grinding? Which tree species can they remove? How many employees are there at any one time?
License
- Last but not least, confirm that the business has a license in your region; if not, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to meet your needs.
How to negotiate tree removal prices
You shouldn’t attempt to handle the tree removal procedure alone because it is a risky job that demands expertise and precision. Instead, try using these strategies to save money.
Remove multiple trees at once
The proverb “The more, the merrier” comes into play while learning how to negotiate tree removal. If you have multiple trees cut down at once, you may frequently negotiate a lower price.
Perhaps you’re removing vegetation to make room for a patio, or a pest has overtaken the bushes, trees, and shrubs in your yard. A professional might agree to lower their fee to see everyone in a single (more economical) appointment.
DIY tree stump removal and cleanup
You can save money by agreeing to clear up the debris yourself once the tree has been cut down. Compare the costs of doing it yourself versus hiring a firm to do it. Because renting tree-hauling equipment can be pricey, you should shop for it.
Even if you choose not to cart it away yourself, you might inquire with the business about a discount for removing any last bits of trash, such as branches and leaves, manually.
For the first tree stump, plus $50 for each successive stump, hiring a local stump removal company costs between $100 and $150, and stump grinding costs between $170 and $500 per stump. You can save money by removing the stump yourself if you have experience running large machinery, but you’ll need to rent a grinder.
Another choice is to wait to grind or remove the stump until you have the money. This isn’t a great long-term option, either, as residual stumps can be unattractive and will eventually rot, luring pests into your yard.
Preserve the wood
Ask the tree removal specialists how much you would save if they didn’t haul dense logs for you while getting a price. Or you can ask them to cut the tree into firewood logs, which you can then either store for yourself or sell to local woodworkers or businesses by word of mouth, social media, or organizations.
People could be willing to remove your wood for free in specific circumstances, saving you the trouble, the time, and the money.
Discuss the removal of a tree with your neighbors
You can discuss splitting the expense of removal with your neighbors, whether you have trees along the property borders or your neighbor’s tree has limbs that are leaning onto your yard.
With neighbors who might not be enthusiastic about the prospect of taking down trees, be kind and empathetic. However, there are rare situations where this discussion can save money by cutting down dangerous trees and benefit both parties.
How to negotiate tree removal with your neighbors
It’s crucial to make sure that everyone is on the same page when a tree on your property needs to be removed. What you should know before creating a neighborly tree removal agreement is as follows:
- Before the work starts, make sure all trees have been marked.
- It would be beneficial if you also kept an eye out for warning indications of danger like broken branches or vulnerable areas.
- Give each task at least two hours, and schedule any necessary equipment in advance.
- Tell your neighbors what kind of tree-removal machinery you’ll be employing, so they can keep an eye on it and make sure nothing is destroyed.
Look for options for free tree removal
There are several methods by which you may get your free tree removal. Trees that endanger electricity or sewer lines may be free to be removed, according to utility companies. Local governments can assist you with free tree removal on public property (like if roots are destroying the sidewalk in front of your home).
If you reside in a region that is prone to wildfires or another region with harsh weather, your local, or state government may also offer grants or other forms of financial support for free tree removal.
There is a possibility that you will actually get your free tree removal if you are removing a palm tree or a tree with sought-after exotic wood. Typically, this tree will be old and not a young specimen.
Free removal of palm trees
Landscapers and nurseries seek out palm trees to offer to clients and consumers who are designing their gardens. Palm trees that are fully grown fetch high prices. The majority of the time, they won’t give you money for the tree, but will come and dig it up and transport it away for free.
Exotic timber tree removal costs
Some trees, such as redwood and cypress, provide highly common building materials, making it worthwhile for a tree service to remove your tree for no charge and profit from the lumber in the future.
They may only offer you a 50% discount in some circumstances because they need to cut down the tree, truck it away, cure the wood for two years, and grind it into the proper sizes for sale.
Again, this only applies if the tree company believes they can profit from your exotic timber.
How to negotiate tree removal discounts
Looking for a deal? Simply ask! Tree removal companies may offer discounts and bargains, just like your preferred department store does. If the business was recommended to you by a neighbor, find out if any deals could help you and your neighbor save some money.
Try negotiating tree removal with local companies rather than a chain
Local companies may be able to provide lower rates than major chains since they have fewer executives higher up the chain of command, smaller office space, and overall lower overhead costs. In addition, choosing local companies for tree removal can help the local economy.
Before signing any contracts, just make sure the business is authorized, bonded, and covered by insurance. Obtain a copy of their state, local, and contractor licenses. Additionally, get the name of their insurance provider and agent, then get in touch with the latter to confirm insurance coverage before beginning any work.
How to pick a tree removal company
At first glance, selecting a tree removal service may appear difficult. You shouldn’t get into something without completing your research first, if you don’t know much about it. Here are some recommendations for picking the best tree removal company.
- Identify the types of tree services you require
If your goal is to remove a damaged or old tree, you should pick a professional tree service. Consider hiring an arborist that specializes in pruning and trimming trees for residential properties if your objective is to remove dead trees from your yard or front yard; they will know how to handle these tree services best.
- Look for client reviews
You can generally bet that a company will perform a great job for you if you notice that a lot of others are employing them. It’s even better if Yelp or other review websites show a lot of good comments about the business.
- Ascertain their level of expertise in your area
They could not have much knowledge of trees in your region if they don’t operate in your town or neighborhood, which could cause issues with their work.
- Verify their insurance and licenses
You want to be certain that the individuals cutting down your tree are qualified for the task and have the necessary tools. Before joining up with them, find out from the local authorities if they are registered, licensed, insured, or bonded, so you can be sure everything is legal.
Guidelines for negotiating tree removal successfully
However, by using these suggestions, the negotiation process will go much more smoothly. Knowing how to negotiate tree removal will help you receive a better deal on your project. Follow this advice for tree removal talks, from gathering bids for the project to finalizing the contract.
Conduct research
When requesting company quotations, it is ideal to be prepared with everything you require. Before you enter into discussions, do some research on the kinds of trees and their approximate sizes.
You should also make a note of their location on your property and the number of trees you need to have removed. Even when negotiating, keep in mind that if they’re in hard-to-get-to places, it will cost extra.
Negotiate first, not at the end
Are you going to clean up wood waste or utilize it as firewood? Make that a topic of discussion before the contract’s signing, rather than bringing it up after the tree has been felled.
Negotiate initially to establish a mutual understanding between you and the tree removal business, and always get the agreed-upon price and reductions in writing to make the payment procedure simple.
Think about tree value
Healthy trees can be a valuable feature of your neighborhood, but dead, damaged, or dying ones can pose major risks to your family and property. Before scheduling tree removal services, take into account their value.
When summertime arrives, will you miss the shade the trees provide? Is the tree an old-growth tree that is vital to its surroundings? Before scheduling removal, take these things into account.
Conclusion
This article discussed how to negotiate with tree removal businesses, the cost of this service, how to find a good tree removal service, and what queries to put to experts in the field.
Making sure your area is safe and peaceful can be greatly aided by learning how to negotiate tree removal.
