Tree Trimming Cost

man in bucket truck trimming a large tree.If you want to keep your trees healthy, the task goes beyond watering, fertilizing, and mulching the trees. Trimming is critical to the health of the tree. Correct pruning gives your tree a better chance at thriving and surviving any storm and other natural elements. 

Tree trimming gets rid of the damaged, broken, and dead branches that keep your tree in its best condition. It also prevents issues with safety and health from arising. Pruning also eliminates any diseased or pest-infested limbs and branches, which improves the overall health of the tree. Not to mention, pruning leaves your tree looking more well-kept and polished. 

Pruning is your investment for the better health of your tree. If you want a beautiful-looking, well-maintained tree in your yard, you should make an effort to have it trimmed regularly. Your next question must be, can you do it on your own or if you should hire a professional to do it.

If you are pruning a small tree with lightweight branches, then you can go ahead and complete the project. But if it’s a large tree with heavy branches, it is best to call a professional arborist to do the job on your behalf. Now, the question is, how much should you prepare to get a professional arborist to perform the job? 

There is no universal pricing for tree trimming because every tree is unique in its own way. This means each tree warrants a slightly different approach from the rest. A tree company looks into several factors before they can come up with the final cost of tree trimming. 

Factors that affect tree trimming cost

Certified arborists don’t put a price tag on tree trimming services. They have to see the tree in question first, assess its condition, and the surrounding area before they can give you a reliable estimate. You should get in touch with your trusted local arborist and set a schedule that is most convenient for you. The arborist will then set up a consultation and discuss your expectations and the details of the job. Then, he will offer you a free estimate that outlines the details of trimming, unique to your tree’s needs. 

How much does it cost to trim trees?

The cost of tree trimming is highly dependent on your tree. The tree company needs to visit your property before giving you an estimate. They have to see the tree that needs to be trimmed and inspect it thoroughly. They will look into several aspects of your tree and base the final cost on these variables. The certified arborist should make time to walk you through the process of trimming and let you know what your tree needs. Some of the critical factors they consider include the following:

  • Tree Species- No two trees are the same. Every tree has a significant difference with another which means the type of trimming will also differ, thus the cost will also vary. Some trees are more challenging to trim than others. For instance, a locust tree is a sprawling type that has an extensive canopy. This means more effort and labor is required to complete the pruning project. On the flip side, it is not as challenging to trim small trees with fewer branches and limbs.   
  • Location- This is probably one of the most critical factors in determining the cost of tree trimming. Every tree care company will consider the location before they come up with the pricing. They have to look into the surroundings and any nearby structure to ensure the safety of the pruning project. While the cost depends on the tree itself, the structures around the tree can also increase the final pricing. For instance, it is more costly to trim a tree that is located near a building, house, or power lines. It also requires more effort to prune a tree near the street because the arborist needs to take extra precautions to avoid accidents among the pedestrians and passing vehicles. Further, if the tree is near your home, the arborist will be required to use power tools and even add to the crew members to safely get the job done. Smaller trees, on the other hand, doesn’t need much time and effort, hence less expensive tree trimming cost. 
  • Client requirements- A professional arborist will diagnose the condition of the tree and provide you with an expert recommendation as to what should be done to the tree next. But tree companies that give importance to their client’s opinions get more repeat customers not only for the quality of their work but also for their excellent customer service. A qualified tree company will consider the client’s preference before they get the final cost. When dealing with a tree company, they should present you with options. You can ask them to remove only dead and damaged branches. They will also ask if you only want to clean the clutter in your tree’s canopy. Perhaps you only want them to remove the branch overhanging your roof and nothing else. Simply, they will do as they are asked. Nevertheless, they see to it that the health of the tree will not be affected if they proceed with your request because if it will, they need to present you with an alternative. 
  • The time required to complete the task- After considering the factors mentioned above, the tree company will then tell you how much time they need to complete the task as well as the number of people required to do the job fast and safe. Be wary of companies that give you too-good-to-be-true promises regarding the time they need to do the job. The longer the time requirement, the higher the cost will be. 

If you have a palm tree, the cost will most likely be the same. Most palms are pruned for aesthetics, health, and safety reasons. The tree company will consider the same variables when determining the cost of trimming a palm tree. 

In a nutshell, tree service and trimming is an essential investment you make on your tree. You should get in touch with a reputable tree care company and have your trees inspected so you can find out how much you need to prepare for the trimming project.