Fruit tree pruners near San Jose, CA

When you’re ready to have a tree on your property come down, it’s time to call an arborist. The national average price range for tree-trimming costs is $270-$450. Tree removal costs can vary based on the height, diameter, location and health of the tree, and on whether you want to remove the stump. Height plays a major role in tree removal costs. Small trees, no more than 30 feet tall, are usually thinner in diameter and easier and safer for an arborist to manage. Removal of a small tree can cost anywhere from under $150 to over $450. Removal of medium-height trees, from 30 feet to 60 feet tall, could cost anywhere between $150 and $850 or more. Tall trees, typically 60 feet to 80 feet tall, may start at $500 or cost more than $1,000 to cut down. As the height and diameter increase, so does the cost.

Location is critical, too. Removing a tree in an open space is quicker and presents fewer obstacles than removing a tree that is growing flush to your house. Arborists can assess your tree and provide you with quotes based on the variables involved. For example, removing a medium-size hackberry tree that was growing too close to a home — the roots were damaging the home’s foundation — cost $1,500. This price included rope-down, house protection, tree quartering and stacking, and stump removal.

Hiring a professional tree trimming service near you can be worth the cost. This job requires the use of specialized equipment and involves a high degree of risk for inexperienced operators.

Safety is a major reason why you might want to avoid performing this task yourself. Another factor is time. Tree trimming services have their own equipment and tools that allow them to finish the job quickly. 

If you need to have a tree cut down, have you planned what will happen next? Arborists often charge an additional fee to quarter and remove the fallen tree from your property, so anticipate this as part of your tree removal costs. You can elect to have the wood cut for use in your fireplace, or you may prefer to have it hauled away completely.

Tree removal costs may vary based on the height and the width of the felled tree. Size affects the labor required for removal, which will be reflected in the cost. For example, a tree service company may charge an additional $100-$120 to haul away the pieces of a felled tree. The service may cost as little as $75 in some regions and more than $150 in others. Regional labor rates, the cost of living and the cost to do business in your area will be reflected in your tree removal cost.

The national price range for tree trimming ranges anywhere from $75-$1,000. Tree trimming is often done by a professional arborist who is trained to safely trim and prune trees for both the health of the tree and the safety of the residents and their property. Trying to do your own tree trimming is not advisable unless you have the proper know-how. Tree trimming companies may charge an hourly rate for their services. The hourly rate may be higher or lower for different trees to reflect the relative safety measures, skill, equipment or people power needed to handle the job. For this reason, most tree services provide free estimates.

One example of an hourly rate for professional tree trimming services is $150 per hour. Costs may be under $100 or could be higher than $300 per hour, depending on variables such as proximity to buildings, health of the tree, height and diameter of the tree, and type of tree trimming desired. Geography and regional cost of living and regional costs to do business will also play a role in your tree removal costs.

The difference between tree trimming and tree pruning comes down to the intention and strategy in the two methods. Pruning often refers to the removal of branches deemed unnecessary or hazardous, and this process helps stimulate growth. Tree trimming focuses on removing overgrown branches. But this process can also help the tree receive more moisture and light. 

A professional might recommend pruning and trimming at different times of year to stimulate growth or leverage the tree’s dormant period to slow new sprouting.

The rules for liability when a neighbor's tree falls on your property may depend on the unique details of the situation. A common outcome is that the homeowner pays for the damage and removal. Homeowners insurance may cover a tree that fell into your yard from a wind storm. Check your local laws and insurance policy to find out.

Downed trees can have a number of different end destinations. The tree removal company may use it as firewood to sell to customers, or they may send it through a wood chipper to turn it into mulch. The tree may also wind up in a green landfill or biomass power plant. Alternatively, it could go to a lumber or chip mill. 

Getting rid of tree roots can be tricky. There are methods for getting roots out yourself, but the labor involved will take several hours and is quite intensive. For this reason, it’s best to hire a pro to remove stumps and roots. 

You should check your local laws to determine who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches on your property. If possible, make an agreement with your neighbor(s) on who is responsible to trim back tree branches that cross property lines.

There are several advantages to responsible tree cutting. As trees age and stop producing seeds, cutting them down can prevent them from falling on valuable property like homes and cars. Additionally, cutting trees allows more sunlight to reach smaller trees below, giving them the opportunity to grow. And pruning your trees can help promote growth.