Factors in Tree Removal Cost

When we’re bidding a job, many variables affect our bid price. Take a look at factors that influence the cost of a tree cutting project.

Tree size

This is simple: the larger the tree, the more material there is to cut and remove. But it’s easy to overlook how much a larger diameter actually increases overall tree size. For example, A 12-inch diameter circle has an area of about 452 square inches. An 18-inch diameter circle has more than double the area, at 1018 square inches. Compounded by tree height, a slightly larger diameter requires much more work to cut, chip and haul.

Tree species 

Tree species plays a role in the time and difficulty of every tree removal project. Apple trees have many knots and twists, making them tough and dense. A dead maple may shatter during cutting, while a conifer will stay whole.
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Different species also have different value, in some cases allowing the owner to recoup some of the tree hauling cost.

Tree Disposal

Most people want to dispose of the tree after it’s been cut down. We offer a few options to help with this:

Leaving wood chips onsite

We can run branches and trees as large as 12” around through our chipper, leaving a pile of chips instead of a whole tree. This process is quick and cheap.

Leaving firewood-length sections onsite

Cutting fallen trees into firewood-length sections is one of the quickest and cheapest options. This can be used in conjunction with chipping, taking care of branches and leaving nothing but small rounds and wood chips near the original tree location.   

Complete tree removal

When we haul away your tree, it’s off your hands for good. Because of transportation and disposal costs, this is more expensive than other options but is usually the most convenient for homeowners.
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If you choose to hire us only for falling the tree, we recommend not leaving the wood for too long – fallen logs often attract fungi and insects.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is an individual service that we recommend with most tree removal projects. Stumps are a tripping hazard, and eventually attract fungi that can spread to surrounding trees.

Tree Drop Zone

If a tree has to be dropped near buildings or trees the owner wants to save, we may have to cut the tree section by section, lowering each to the ground. The longer process and higher risk of property damage increase the cost of the service.

Accessibility

A job with limited accessibility is more time consuming. Maneuvering in tight quarters, walking long distances with tools, lack of space to use the best equipment for the job – these factors can decrease the efficiency of the project, demanding more labor and time to complete.

Terrain

Terrain isn’t always a major factor but can come into play when we have to carry our equipment through thick growth or up steep hills. Likewise, rugged terrain makes wood removal more difficult if the owner chooses to have us haul it out.

Heavy Machinery

Heavy machinery is expensive to run and requires skill to use efficiently. The need for it depends on the job. We use it to:

• Clear thick brush
• Transport large logs
• Topple high quantities of trees
• Feed heavy branches and logs into the chipper

Insurance

A tree service company who is licensed, bonded and insured has to charge more for that expense than competitors who aren’t. We strongly recommend against using uninsured crews to save money-the risk simply isn’t worth the money saved.

Where to start?

Do you have questions about a tree on your property? Call us to learn more or submit our estimate form to get in touch. We look forward to helping you with your tree needs!