One of the most frequent inquiries I receive here at GoTreeQuotes is from customers in search of complimentary tree services. There seems to be an abundance of inaccurate or deceptive information floating around on the internet, which has prompted me to clarify the actual facts.
Getting a tree removed free of charge is possible but in rare cases. Most of the time, you must pay for your tree removal.
Palm trees are an exception. If you have a sort-after palm species, companies will pay YOU to come and remove it.
Getting a tree removed for nothing is very rare but is possible if you have a desirable tree. Regular tree services will not remove the tree for the wood. It is not worth their time.
If you have an acre or more of trees you need to be removed; logging companies may remove the trees for free because they can sell the lumber for a profit.
This definitely will not work for a single tree in a residential area, but for rural properties with lots of trees, you can get free tree removal in exchange for the wood.
Do lumber companies cut down trees for free?
In short, Lumber companies get contracted by the owner of a tree/ timber plantation to cut the trees down for a price.
After the owner of the trees pays for the lumber company to process the timber, they make a profit by selling the timber to other companies who turn it into furniture, floorboards, and other timber products.
What could work?
If you were to find a local lumber company that was interested enough in your trees for its timber, then it is feasible that they would come out and remove them in exchange for the timber.
The catch is you would need to a large number of trees and the timber could need to be desirable.
Highly sort-after timber
Western Red Cedar – Western Red Cedar
Mahogany – Swietenia mahagoni
Rosewood – Dalbergia species
Oak – Quercus
Ash – Fraxinus
Black cherry – Prunus serotina
Kingwood – Dalbergia Cearensis
Other desirable timbers are Tulipwood, Cocobolo, African blackwood, and Bombay blackwood.
Some landscapers buy mature trees
If you have a great-looking tree that you feel would be a shame to cut up and remove, there are companies out there that will buy them and use them for landscaping projects.
There is no point in me listing any here as you will need to get in touch with one local to you, but if you have a tree that looks like it can be dug up and hauled away on a truck and it is a desirable tree, then it is worth a phone call.
Remove trees free - Seniors assistance
Like the above example, tree companies can certainly give a discount for seniors but you will not be able to get it removed for free.
It costs a tree company $500 – $1000 per day in expenses to run with labor, equipment, fuel, insurance, etc. so they will need to cover costs and make a living on top of that.
Although most tree companies are charitable, they are not charities so they need to make a living to support their families.
Are their grants for getting rid of trees?
It will depend on your city and state. There are some government grants available for tree removal, but they are more closely linked to farming and helping with expenses rather than the home suburban residents.
Will the city cut down my trees free?
If the tree is on the city’s land, they will get rid of the tree at no cost to you, if it is causing issues to your home. Trees that are on your property will need to be removed and paid for by the resident.
There are some sneaky ways to get the city to remove a tree for free, but it is a lot of work. Here is an article on how to do it here.
In cases where one tree is on the city’s property and hanging over your property or home, you can report this and they will come and remove the offending branches at their own expense.
Can I remove a tree myself?
DIY removing trees is a viable option and can be next to free if you have the right equipment.
Things to consider:
Tree size – If there is one tree in question and it’s greater than 15ft. (1-story house) then it is best handled by a professional arborist. Working from heights with a chainsaw is extremely dangerous and should be respected. If you do not have the skills to pull it off, I suggest leaving it to a professional.
Dumping fees – Tree services can mulch your tree after they remove it and give away the woodchips free of charge. Unchipped tree branches are useless and will cost you to dump at the local tip.
Chainsaw hire – Hire companies usually hire for a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (24 hours). Make sure you also hire all the Personal Protective Equipment at the point of hire.
In a lot of cases, it will work out a lot easier and cheaper to get a local tree-cutting service for the job for you.
