When you’re sourcing tree removal prices, there are many consideration factors, such as your unique situation and the level of experience and hazard management required to safely and efficiently remove your tree.
If you’re shopping around, you’ll notice there’s no standardized pricing list and you may even receive quotes ranging from three to four figures and up. You may feel tempted to just choose the cheapest quote, but this may not be the best option for you. Before you commit, make sure you understand what you’re paying for.
- Are there measures to avoid hazards, like dealing with power lines?
- Does your contractor have the proper insurance coverage?
- What equipment is required for this job, are they all included in the quote or will there be “extras” tacked on at the end?
- Are you able to check references to verify the work quoted was done and done well?
- Who is responsible for cleanup? Is that in the quote?
See what we’re saying? Not so straightforward. So, what goes into tree removal pricing quotes?
Factors That Go Into Tree Removal Prices
Since every tree removal is different, a site assessment is required ahead of any quote. Where your tree is located and how large it is will factor into the cost of removal, as well as the tree’s condition.
Bigger trees cost more to remove than small trees, since they’re more complex and require more people and equipment.
Trees with easy access and few surrounding hazards will be less expensive than removing trees in more precarious circumstances.
And removing a healthy tree is generally less hazardous than removing a dead or diseased one, so you can guess which one will usually cost you more to remove.
Every company you reach out to for a quote should have a base price for removing trees, and yet there are still many other factors that will affect your end cost.
These include:
- Hazards—like power lines or limbs hanging over public streets or sidewalks
- Obstacles—like trees growing into or onto structures
- Access—if a tree is difficult to access, this will affect your tree removal cost
- Emergencies—do you need your tree removed, like, yesterday? It’ll cost you!
- Extras—if you want the stump removed, the branches chipped or the trunk cut and split for you, then prepare to pay extra for those services
Why Tree Removal Is So Expensive
Look, this is a specialized and often dangerous service. Becoming a certified arborist is a process, and requires in-depth knowledge, years of experience and precision.
The skills, equipment, insurance and labour required to legally remove trees from city, crown or private land are immense, and things can go sideways in an instant. Tree companies understand what goes into removing trees and charge accordingly. If you’re getting quotes and the price seems too good to be true…start asking questions.
Sure, spending thousands of dollars just for removing an old, dead tree may feel like a lot, but what if it fell on your house during the next windstorm? Would it seem like such a waste then? Or what if a large, dangling branch fell without warning and injured(or worse!) a family member or pet?
One final thought, when considering tree removal prices, think about your personal liability. If you decide to take down the tree yourself, or hire some random guy with a chainsaw to do it for a case of beer or two, what if something goes wrong? Do you have the insurance to cover a worst-case scenario? If you hire a tree worker in transactions like an under-the-table or bartering scenario, you are liable for their WorkSafeBC insurance if they get hurt. Whenever you’re dealing with trees, it’s important to use qualified and fully insured and certified professionals. They know what they’re doing, they’re prepared for dangerous situations and they have the coverage should damage or injury occur.