Estimating the cost of tree trimming jobs is a regular part of daily work for tree service professionals. What considerations go into these estimates? What are the factors that make up the cost to trim a tree? How can I know what to expect in terms of cost when it comes to having my trees trimmed?
What Determines Cost of Tree Trimming?
Here are some of the primary points we consider when quoting you a price for trimming your trees:
- The size of the tree
A tree that is less than 20 feet tall often costs about a quarter of the amount to trim as it might cost to trim a 60-foot tree. Bigger tree = bigger cost. Different equipment is required to trim larger trees, and the job becomes significantly more challenging (and dangerous) when we have to ascend above 50 feet. Since those tall trees tend to have much thicker limbs and branches, trimming those trees becomes harder, more labor-intensive, and more time-consuming, therefore increasing the cost for trimming larger trees in most cases.
- The hazards involved
If there are notable hazards involved with the tree’s placement or the yard’s layout – for example, if we are removing big branches that are right above power lines or a public footpath – then the hazard pay for the workers must be taken into account. If our tree professionals require a great deal of surrounding space to make the cut, if the ground beneath the tree is uneven, or the area the tree is in is significantly overgrown, then this can increase the cost of tree trimming. The use of specialized safety equipment can also increase the cost of the job.
- The health of the tree
Whenever a tree is diseased, this impacts the cost to trim the tree. Diseases such as rot make the tree unpredictable when it’s time to take it down. If branches fall unevenly or more quickly than anticipated, it makes our job more difficult. Damage due to weather, large cracks in the tree’s trunk, or uneven foliage could indicate that the tree is in poor health. The removal of dead trees can often be complicated, as well. Trees that are ailing are also more likely to host pests (see below).
- Possible infestation
Did you know that a woodpecker’s presence often means the tree is rotting? Mushrooms at the base can indicate the same thing: fungal decay could be taking over the tree. Ants, mites, wasps, bees, and other pests could add complications to the tree trimming job, and may affect the cost of trimming the tree, as well.
- Geography
Where you live impacts the cost of tree trimming, as it does with almost every other household expense. In big cities, just about everything is more expensive, but in particular, getting permits to obstruct traffic or sidewalks, or even just the challenge of getting equipment into place can increase the cost of a tree trimming job.
- The number of trees
In general, the overhead costs of a tree trimming job will be lower, per tree, to trim a bunch of trees, rather than just one. That’s because the time that it takes us to get to your place, get set up, and remove the dead branches is all more efficient if we’re trimming a whole yard full of trees than just a single one. If it takes us an hour to get set up and begin, and half an hour to tidy up at the end, that same amount of time won’t be added on for each tree – most of that time will be the same, regardless of the number of trees to be trimmed. You can save yourself a lot over the years by having all of your trees trimmed at the same time!
Ok, So Tell Me: What Can I Expect to Spend to Have My Trees Trimmed?
Taking all of the factors into account, it probably isn’t a surprise that there is a really wide range in terms of the cost of tree trimming. A small, healthy, young tree in the middle of a rural backyard is going to cost a lot less than a 75-foot-tall tree with storm damage in an urban area. But, in general, it’s reasonable to expect to spend from about $75 on a small, easy tree, to $1600 for a big, complicated arboreal situation, per trim. The national average for tree trimming is about $450 per tree.
National averages aren’t all that helpful when you’re trying to budget for your specific tree care expenses. It’s much more helpful to have an idea of what it will actually cost YOU, in YOUR actual situation, to have YOUR particular trees trimmed, right? We can help. Give us a call, and we’ll come out and give you a free, personalized estimate for your tree care needs.
