How Much Does It Cost To Cut Down A Tree?

Owning property is an investment, and it’s no secret that mature trees can boost your home’s value. Unfortunately, caring for and maintaining trees can also be quite expensive. 

Cutting down a tree is a major project. While you might be able to remove small, immature trees yourself, you should hire a professional to cut down the vast majority of trees. Before you call the local arborist, though, it’s important to know exactly how much it will cost you to cut down a tree.

When Should You Hire a Tree Cutting Service?

There are many reasons to cut down a tree, some of which are more urgent than others. If you suspect a tree needs to be trimmed back or removed from your property, get in touch with a professional for a consultation. Especially if you are untrained in using tools such as chainsaws then using a professional is always a good idea.

Here are some of the most common reasons homeowners choose to cut down a tree:

Safety risk

Damaged or dead trees pose a serious risk to property and people. And since there’s no way to return the tree to good health, removal is the only option.

Whether your tree has aged and died off or was damaged by a harsh windstorm, there’s a good chance it’s lost much of its structural integrity. This means the tree or one of its branches could fall, landing on your roof, car, or someone walking by.

Contagious disease

Unfortunately, many tree species are susceptible to pests and diseases. One of the best ways to stop an infection from spreading to every tree on your property is to remove the affected tree right away. 

Yes, it’s hard to say goodbye to one or even several trees. But this route is a much better option than letting the disease spread to every tree and losing them all.

Poor location

Trees grow. Most of the time, this a good thing — they produce more shade, are sturdier, and add aesthetic appeal to your property. Sometimes, though, a tree will grow too large for its location.

If a tree is starting to encroach on your home or spread past your property line, it’s time to hire a tree cutting service. Cutting the offending branches can prolong the tree’s life — potentially for several years. Eventually, the entire tree may need to be removed.

How Much Does It Cost to Cut Down a Tree?

Like any home maintenance service, cutting down a tree comes at a cost. Even if you don’t need tree removal right now, knowing how much this project could cost will help you plan for future expenses.

Cutting down a tree can cost, on average, anywhere from $200 to $2,000. Of course, there will always be extreme outliers that cost more. 

Several factors go into this cost. The best way to know how much your specific tree cutting project will cost is to get a set of estimates from local service providers. 

Size

The bigger the tree, the more labor will go into cutting it down. On average, homeowners pay between $8 and $15 per foot. Keep in mind that taller trees often require more preparation and equipment to protect the surrounding property and the workers cutting down the tree.

Location

Is the tree in question next to a building, public property (like a sidewalk or road), or utility lines? If so, you can expect to pay a premium to safely cut and remove the tree. This extra charge could be as high as 25% to 50% of the base estimate.

Not only will your chosen tree cutting professional need to take extra precautions during removal, but they may also need to hire subcontractors or purchase special licensing to complete the project. 

On the other hand, trees that are in an open, unobstructed area will be the cheapest to cut down. 

Urgency

If you need to cut down a tree because of storm damage, time may be of the essence. You don’t want to leave your home at risk of a falling branch or tree trunk. However, you should also plan to pay more for emergency tree removal services.

Is Stump Grinding Included in Tree Removal?

If you’re having an entire tree cut down, it’s important to know exactly what will be included in the service. Most tree cutting services offer stump grinding at an additional cost.

Stump grinding effectively removes any remnants of the tree from your property. Once the stump is ground down and removed, you can reseed the area so it blends into the rest of your lawn. After a short time, it will be like the tree was never there.

If you’re cutting down a tree on the edge of your property or somewhere that’s not landscaped, stump grinding might not be required. But DIY stump removal is a chore at best, so we recommend letting the professionals handle it if you want the entire tree gone.

How Can You Save Money on Tree Removal Services?

Professional tree cutting services are expensive for a reason. Skilled tree removal companies have years of training and experience. They also must stay up-to-date on safety equipment and insurance. 

Consider these factors when shopping around for the best deal on tree cutting. The cheapest option might not have the skills, tools, or certification that more expensive services offer. 

Insurance Cost To Cut Down a Tree

If you need a tree cut down after a bad storm or another act of nature, one way to potentially save money is by going through your homeowner’s insurance. Some (but not all) policies offer tree removal benefits. Double-check your insurance policy to see if these benefits are included, how much of the cost is covered, and what requirements your situation must meet. 

Note that, in most cases, tree cutting is only covered by insurance after the tree has damaged your home or property — not as a preventative measure. So you should still plan to pay for any future tree cutting services out-of-pocket, even if your insurance offers this benefit.