Affordable tree services near you

If you're looking for a cheap tree removal service, it's still important to ensure you still get high-quality service. Here are some tips to help you find a good tree service at an affordable price:

• Verify their license and insurance: Always make sure the company is licensed and insured. Look for certifications like ISA Certified Arborist® or ISA Certified Tree Worker for tree care expertise — and Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) for safety compliance. Your pro should also have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect against damages or injuries. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Request quotes from at least three companies to get the best value for your money. A professional estimate should include a cost breakdown for tree pruning or trimming, tree felling, stump grinding and debris removal — as well as a timeline for completion. The quote should also note any equipment and safety precautions to be used and whether cleanup is included in the price.

• Read their reviews: Find online customer reviews to get an idea of the quality of work the service provides. Look for positive reviews about safety, professionalism, timely work and thorough cleanup. Red flags include reports of property damage, hidden fees, incomplete work or lack of insurance.

• Look at their portfolios: Check for before-and-after photos or videos of tree removals and pruning, especially for trees similar in size and location to yours. Find out if they have experience handling large or hazardous trees, trees near structures or power lines and emergency tree removal after storms.

• Find out if they have warranties: Some tree companies offer warranties on their work, such as a guarantee against stump regrowth, damage-free assurance for your property or a service warranty if the tree isn't removed correctly the first time.

• Ask important questions: For example, how will the pro ensure safety and prevent damage to your property? Do you need to get a permit for this tree removal, and will the pro handle it? What happens if the tree removal causes unexpected damage?

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

Here are some tips to help you negotiate the best prices for tree removal:

• Get multiple quotes: Request at least three estimates from different companies to compare pricing. If one company offers a lower rate, you can ask another if they can match or beat the price.

• Be flexible about timing: Removing your trees during a time of year when contractors have less work may help you negotiate a lower rate. Late fall and winter are slower periods for tree services, so many companies offer cheaper tree removal during these off-peak times.

• Bundle services: If you need additional tree work (trimming, stump grinding or multiple trees removed), ask for a package deal instead of paying for each service separately.

You might be able to finance tree services, including tree removal. Look into these options and consult the appropriate professionals for more guidance:

• Flexible contractor financing: Some tree service companies may work with lenders to let you pay over time. If so, ask if you can split the cost across 6 to 12 months with zero (or very little) interest.   

• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s value at typically lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards, according to NerdWallet. The interest may be tax deductible if used for home improvements. Consult your lender and financial advisor for more information and to understand the terms. 

• Personal loans: Many banks and online lenders provide home improvement loans. While rates are higher than on HELOCs, approval can be faster. Again, consult a financial professional for guidance.

• Credit cards with 0% APR offer: A new credit card with a zero-interest promotion may be able to cover your tree removal costs interest-free. Just be sure you read the fine print.

Here are a few ways you might be able to save money on tree services:

• Sell the wood: If you’re removing a hardwood tree, that wood may have some value. Either sell it yourself or negotiate with the tree service to lower its fee in exchange for the wood.

• Handle some of the work yourself: Some companies charge extra for hauling away branches and logs. Offer to handle the cleanup yourself and see if you can keep the wood for firewood instead of paying for removal.

• Use a referral or repeat customer discount: If you’ve worked with a tree service or know someone who has, ask about a loyalty or referral discount.

• Get a group discount: Talk to neighbors who need tree work and see if the company will offer a discount for multiple jobs in the same area.

The national average cost of tree trimming ranges from $436 to $1,221,* while the national average cost of tree removal ranges from around $722 to $2,068,* according to Thumbtack data. Several factors may impact the cost of these projects, including:

• Size: Larger trees will cost more to trim or remove. A pro will likely consider the tree’s height, trunk diameter and canopy size when creating a quote.

• Accessibility: If the tree is hard to reach or near structures where special precautions may be necessary to avoid damage — like power lines or buildings — then trimming and removal may cost more.

• Scope: Expect to pay more if you have multiple trees that need to be trimmed or removed. Additionally, you may pay more if the pro needs to bring heavy equipment like a wood chipper, stump grinder or tree lift.

• Health: Unhealthy trees often have dead or rotten sections that make them unstable. Because they're more dangerous to trim and remove, your pro will likely charge more to cover the cost of the extra precautions.

• Species: Certain types of trees, like large hardwood species, are usually more difficult and time-consuming to trim — and may cost more.

• Cleanup: If you can dispose of the tree or limbs yourself, you may pay less. Pros will charge more to cut up and haul away debris.

• Urgency: If your tree has sustained recent damage and is currently posing a threat to your home or another structure on your property, you'll need fast service — which typically comes at a premium.

• Local regulations: In some jurisdictions, you may need a permit or permission to trim or remove a tree, which can cost extra.

There is usually less demand in the winter for tree services, so this may be the cheapest time of year for you to book services. It doesn’t hurt to contact local tree removal companies to learn the best time of year to trim or remove a tree in your area. 

Keep in mind that some trees should be pruned during certain seasons to help ensure they stay healthy. Generally, you’ll want to avoid pruning in the spring or summer because it can make the tree vulnerable to disease and hurt its growth. So if this is the cheapest time of year for tree trimming in your area, you might want to consult a pro to find out if it’s safe to do so.