Tree cutting services near you

When trees need maintenance or removal, it’s important to choose the right professional. An arborist, sometimes called a tree doctor or tree surgeon, is typically your best option for trimming and pruning trees. Some landscapers can also do this job, but you want to make sure they have tree expertise or an arborist on staff to ensure the work does not damage the tree

When looking for an arborist, tree cutting service or landscaper: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Aim to hire a pro who has insurance and a relevant  license in your state. For example, they may need to have a tree or landscaping license.  Requirements depend on your local area, so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Request quotes from several pros to help ensure you’re getting a fair price. Keep in mind that some pros may need to see the tree in person to generate an accurate estimate.

• Read their reviews: Look for red flags. For example, avoid hiring a pro who has multiple reviews mentioning property or tree damage.

• Look at their portfolios: Your pro should have several before-and-after photos of tree cutting and removal projects.

• Ask important questions: For example, do they offer warranties? How long will the project take? Do they have other tree and yard services that you may want to bundle together with this project? 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost of tree removal costs around $722 to $2,068,* according to Thumbtack data. Meanwhile, national average prices for trimming or pruning ranges from around $436 to $1,221.*

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Tree size and height: Larger trees require more time, labor and specialized equipment, increasing costs. Tree-cutting services may charge more for taller trees due to added complexity.

• Tree condition and health: Diseased or dead trees may require extra precautions, raising removal costs. Tree-cutting services may use specialized equipment for safe removal.

• Location and accessibility: Trees near structures or power lines require greater precision, increasing labor and equipment costs for tree-cutting services.

• Additional services: Stump grinding, debris cleanup or wood chipping can add to costs. Many tree-cutting services offer bundled pricing for multiple services.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Schedule during off-peak seasons: Tree cutting services may offer lower rates in late fall or winter when demand is down.

• Bundle services: Combining tree removal with stump grinding or trimming may lead to discounts.

• Obtain multiple quotes: Comparing quotes from tree-cutting services can help you find the best deal.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

When it comes to tree care, the best time of the year will vary for tree trimming, cutting and removal. It's highly dependent on the specific species and growing zone you are located in. A local tree-cutting service can recommend the ideal times of year for caring for trees in your area.

The different types of tree cutting services include:

• Pruning: Pruning a tree involves removing dead or diseased branches — or cutting live branches to promote growth and a better growing pattern. Pruning also helps cultivate shapes if you’re going for a specific aesthetic.

• Trimming: Trimming a tree involves selective methods to encourage tree health. These include crown reduction, crown cleaning, crown thinning to promote airflow, raising lower branches to clear space for ground-level structures, and topping, which is often performed by city maintenance crews. Trimming can also remove hazardous dead branches before they fall, potentially damaging property or causing injury.

• Removal: Tree removal involves completely cutting it down. Because the job can be hazardous, it typically requires professional expertise and equipment.

• Stump grinding: After a tree is removed, a stump may be left behind. Stump grinding is a separate service that involves grinding the stump down to ground level.

Some signs you may need tree-cutting services include:

• Dead branches: If large branches fail to leaf out in the spring, consider having them cut off before they can cause damage to your property.

• Damaged branches: Check for broken branches, major scars in the bark and other signs of insects or disease. If branches don't look healthy and strong, a pro might recommend trimming or removing them.

• Overhanging branches: If large branches hang over roofs or touch the walls of your house or outbuildings, it may be time to cut them back to protect your property.

• Split trunks: Tree trunks with large holes or that split into many branches without a central leader may be structurally weak. A pro can determine if trimming or removal is necessary.

• Unattractive shape: When trees become overgrown, they can lose their shape or create unwelcome shade. If you're unhappy with the way your tree looks, tree cutting may help reshape it.

Some of the biggest benefits of professional tree cutting services include:

• Tree health: Certified arborists can evaluate your trees and recommend solutions to promote better growth patterns or remove diseased branches.

• Safety: Tree cutting is a dangerous job. Professional tree cutting services should have licensure, certifications and safety equipment to minimize risks.

• Property protection: Professional tree cutters often carry liability insurance in case of accidents. They also have the equipment and expertise to prevent damage from falling branches or trees.

• Equipment: Even if you have some expertise in tree cutting, professionals have access to specialized equipment like chainsaws, climbing gear, wood chippers and stump grinders — high-priced equipment that most homeowners don’t typically own. 

• Debris removal: Pros often remove debris as a routine part of their service — but be sure to ask if this is included in the estimate. If you handle the job yourself, you’ll also need to take care of the cleanup.

You typically need to call your utility company for tree-cutting services around power lines. Utility companies have to comply with state and federal regulations for trees near power lines, and they’ll also have access to tree trimmers who have the equipment and experience to safely perform the job.