Tree Trimming Cost
The price of tree trimming will differ from tree to tree. It is difficult to determine the cost until you have considered all the factors that drive the cost up or down. If you know what trimming is about and you are confident that you can do it correctly, then do it. However, if you are dealing with a large tree, and it's your first time tackling this type of job, you better ask assistance from a pro.
Tree Trimming Cost Factors
Tree trimming cost is determined using a variety of factors. The tree service company will generally base their estimate on the size of the tree. To give you an idea, if you have a small to medium-sized tree, you will be more likely billed $200 for the job. If your tree is larger, expect to be charged $1000 or more depending on the complexity of the task.
Size and Location
A smaller tree has fewer and lighter branches, which means less work and effort is required from the tree company. Therefore, the price will be on the lower end. On the other hand, a giant tree has bigger and heavier branches that necessitate the use of heavy equipment and manpower, thus the higher cost. Here is a rough estimate of the average trimming cost based on size:
We also look into the position of the tree when coming up with the final computation. Trees that are located in close proximity with a fixed structure such as buildings, houses, and power lines will most likely cost higher than those positioned in an open area. Tree companies need to be extra careful when trimming trees in this situation to avoid damaging the properties within the range. They have to secure every branch and limb with a rope and lower it to the ground to prevent any accidents. The extra precaution tree services take drives up the cost instantly.
The Number of Trees to be Trimmed
The more trees you need to trim, the higher the cost will be. Make sure you give clear instructions regarding the number of trees you want to be trimmed as well as the type of tree you have when getting a quote. This will help the tree company to provide you with the most accurate quote.
Health of the Tree
It may cost you more to trim a tree under stress or damaged. This is because the arborist needs to be more careful, especially if the branches are weak and unstable. Typically, trees that were struck by lightning or other natural disasters will cost more to trim.
Diseased Trees
Diseased trees may cost more to trim than the healthy ones. Before calling a tree care company to trim your tree, it is crucial to know the condition of your tree. To help you assess the health of your tree, we have listed some common diseases that can affect your trees:
Pests
It is natural for trees to be the refuge of many types of animals and insects. However, there are kinds of insects that don't bring the tree any good. A tree infested by unwanted insects and pests will eventually die and even affect the rest of the trees in your yard. Here are some of the most common pests that cause damage among trees:
Location
The farther your home is, the higher the cost of trimming will be. Make sure to give your exact location to help the tree company give you an accurate estimate.
Accessibility
The more complex the trimming job is, the higher the cost will be. This includes the accessibility of your tree. Most of than not, tree companies use trucks and heavy equipment to safely and efficiently complete a trimming project. If your yard doesn't allow those types of machinery in, then it means the contractor needs to exert more effort to get the job done. Whether your tree is in a hard to access spot or not, you should still seek help from a certified arborist to safely do the task.
Is it Worth Hiring a Tree Trimming Professional?
Many homeowners think that tree trimming is a simple task that can be done without the help of a professional tree service. While it is possible to do it on your own, it is wiser to go to a certified arborist for help. Tree trimming is more than just cutting some branches here and there. You need to know the right technique and use the proper equipment to complete the task successfully. If you make a wrong cut, it can cause irreparable damage to your tree and result in its death. If you hastily remove branches, you may end up spending more on repair costs. You can even get injured if you use trimming tools you don't know how to operate. Hiring a professional eliminates all these risks and ensures the quality and safety of the trimming project. Consider these things before hiring a tree company:
Tree Trimming Tips and Tricks
If you are confident that you can perform tree trimming correctly, then here are some guidelines and techniques you can use to help you with the project:
Key steps
Pruning vs. Trimming
Trimming and pruning may seem identical, but they have a distinct way of maintaining the health of a tree.
These techniques require knowledge in the biology of trees and the practical application of that knowledge. A certified arborist should carefully perform the task to ensure the quality of the result. You may think that you can do the job but in most cases, you really can't. You need assistance from a professional tree service company that understands the ins and outs of tree care. You may end up having injuries if you attempt to tackle a job you have no idea about.
