The Cost of Tree Care

We are frequently asked how much it costs to remove a tree or grind a stump. Each tree and stump is different; therefore, an arborist must inspect each to determine the cost. We can give you a general idea of what you might expect to pay. Remember, you can contact us anytime to get a free quote.

The Cost of Tree Removal

• up to 6in diameter $200-600

  

  

• 7-12in diameter  $500-2000
• 13-20in diameter  $900-3000
• 21+ in diameter  $2000+

An average price for a large removal by Wellnitz Tree Care is around $3000; however, we have done removals of humongous trees costing $20,000. (We are talking about cranes and very tight proximities.) Removal prices from Wellnitz Tree Care include removing all brush and logs from the property, unless the owner requests otherwise. Wellnitz Tree Care takes measures to minimize damage to turf and landscaping. With low-bid companies, there may be hidden costs for turf repair and landscape damage.

What Factors Determine Tree Removal Cost?

• Size
  • The bigger the tree, the higher the cost.
• Location of the tree
  • Can it be accessed by a truck, or do we have to climb? How far do we have to drag the brush?
    • If we can’t get the equipment to the tree, it costs more. (A tree located in the backyard will typically cost more than the same tree right by the street)
  • Is it near powerlines?
    • Increased risk slows work, which increases the cost.
  • Obstacles underneath or around the tree
    • If there are objects under the tree that cannot be moved, e.g., other trees, a fence, a house, etc., we must redirect falling branches, which increases the cost.
• Location of the property
  • The farther we must travel to reach the jobsite and haul off brush and logs, the more the work will cost.
• Species of tree
  • Trees such as pines, which grow straight, are usually pretty easy to remove; big spreading trees such as oaks or maples usually cost a little more.
  • Some trees require more time to prune properly than others.
• Type of pruning
  • There are many options when pruning a tree, from just raising it over a sidewalk to a full maintenance prune. The more work we do, the more the cost will increase.
• Condition of the tree
  • Decayed trees are more dangerous and may cost more to remove. If you have a tree that is in decline, call an arborist to have it inspected. It may save you money in the end.
  • Fallen trees may cost less than standing trees; however, if a tree falls onto something, removing it without causing further damage to the object below may cost more.
• Equipment needed
  • More equipment types can increase the cost.
    • Skid steer to move large logs.
    • Bucket truck and chipper.
    • Crane to pick a tree from the backyard.
    • Ropes, pulleys, and blocks to lower sections.

The Cost of Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is priced separately from removals because it requires different equipment. You can expect to pay anywhere from $175 to $500, or more, for stump grinding, depending on the factors below.

• Size of stump
  • Bigger stumps cost more
• Density of the stump
  • Trees like oak are harder wood and take longer to grind
  • Rotten stumps grind quickly and cost less
• Location
  • If the stump is hard to get to with equipment, it may cost more

The Hidden Cost of Improper Tree Care

If you get multiple bids for tree work because you do not have a company you trust and use regularly, be cautious about hiring the lowest bidder, especially if it is much lower than the others.

Make sure:

• The company you hire is insured.
• To get a description of the work to be done and the price in writing. (The higher bid may be doing more work)
• To Hire a Certified Arborist

Properly maintained trees increase property value, but improperly maintained trees can decrease property value and create a liability for a homeowner. Trees that are topped, have excessively large pruning wounds on the trunk, are lion-tailed (removing too many interior branches), or have large dead branches can significantly reduce the value of the tree. Once trees are pruned improperly, it may take years to correct, if correction is even possible.

Hiring a company without proper insurance exposes you to potential lawsuits and the risk of being stuck with the bill for any property damage. Click here to view a recent news story about a tree service mishap.

Remember, the most expensive tree work often starts with the lowest bid!

To Get a Free Estimate, Contact Us!