Have you ever given a thought to what’s involved in tree removal, or wondered about who to hire for the task? It’s usually not something you consider until the need arises. Whether you are dealing with a dead tree or one heavily damaged by a storm, hiring a professional is imperative. This article covers everything you need to know about professional tree removal, including crucial questions to ask and the average costs involved.
Why Hire a Tree Service?
Several scenarios may necessitate hiring a tree service. Severe storms can damage trees or cause large branches to fall onto your roof. A tree can topple onto a road or sidewalk or cause serious damage by falling on cars or houses. If trees are too close to your siding, mold can grow on it. However, it’s important to remember that trees can also add value to your home when properly maintained. Speak to a professional about the best tree removal and cutting services in your area.
What to Expect During Professional Tree Removal
Removing a mature tree is a challenging task that may require large trucks or heavy machinery depending on the tree’s location. Professionals employ one of two methods: if the tree is too close to power lines or structures, it may be removed entirely, a process known as “felling a tree”. However, if the tree is near a building or obstacle, it’s scaled and dismantled piece by piece. A bucket truck or crane may be used to reach top branches or safely lower large limbs to the ground.
Preparing for Tree Removal
To ensure a smooth process, clear your yard and driveway to allow free movement of machinery and trucks. Remove any breakable objects, such as outdoor furniture and lawn ornaments, which could slow down the removal process or inflate costs.
Cost of Tree Removal
The cost of tree removal varies significantly, ranging from $200 to $2,000, with an average of $750. Several factors influence the cost, including the size and location of the tree. Smaller trees under 30 feet cost around $8 per foot, while taller ones may cost $15 per foot. Trees near power lines or structures, or those that are structurally unsound, require more attention and consequently increase costs. However, utility companies or local governments may cover the removal cost of a tree threatening an electric line or public infrastructure.
Understanding Tree Removal
Professionals employ a safe procedure to cut and remove the tree. Workers will either climb the tree or use a bucket truck to reach higher limbs. Large branches are often attached to a crane and safely lowered to the ground. The tree is then limbed and bucked, which involves removing the limbs and cutting them into smaller pieces. A reputable tree service will clean up all debris and transport the pieces away.
Post Professional Tree Removal
After the tree is felled, limbed, and cut, the larger limbs and trunk sections can be chopped into firewood, while smaller branches and sections can be turned into mulch using chippers. If not included in the original cost, you can pay extra for the stump to be trimmed or removed with a grinding wheel-equipped machine. Always inquire about the cost of these services and get quotes from several companies before making a decision.
Post-Removal Services
After the tree removal process, there may be residual debris, such as smaller branches, leaves, or wood chips scattered around your property. Reputable tree service companies take pride in leaving your yard as clean as possible, which involves cleaning up these remnants. However, it’s important to note that not all services automatically include post-tree cleaning in their package. Therefore, it’s recommended that you discuss this with the company while hiring, ensuring that the cleanup is part of the service agreement to avoid any unexpected inconveniences or additional charges.
Wood Reuse
Tree removal can also provide you with a renewable resource—firewood. Large trees, in particular, yield substantial quantities of wood, which, when properly stacked and allowed to dry for about nine months, becomes excellent firewood. If you have a fireplace or backyard fire pit, this could be an unexpected benefit of tree removal. You can request the tree service to stack the larger pieces of wood in a designated area for this purpose. However, bear in mind that some companies may see this wood as a revenue source to offset their operational costs. They might sell this wood, and if you plan on keeping the firewood, there may be an additional fee. Be sure to clarify this detail with the service provider to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings.
Contact Better Tree Service And Consultants
Better Tree Service and Consultants are family owned and have been in the Tampa bay tree service industry since 2004. They have over 15 years of recorded excellence and a first-rate service and it’s something we are proud of. Better Tree Service and Consultants’s arborists have been certified by the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). They are not only exceptional in hard work and dedication, but also that they have the knowledge and experience to ensure that you get the best customer service possible. Check out our gallery here to see some of our work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information on following services in Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, and St.Petersburg:
- Palm Tree Trimming
- Crane Service
- Stump Grinding
- Tree Removal
- Tree Trimming
- Landscape Design and Installation
- Paver Installation
- Consultation
- Emergency Services and Storm Cleanup
Contact us via Email, Phone, or fill out our online quote request form to receive your free personalized quote now!
