Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
If a tree falls down in your yard and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? While that may still be up for debate, what isn’t up for debate is the fact that now you have to do something about that tree.
Trees bring unparalleled curb appeal to a property, but sometimes they have to go. Storm damage, disease, or invasive root systems are all reasons why you may need to remove a tree from your yard.
Keep reading to learn more about tree removal, associated costs, and when it is time for a tree to leaf, er, leave.
Table of Contents
Is Removing a Tree the Right Move?
It is hard to imagine cutting down a tree that provides shade and beauty for your home, but sometimes it is the right thing to do.
Acting preventatively if the tree is diseased or dying will save you a headache in the long run. Signs a tree is dying include:
- Brittle bark or cracks
- Few healthy leaves during the growing season
- A sudden lean of the tree
- Presence of fungus or bark beetles
Ideally, a tree should be at least 15 feet away from your home. Any closer than that, and the root system threatens to damage your foundation. Also, it proves a greater risk if you live in storm-prone areas.
How to Remove a Tree
If you’ve decided cutting down a tree is the right step for your property, you may wonder how to do it? First, abide by this rule of thumb: if you have to use a ladder to do the job, hire a professional tree service. After all, a fall off a ladder leading to a trip to the hospital won’t save you any money in the long run.
If the tree is small enough, follow these steps to remove it.
- Water the ground the day before
- Plan to dig 6″ deep for every inch the tree trunk is around
- Using leverage, begin to work the root system out of the ground
- Pull the tree out of the ground
Hiring a Tree Removal Service
If you end up needing to hire a professional service, you may wonder how much that will cost. Tree removal typically costs $150 to $2,000, with the average cost in the $600-$750 range.
Factors that affect how much the removal will cost are the height, diameter, and trunk system of the tree. Plan to spend more on a downed tree in a dangerous position (like by power lines) or an emergency tree removal.
Here are some examples to help our gauge your project’s price:
- Palm trees typically cost $200 to $900
- A 60-80 foot mature oak tree runs between $700 and $1,300
- Pine trees average in the $600 to $900 range
Check out this sample contract to get an idea of what to expect when starting to work with a tree removal company.
Don’t Delay
Now that you know how to tell if it’s time to cut down the tree don’t delay. Most tree removal services offer a free quote on tree removal jobs. Don’t wait until the job turns into an emergency; call someone today.
If you feel like you’ve learned a thing or two, check out more posts from our blog and keep on learning!
