How to Estimate Tree Service Costs: What Influences Your Final Care Quote

It is common to have two extremely different tree removal quotations for the same job. You can have one team quoting $400 for the same work while another team quotes $1,500. These price variances usually arise due to factors such as height of the tree, accessibility of the tree, objects near the tree, e.g., homes, power lines, and the extent of clean up required, among others. Understanding such issues will enable you to analyze quotations and question excessively high prices.  If you need pruning, cleaning up after a storm, or the tree gone for good, knowing what makes the price go up helps you get ready before the team comes. Before you get a tree care quote, know that most companies look at the tree’s height, the width around the trunk, what type of tree it is, the size across the top, and how close it is to your house or to lines for power.

Size and Species Drive Most of the Price

The primary considerations are height and trunk diameter, and the reasons are obvious. The bigger the trunk, the larger amount of cutting will be required. It is obvious that this procedure will take more time and many times require heavier equipment. However, if the trunk is less than 12 inches in diameter, it is considered a job that does not require a crane. 

However, if the trunk is more than 24 inches in diameter, you might need some special equipment for the work to be done safely. The type of wood in the tree also matters a lot, because some trees, such as oaks, require a greater effort than pines, for example. Moreover, some kinds of trees, such as palms, have stringy trunks and are deep-rooted.

Where the Tree Sits Changes Everything

• A single tree in an open backyard is one of the easiest things to work on. A tree between your house, a fence, and a power line above? That job is not the same at all. Workers may need to use climbers instead of bucket trucks. They might need to lower branches one by one instead of letting them fall. Sometimes, they have to call the utility company before they start. 
• These things take more time — and more time means it will cost more. Local labor rates and permit fees, which are often between $60 and $150, also add to the price. You can see why the same kind of work costs differently in every zip code.

The Extras Nobody Mentions Upfront

• Removing the tree trunk is sometimes only the first step. The cost of grinding the tree trunk ranges from $150 to $400. Removal of the whole tree trunk along with its roots will cost around $300 to $500. There will be costs for taking away what is left, cutting branches, or cutting up logs for firewood. 
• Sometimes these are all together, but sometimes you pay for each one. If your city says you need someone to check your tree before you get a permit, you will pay about $860 for that inspection.

So How Do You Actually Get a Fair Number?

• Honestly, the best thing to do is to skip the online calculators and get one or two real quotes. A good company will come out and look at the tree in person. They will set the price based on things they see, like how tall the tree is, how easy it is to get to, what gets left behind, if you need a permit, and more.
•  Ask them to break down the price by labor, the things they need to use, and clean-up. This way, you can see what you get for your money and compare numbers that make sense, not just two big totals.
• If you have a tall tree, one that is close to something you care about, or if the tree is damaged, do not guess the cost by yourself. It’s better to get a tree care quote from someone who is licensed and has insurance. 
• A pro can come to your place, look at your tree, and tell you what needs to be done. This is the best way to get real numbers you can use to plan your budget.