Removing a large tree is a complicated job that should be left to the professionals. Professional removal services have the equipment and experience required to safely remove trees without damaging surrounding structures. For the consumer, the most difficult part is choosing the right service. If you have never had to remove a tree, it can be difficult to tell whether you are paying too much or getting a fair deal.
The cost to remove a tree depends on several different factors. The most important factor is size. The larger the tree, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Many removal services put trees into three simple categories: small, medium and large. A small tree is one that is 25 feet or shorter and between three and 12 inches thick. To remove a small tree, customers will pay around $8 per foot.
Medium trees are between 25 and 50 feet in height and one to two feet thick. These trees are usually priced around $9 a foot. To remove a tree that is 45 feet tall, consumers can expect to pay around $450.
Large trees are between 50 and 90 feet in height and two to four feet thick. These trees will cost around $10 per foot. To remove a 90-foot tree, consumers will pay at least $900. Anything over 90 feet will cost even more. In fact, it may cost as much as $1,400 to remove a 100-foot Red Oak. Because very tall trees are so complicated to remove, prices can climb even higher depending on the other factors surrounding the removal.
The average cost of tree removal is between $125 and $1,400. However, prices can get into the thousands of dollars. Tree removal companies really establish their prices on a case by case basis.
Height and width are not the only factors that affect price. Prices are also based on a tree’s location, condition and number of branches. Due to the sensitive nature of the job, trees that are close to buildings or utilities lines will cost more to remove. Trees that are dead or infested with insects, like bees or wasps, will also cost more. These jobs can be very tricky to complete safely.
Where the tree is located is also important. Large trees will require cranes and other equipment to get down. If the tree is on a hill or otherwise difficult to reach, it will be more expensive to remove the tree. Removal companies base their prices on how difficult jobs will be for their workers to complete.
What Is Included in the Price of Tree Removal?
A removal estimate should include a few different things. The estimate should include the cost to safely cut the tree down and dispose of the branches. A large tree can cause a huge mess. The removal service should either remove the branches from the area or break them down in a chipping machine. If branch chipping is not included in the estimate, consumers can expect to pay between $65 and $150 an hour for this service.
Also, while most companies will remove branches, they will not remove large pieces of the tree trunk. Large pieces of wood are usually left on the premises to be disposed of or used as firewood. To remove the trunk of a medium to large tree, companies charge up to $350.
Keep in mind that removal estimates do not usually include the price of removing the tree stump. Stump removal requires different equipment. Consumers that want an entire tree removed, stump and all, will need to discuss this with their removal company.
Everything considered, it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to completely remove a tree. To get the best price on a removal, carefully discuss all charges with potential removal companies and compare estimates before coming to an agreement.