How much do tree trimming services cost? Unless you’ve had trees trimmed before, it can be hard to know just how much these services will cost you. In this article, we will go over the different factors that go into the costs of tree trimming, and whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional company.

Why Trim Your Tree?

Regular tree trimming is important to preserve the health and appearance of your trees. It’s also vital for keeping your property safe. Regular trimming and pruning will remove dead or broken limbs that can fall on your property and cause serious damage. More reasons to trim your trees regularly include:

What Kind of Stump Grinder Should You Get?

As with most powerful equipment, stump grinders are designed for specific purposes. This means you can find lightweight grinder models for small jobs. And you can also get powerful grinders for large, and more complicated jobs. The types of stump grinders include:

• Stimulate tree growth
• Maintain the tree’s proper shape
• Improve root health
• Boost tree immunity and help fight diseases
• Improve tree crops
• Improve sun absorption
• Increase air circulation
• Open up your property
• Reduce the danger of damaging property
• Reduce the danger of damaging utility lines

Overall, keeping your trees trimmed will help save you stress and money in the long run. Don’t know if it’s time to get your trees trimmed? Most tree trimming services will evaluate your trees for free, and provide you with a cost estimate in case your trees do need trimming.

The Three Types of Tree Trimming

• Fine Pruning: Shaping a tree by trimming small limbs
• Standard Pruning: Trimming major branches and some small limbs
• Crown Pruning: Trimming major branches that have been damaged due to a storm or disease

Should You Trim Your Own Trees?

Trimming your own trees may save you money. But whatever you save in dollars, you will have to fork up in time and effort. Plus, trimming your own trees can be extremely dangerous. This is part of the reason that professional tree trimming services can command high prices; Tree trimming is not easy. As a rule of thumb, you can only trim your own trees if:

• The tree branches are small and easily accessible
• You have all of the required tools, including safety glasses, extendable tools, thick gloves, and the correct type of saws
• You have experience trimming trees
• You have a friend or two who can supervise and watch out for your safety

How Much Will It Cost To Trim My Own Tree?

Hand-held loppers typically cost around $40-$50. Gas pole pruners typically cost around $180 but will help you work more quickly and efficiently. Depending on where you live, you may be able to rent your equipment. This may help you save money. Keep in mind that hand-held pruners can only be used on small branches. If the trees you are planning to trim are large, then your only option is to hire a professional tree-trimming service.

Hiring Professional Tree Trimming Services

Most homeowners hire professional tree trimming services to tend to their trees. How much you can expect to pay for professional tree trimming services will depend on a variety of factors.

Different Companies Will Charge Different Fees

Make sure to speak with a few different companies. In addition to asking for an estimate of costs, you should also ask about their licenses and expertise. Make sure to read reviews of the company. Once you’ve collected a few different quotes, compare them to see who has the best prices and services. Remember that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best fit for your situation. Look at all the details and additional costs on the bid. Make sure you understand each service and cost. Once you’ve looked at all your options, hire the service that is most comfortable for you.

Tree Size Will Impact Your Costs

Larger trees cost more to trim. In fact, tree size is one of the biggest factors that affect how much you will pay. These larger trees have more branches and are generally more difficult to prune. Typically, you can expect the following prices:

Trees Measuring 30 Feet or Less

Typical examples of trees that fall in this category include Russian olive trees and dogwood trees. You can expect to pay between $50-$450 to get these trees trimmed.

Trees Measuring 30 Feet to 60 Feet

Trees within this height range can cost $150 to $880 to trim professionally. Crab apple trees are a popular example of trees in this category.

Trees That Are 60 Feet and Taller

For especially tall trees, such as red oaks and pine trees, you will typically have to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more per tree.

Certain Services May Add to Your Total Cost

It’s going to cost you more if the company you hire doesn’t have its own truck. Without a truck, the workers will have to climb the tree to prune it. This will easily push your bill to over $1,500. Did a storm damage your tree? Do you need the trimming service to come in at odd hours? If so, you can expect to pay around $250 per hour for any emergency tree services. Other factors that can increase the cost of tree trimming services:

• The type of tree
• Potential hazards (e.g. power lines)
• If you want the tree trimming services to clear out the trimmed branches
• Drive time to your location and travel expenses incurred by the company
• How easily equipment can access your trees
• The tree’s health, and how long it has been since the tree was last pruned

NOTE: Your local utility provider will often send someone to trim back tree branches if you have power lines near your property.

Will Homeowners’ Insurance Cover the Costs of Tree Trimming?

Homeowners insurance may cover tree removal in the following cases:

• If your tree falls from the weight of snow, or because of a windstorm
• If a tree falls onto a covered structure, such as your home or a fence

Why Is Some Tree Trimming so Expensive?

Professional tree trimming services do more than just trim your trees. They also remove limbs that can pose a danger to your property. If the worker makes even a single wrong cut, it could cause thousands of pounds of wood to come crashing down into your living room. Yes, tree trimming services can be costly. But because of the risks involved, most homeowners find the costs to be well worth having a professional handle it all. Have questions about tree trimming services and the costs of tree trimming? Feel free to contact us today. We can provide free estimates for your project.