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Tree Trimming Cost Factors
Tree trimming cost is determined using a variety of factors. The tree service company will generally base their estimate on the size of the tree. To give you an idea, if you have a small to medium-sized tree, you will be more likely billed $200 for the job. If your tree is larger, expect to be charged $1000 or more depending on the complexity of the task.
Size and Location
A smaller tree has fewer and lighter branches, which means less work and effort is required from the tree company. Therefore, the price will be on the lower end. On the other hand, a giant tree has bigger and heavier branches that necessitate the use of heavy equipment and manpower, thus the higher cost. Here is a rough estimate of the average trimming cost based on size:
- 0 to 30 feet: If your tree is within this range, you may be charged between $50 and $500.
- 30 to 60 feet: On average, mid-sized trees can cost $200 to $900.
- 60 ft and above: The cost to trim a larger tree is significantly higher than a small and mid-size tree. On average, it can cost from $300 to $1000
We also look into the position of the tree when coming up with the final computation. Trees that are located in close proximity with a fixed structure such as buildings, houses, and power lines will most likely cost higher than those positioned in an open area. Tree companies need to be extra careful when trimming trees in this situation to avoid damaging the properties within the range. They have to secure every branch and limb with a rope and lower it to the ground to prevent any accidents. The extra precaution tree services take drives up the cost instantly.
The Number of Trees to be Trimmed
The more trees you need to trim, the higher the cost will be. Make sure you give clear instructions regarding the number of trees you want to be trimmed as well as the type of tree you have when getting a quote. This will help the tree company to provide you with the most accurate quote.
Health of the Tree
It may cost you more to trim a tree under stress or damaged. This is because the arborist needs to be more careful, especially if the branches are weak and unstable. Typically, trees that were struck by lightning or other natural disasters will cost more to trim.
Diseased Trees
Diseased trees may cost more to trim than the healthy ones. Before calling a tree care company to trim your tree, it is crucial to know the condition of your tree. To help you assess the health of your tree, we have listed some common diseases that can affect your trees:
- Abiotic Damage: This condition refers to damages caused by fire, lightning, storms, and other natural causes. If you notice some dried leaves and cracked limbs, your tree may be suffering from abiotic damage.
- Biotic Damage: This damage is caused by outside physical factors such as animals, bugs, insects, fungi, and other pests. Trees suffering from biotic damage will have dried and wilting leaves and overall poor aesthetics.
- Moist cracks: This is an indication that your tree is decaying internally and needs urgent treatment to prevent its death.
Pests
It is natural for trees to be the refuge of many types of animals and insects. However, there are kinds of insects that don't bring the tree any good. A tree infested by unwanted insects and pests will eventually die and even affect the rest of the trees in your yard. Here are some of the most common pests that cause damage among trees:
- Mites: While mites are small, they can affect the health of a tree significantly due to their suction abilities that can weaken trees.
- Ants: The presence of ants in a tree can be an indication that the tree is damaged on the inside.
- Shield Lice: Shield lice can be dangerous because you will most likely not notice them until they have covered some parts of the tree. You will need professional assistance to eliminate these dangerous small insects.
- Woodpeckers: These birds prefer building their homes in decaying trees. So, if you see woodpeckers in your tree, it can be a telltale sign that the tree is damaged.
Location
The farther your home is, the higher the cost of trimming will be. Make sure to give your exact location to help the tree company give you an accurate estimate.
Accessibility
The more complex the trimming job is, the higher the cost will be. This includes the accessibility of your tree. Most of than not, tree companies use trucks and heavy equipment to safely and efficiently complete a trimming project. If your yard doesn't allow those types of machinery in, then it means the contractor needs to exert more effort to get the job done. Whether your tree is in a hard to access spot or not, you should still seek help from a certified arborist to safely do the task.
Is it Worth Hiring a Tree Trimming Professional?
