Regarding the process of removing trees, it’s a certainty that the expense is significant. Should you have recently obtained estimates from nearby contractors for this service, it’s likely you’ve been taken aback by the exorbitant costs quoted to you.
However, the high costs of tree removal across the country are justified. Arborists charge higher mainly because of the complexity, unpredictability, and risky nature of the tree service. Their overhead costs are also high owing to the high insurance premiums they have to pay.
All these factors then trickle down onto the final value of the quotes you’ll receive.
To get a deeper understanding of how tree service companies price removal, here’s a short breakdown:
Complexity of the job
Tree removal isn’t your everyday job. It requires a lot of preparation, assessment, and skills to complete the job effectively and safely.
The experts have to understand how each branch and limb of the tree will react to a power saw, as well as how the tree holds itself up to ensure that none of the cut parts fall and damage your property or public right of way.
All this makes the entire process tedious and requires specialized machinery like cranes and aerial lifts to work safely. In fact, a typical large tree removal worksite usually has equipment worth more than $150,000.
Therefore, the contractor has to charge you more to be able to manage their ever-increasing overhead costs.
Difficulty and risk involved
Climbing up a storm-damaged tree with a heavy machine like a power saw isn’t the safest of jobs, but tree workers have to do it. Any mistake they make while on the tree can easily cost them their life or injure them permanently.
And if the workers don’t get injured, any miscalculations could mean a tree branch falling and damaging your property and landscape.
When working on trees close to power lines or those with electrical conductors running through their branches, the risk exposure for the tree crew is also pretty high.
High insurance premiums
As you can guess, insuring employees who are constantly in the face of danger is very expensive. Most tree companies have invested millions just for worker compensation insurance and general liability coverage. As such their insurance premiums are quite high compared to other industries.
In some states, tree companies are also required to pay for special licensing besides the standard one. These costs significantly increase the overhead costs of the company which then reflects on their estimates.
Note: Some companies get around the insurance costs by subcontracting the removal to independent contractors in the market, then offer you a lower estimate. Avoid such companies as they leave you (the client) liable for any damages that may happen on the job.
Highly skilled and certified workers
For a job that’s globally regarded as one of the most dangerous, having well-trained and certified workers is compulsory.
Tree companies have to invest in an experienced workforce and also compensate them with wages that reflect their expertise. This means that they’ll have to charge higher labor costs to maintain the quality of their team.
How much does tree removal cost?
The average tree removal cost ranges between $325 – $7,900 with the national average standing at $1,125.
These costs are mainly affected by the size and height of the trees, as well as the tree species. For instance, removing an oak tree costs around $2,300 while the maple tree is about $520.
Here’s how much you can expect to spend depending on the size of the tree.
| Tree | Size | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small trees | - 15 ft | $225 | $500 |
| Medium trees | 15 - 25 ft | $500 | $900 |
| Large trees | 25 - 60 ft | $900 | $2,500 |
| Extra-Large trees | 60 - 120 ft | $2,500 | $4,500 |
Factors that affect tree removal costs
Besides the contractors’ hefty overhead costs, there are several other factors that add to the already expensive removal costs. These include:
The condition of the tree
Trees in strong and healthy condition will cost you more in removal costs, compared to a weak and dying tree. Moreover, removing trees after storm damage will be charged higher due to the dangers associated with it.
Location (Accessibility)
The location of the tree on your property determines how accessible it is for the tree crew. Accessibility is important because it affects how much manual labor will be required and subsequently how much you incur in labor costs.
Poorly located trees may also require the experts to utilize complex techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. For this, they’re bound to increase their prices.
Generally, removing a tree in an open area like the front yard might be nearly 50% cheaper than one in your backyard. Additionally, removing tree branches close to power lines will also increase costs due to the added risk.
Diameter of the trunk
The bigger the tree’s diameter the more costly it is to remove. This is because big trunks increase the amount of work required. The costs will also increase by nearly 15% if you also need to grind the stump.
Tree companies charge higher to grind shorter but large stumps, than smaller and taller stumps.
Demand and emergencies
During the peak seasons, most companies will charge you higher since the demand for their service is higher. The same applies if you need emergency tree removal like storm damage or a tree fell on a power line or your home.
Additional services
Most contractors also charge you a premium rate to complete other extra services like tree debris removal and removing obstacles around the tree like outdoor furniture and telephone lines. If you intend to do these tasks, make it clear during the quote process.