2018 Tree Trimming Cost Estimates – HomeAdvisor.com

One of the joys of home ownership is having trees, but when their branches get too long and/or they start getting old, your trees need to be trimmed. Homeowners themselves can do this task, but, for the most part, it is best left to the professionals, particularly when dealing with large and/or damaged trees. The risk of injury is high, and professionals are trained and well-equipped to take care of all of your needs. Be sure to get several quotes and have a full understanding of what is included in each estimate before you make a final decision on whom to hire.On This Page:

The average cost to trim a tree ranges between $75 and $1,000, depending on a wide variety of factors. While you might be quoted around $150 for a medium-sized tree with no problems, you could pay upwards of $200 or more for a tree with diseases, pests or potential hazards to your home. Here are some other factors that play into the total cost of tree trimming and how to get the most accurate quote from an arborist:

Its no surprise that larger trees typically cost more to trim than smaller trees. Larger trees have more branches and may require additional equipment, depending on their height. Heres a breakdown of what you can expect to pay a professional to trim various sizes of trees:

Trees that are near buildings or power lines require additional time and effort because crews cannot simply toss the branches down as they work. Instead, each trimmed piece must be "roped down." During this process, a climber ties a rope around the branch or section that is going to be cut off. After the limb is cut, the section of wood is lowered slowly to the ground. This process takes much longer than simply tossing down branches, resulting in a higher overall cost.

The number of trees you need to trim will also naturally affect the overall cost of your tree trimming project. Make sure to include the total number of trees and their types in your quote request, so that you can make your decision based on a realistic estimate. You dont want to surprise the tree removal company when they show up by suddenly revealing that you have five trees that need trimming instead of one.

Trees that have endured some sort of trauma, such as a lightning strike, are not as strong as healthy trees and can become less stable over time. For this reason, unhealthy trees might need more than a minor trim. For instance, an unstable tree might also need to be cabled if it is at risk of falling onto a house or other property. While it may cost more for an arborist to trim and maintain a tree that has some scarring or other issues, the result will be a safer and healthier tree.

Other health issues can affect the amount of work that needs to be done to the tree, driving the price up for care.

There are myriad diseases and illnesses that can decrease the overall health of your tree. Here are some examples of the types of diseases that can affect your tree and lead to an increase in the cost of trimming and maintenance:

While trees are often home to a variety of harmless or even beneficial insects and other animals, some pests can damage and endanger your trees. This kind of infestation can lead to illnesses in the tree, such as rotting or fungal growth. Here are some common pests that can affect the health of your tree:

Tree companies often charge for drive-time, and that cost goes up if they are traveling from a distance. To keep costs down, hire a local company to avoid paying a premium for driving time.

Companies that are accustomed to trimming and removing large trees typically have a bucket truck that allows them to easily reach the top of even the tallest tree. However, if the tree lacks sufficient surrounding space for the truck, the trimmer will need to climb to the top, resulting in a higher cost. For example, clearing dead wood from an 80-foot oak costs about $1,050 with the use of a bucket truck, but the cost to clear the same tree is closer to $1,400 if it has to be cut by a climber.

It can be tempting to jump into tree trimming as a DIY project, and in some cases it is perfectly safe and reasonable to do so. However, without taking the proper precautions and having the right equipment, trimming a tree can quickly turn from a quick DIY project to a hazardous or even deadly venture. In the case of very large trees (over 60 feet), theres no question about it; go with a pro. Here are some things to consider before deciding whether to call in a pro for your shorter tree(s):

A tree trimming company already owns all the equipment and materials necessary to get the job done. Unless you have trimmed trees in the past, theres a good chance youll need to make an expensive trip to your local hardware store before you can begin your project.

Simple pruning and trimming jobs require hand-held pruners and loppers, which will cost you around $40 or $50. A gas pole pruner will get the job done more efficiently than the hand-held options, but will cost more than three times as much, around $180. For more extensive jobs, you may want to rent a heavy-duty gas tree trimmer. For safety reasons, you will also need safety goggles and a helmet to protect your eyes and head from falling limbs and branches, and gloves to protect your hands.

The safety hazards are significant in tree trimming, especially when working with larger trees. If you need to climb the tree, you risk falling and hurting yourself without a proper safety harness. Pruners can be sharp, so you need to be cautious when you use them, both for your own safety and that of those around you.

You cant always control where tree branches and limbs fall. In fact, a 2009 study performed by The U.S. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries found that the primary cause of injury related to tree trimming was branches and limbs falling in unexpected directions. Finally, if your tree is anywhere near a power line, dont even consider trimming it on your own.

If you decide to trim your tree yourself, here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind during the process:

While the terms trimming and pruning are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different methods for keeping trees healthy.

Trimming is typically done for aesthetics and convenience and is performed when there are no concerns of overgrowth, disease, pests or other hazards to the tree. Trimming tree branches keeps trees looking great while removing long branches that can get in the way. Tree trimming can be done by a professional in cases of large or multiple trees, or by a homeowner who just wants to tidy up the look of the tree.

Pruning is done to keep trees healthy and involves the selective removal of particular parts of a tree or plant, such as buds, roots, and branches. In order to keep the tree healthy, pruning involves the targeted removal of plant tissue that is diseased, damaged, dead or otherwise structurally unsound or unwanted. Because of the specific nature of pruning, it is best left to a trained individual who can recognize damaged and diseased tissue and make sure that only healthy buds, branches, and roots are left behind.

Hiring a professional team to come out and trim your trees costs more than doing it yourself, but it is the safest option. There are some ways to save money on your tree trimming service:

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2018 Tree Trimming Cost Estimates - HomeAdvisor.com