With the extensive freeze damage seen in February 2021, many North Texas trees were not able to recover. As a result, with the arrival of Summer 2021, we began recommending removal for many trees that were on the “wait and see” list. A perennial question, “how much does it cost to remove a tree?” became one we started hearing multiple times a day.

Like with many other tree care services, removal costs can vary greatly, as every tree is different. It is practically impossible to give an accurate removal quote from a photo or description of a tree, as the factors that contribute to removal cost are many. In order to give an accurate price quote for complete tree removal, a visit to the site is always necessary.

What are the Factors Determine Tree Removal Cost?

Tree removals can cost anywhere from $10 to $10,000, depending on a number of specific factors:

• Tree Species

  • Some trees have especially hard wood or are prone to weak joints, affecting the time and precautions taken in removal.
  • Trees with thorns are more difficult to remove.
  • The type of bark a tree has (smooth or rough, thin or thick) affects the ability to secure climbing, safety, and hoisting ropes and other hardware.
  • Palm “trees” (technically more closely related to grasses) are structurally different from other trees and require different removal techniques.

• Tree Health

  • Dead trees are inherently more dangerous to remove than living ones.
    • As the wood dies and dries out, it can become unpredictably brittle and breakable.
  • The presence of rot, fungus, or other infections can lead to tree weakness and breakage.
    • Of particular concern is root rot, usually caused by the fungus Kretzschmaria deusta or members of the genus Ganoderma.
  • Instability at the base of a tree can make climbing it impossible, necessitating the use of a crane or bucket truck, which can greatly increase removal price.
  • Palms can be more easily affected by rot-related instabilities, leading to bending or drooping and making removal difficult.

• Location and Drop Zones

  • Where a tree is located on a property (proximity to structures/wires, accessibility) determines how long a removal can take.
    • The need to move debris a long way greatly increases job duration.
  • The immediate area around the base of the tree (the “drop zone”) is critical to a safe removal.
    • If a tree is crowded by other plants or close to structures, drop zones can be greatly restricted.
  • As with structural instabilities, tree location can dictate whether climbing is possible or whether heavy equipment and other machinery must be used for removal.

• Debris Haul-Off

  • If debris from the tree removal is able to be left on-site for municipal removal or other use, removal cost can be significantly less.
  • Private tree companies must either recycle wood debris themselves or pay to dump wood waste at a landfill or recycling facility.
    • Depending on the particulars of the removed tree, the wood may be useful for firewood or other recycling or may be afflicted with rot or other defects, making it unusable.

A NOTE ABOUT STUMP GRINDING

Even after the above ground material of a tree is removed, an extensive underground stump and root system can remain. When soliciting bids for complete tree removal, be sure to ask about options for dealing with the stump and roots.

One common method for reducing underground tree material is stump grinding. Stump grinding can level the former site of a tree to allow for sod installation or planting beds. However, even with stump grinding, re-planting another tree in the same location is not recommended. For more info on stump grinding, visit this page.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! While we do what we can to preserve our urban forest, we know that removal is sometimes necessary. We offer a transparent quote process and written estimates for every job; your arborist is always available to answer any questions you have about tree removal procedures, precautions, and costs. We use highly-skilled and trained climbers who are able to remove just about any tree, large or small, without the use of cranes or other heavy equipment. We quote removal cost and stump grinding separately so that our customers can prioritize what is important to them. Depending on location and time of year, we may be able to offer a discount for debris stacking or alternate haul-off options. Have a tree that might need to come down? Don’t wait! Schedule a visit from one of our ISA Certified Arborists today!