Many homeowners think that tree trimming is a simple task that can be done without the help of a professional tree service. While it is possible to do it on your own, it is wiser to go to a certified arborist for help. Tree trimming is more than just cutting some branches here and there. You need to know the right technique and use the proper equipment to complete the task successfully. If you make a wrong cut, it can cause irreparable damage to your tree and result in its death. If you hastily remove branches, you may end up spending more on repair costs. You can even get injured if you use trimming tools you don't know how to operate. Hiring a professional eliminates all these risks and ensures the quality and safety of the trimming project. Consider these things before hiring a tree company:
- Materials - Tree trimming necessitates the use of loppers, pole saws, and pruning saws. It can be very costly to buy or rent these tools if you are thinking of doing your own trimming project. A qualified tree care company invests in state-of-the-art/equipment to help them with every trimming task they have. Hiring a tree company will save you from spending much on this equipment and gives you the peace of mind that the job is done right. Even the regular trimming job will require the use of pruners or loppers. These tools are ideal to use for small trees, and you can purchase them for around $50. Larger trees require pole saws, pruners, and loppers, which are available in local hardware stores for at least $150. Aside from these tools, you also have to secure yourself with protective equipment. You should have goggles, gloves, and a hard hat, as well as heavy-duty boots.
- Risks - Almost all tree trimming projects will require you to climb the tree. It is not safe to climb a tree if you are no expert. You can fall and hurt yourself in the process, which is why it is best to leave the task to those who are experts in the field. It gets even more dangerous when you are holding a sharp tool such as the pruners. You also have to deal with falling tree limbs when performing a tree trimming task. Once the limb or branch has been cut, you need to get them down carefully. They may look easy when you imagine it, but it's harder than you thought. There are instances when the branch doesn't fall where you intended it to, which can lead to injuries and damage to property. Most importantly, if your tree is near power lines, don't even think about doing it on your own. This type of job is hazardous and should be done by a certified arborist who is skilled in this area.
Tree Trimming Tips and Tricks
If you are confident that you can perform tree trimming correctly, then here are some guidelines and techniques you can use to help you with the project:
- Trim a tree when it's dormant. It is easier to trim a tree when the branches are bare, and the leaves have fallen. You can quickly locate which branches should go and stay. Also, trimming trees at this time will help the tree recover easily come the spring season.
- Determine the size of the branch. If the branch is 5 cm in diameter or less, you can remove the branch. But, if the branch is more than 10 cm, you should keep it unless you have a very serious reason for removing it.
- Consider the angle. You will know whether the branch is weak or strong, depending on the angle of the branch. If the branch has a curved angle, it means that the branch is strong and should be kept. However, a branch that has the V-shaped angle is weak and should be trimmed.
- Crown ratio. You shouldn't go over the ratio of two-thirds between the crown and the tree's height.
- Start trimming at an early age. When you start trimming with young trees, there is less chance of it leaving a scar on the tree. If you remove bigger branches, it can leave significant damage to the tree. Also, a younger branch is much easier to remove than a seasoned one.
- Trim right. Make sure that you are trimming the right amount of branches in one session. Avoid leaving stubs, and don't hurt the branch collar.
Key steps
- Assess the branch. Locate the branch collar before you start trimming. You can typically see the branch collar at the base of the branch budding from the stem while the branch ridge is on the upper area of the branch.
- Making the cut. You should make the cut outside the branch ridge and do it at a downward angle. This technique will ensure that the branch collar is safe from any damage. This approach is used for both dead and healthy branches.
- Trimming longer stems. We can utilize the three-cut technique when trimming longer stems. Your first cut should be a notch on the side of the branch. It should face away from the area that will be kept. The second cut should be just right about the branch ridge. The final cut should cut through the stem.
Pruning vs. Trimming
Trimming and pruning may seem identical, but they have a distinct way of maintaining the health of a tree.
- Pruning is the approach to use if you want to maintain the overall health of the tree. This maintenance technique involves getting rid of damaged and rotten branches in a tree. It prevents health issues from arising by taking care of the problematic branches that can lead to the tree's decline.
- Trimming is mostly used to keep the tree in good shape and pleasing to the eyes. Trimming entails eliminating branches that grow in a different direction as well as those that are posing a threat to the surrounding.
These techniques require knowledge in the biology of trees and the practical application of that knowledge. A certified arborist should carefully perform the task to ensure the quality of the result. You may think that you can do the job but in most cases, you really can't. You need assistance from a professional tree service company that understands the ins and outs of tree care. You may end up having injuries if you attempt to tackle a job you have no idea about.
More Information