How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost

 

Trees are one of nature’s ways of caring for humans. They provide us with shade and a little awe if you sit back and just stare at them. They house animals that keep on us entertained, and, en masse, provide us with protection from the wind.

But a tree’s lifespan depends in part on how well we care for them. How do you know when it’s time to give a tree a trim? And how much does tree trimming cost?

By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will understand the costs involved with trimmimedium-size and how you can best care for your trees.

How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost?

Tree trimming in general will cost as little as $80 and as much as over $1,000 depending several factors surrounding your trees. These tree trimming fees, however, are extreme from the lowest of low you could hope for to the highest that you care not to see. On average, you should expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a typical tree trimming service.

A small tree such as those under 25 feet tall, may cost $80. A medium-size tree of 25 to 50 feet tall will l hovers around $175 for a trim, and it will cost between $300 and $1,000 for a tree over 50 feet tall.

Note that these prices are for a one-time service for a single tree. If you have several trees of the same height, the bill will multiply.

With such varying prices, you may wonder if you even need to call a tree trimming service. You will feel the temptation to simply break out your chain saw and do your own trimming. If you insist on trimming your own trees, consult a good tree trimming guide that has reliable tree trimming tips.

Do not attempt to just hack away at the branches on your own.

Factors That Affect Tree Trimming Costs

When you’re preparing to budget for a professional tree trimming service, consider the size of your tree, its location, its accessibility, and the health of your tree. The number of trees you need trimmed will also factor into your final bill. Here’s a breakdown of how these factors affect cost.

Height

Larger trees cost more to trim. They require more equipment and ultimately more risk on the part of the tree trimmer. They also require the tree trimmer to calculate how to remove the high branches without negatively affecting any buildings or property beneath the tree.

Tell your tree trimmer up front how big your trees are so you can get an accurate estimate for the tree trimming fees.

Location

Tree location matters as much as tree size. If you have a particularly difficult-to-access tree, the tree trimmer will charge more. They may not be able to use their bucket truck if your tree is inaccessible, and then they will have to climb the tree.

Such acrobatics will cost you more. Plan on paying 30 to 40% more if your tall tree needs a climber instead of a bucket truck.

If your tree is in a dangerous place like close to power lines, the tree trimmer cannot toss branches down from the tree. They will have to lower the branches with ropes. This process takes more time, and thus it will cost you more.

If you live in a remote location, tree trimmers may charge you more for tree removal. Thus, you should try to find a local trimmer that won’t charge extra to compensate for mileage.

Number of Trees Needing a Trim

Tell the tree trimmer up front how many trees you believe you need to have trimmed. When the trimmer comes out to look at the trees, they may notice other trees that need their service. The number of trees that need trimming will drive up the price.

Tree Health

The health of the tree also affects the price of tree trimming. An unhealthy tree is more dangerous to trim. The tree may be unstable and thus need to e cabled.

Ultimately, an unhealthy tree will cost more to trim than a healthy tree. Here are some common tree problems that could cause the trimming fees to go up:

• Large cracks that ultimately indicate internal decay
• Fungi that affects the structural integrity of the tree
• Weather such as hail, dry spells, frost, and strong wind that cracks limbs and leaves the tree unstable

If the tree is too unhealthy, the trimmer may recommend removing the tree altogether rather than just trimming it. Trust your trimmer since trees are their business. If you have doubts about the trimmer’s recommendations, call in another arborist for an opinion.

Pest Status

Many small and medium-sized pests can compromise the health of a tree. They cause damage and even kill trees at times. When you contact a tree trimmer, let them know about any pests that you’re aware of.

Here’s a small list of critters that can cause big damage to your trees:

• Ants that may indicate rotting already occurring from the inside of the tree
• Mites that damage tree leaves and buds
• Woodpeckers that take residence because the tree is already rotting

There may be other wood-destroying pests on your tree. So do a quick visual survey of the tree before you call in a tree trimmer. This way your trimmer will come into the job with full knowledge of the tree’s health and give you an accurate estimate of their tree trimming fees.

Tree Maintenance Tips

You can prevent damage to trees and also lower your tree trimming services if you take care of your trees. Conduct routine maintenance on the trees to keep them healthy. Keep an eye out for pests and fungi that could compromise your tree’s health, and then you can call in a tree expert to stop the problem before it kills your trees.

Water your trees regularly as well. This will ensure a healthy tree and fewer problems in the future. Keep the water coming to the tree’s roots, especially during the hotter months. Then place mulch around the base of the tree to keep moisture in the roots.

Trim Your Trees With Confidence

Now that you can answer the question “how much does tree trimming cost,” you can move forward with a tree trimming service. Consider the height, location, and condition of your trees, and then share this information with the trimmer when you contact them.

Do your trees need a trim? If so, contact us. Our expert trimmers will help your tree stay healthy for decades to come.