What a tree service does and when you need one
A tree service is a company that removes, trims, or treats trees on your property. They handle jobs you cannot safely do yourself: felling a dead tree, removing branches that hang over your roof, clearing storm damage, or treating a diseased tree. Most tree services also chip branches into mulch and haul away debris.
You need a tree service when a tree is dead, diseased, leaning toward your house, or has branches blocking power lines or gutters. A tree that drops large branches without reason, has visible cavities or fungal growth, or leans noticeably after a storm is a safety problem. If you are unsure whether a tree is dangerous, a certified arborist can assess it for a fee of $100 to $300, which some tree services waive if you hire them afterward.
Do not attempt to fell a large tree yourself. A falling tree can kill you, damage your house, or snap power lines. Even trimming branches near power lines is illegal in most places — the utility company will do it free if you call them.
Key Takeaways
- Get written estimates from at least three tree services before hiring, because prices vary widely based on tree size, location, and debris removal.
- Verify that the company carries liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, because you are responsible for injuries or damage if they do not.
- A certified arborist (ISA certification) can assess whether a tree is actually dangerous and recommend treatment instead of removal when possible.
- Ask what the estimate includes: stump removal, chipping, hauling, and cleanup all cost extra and can double the final bill.
- Schedule work in late fall or winter when the ground is firm and the company has more availability, which often means lower prices.
How to find and vet a tree service
Start by asking neighbors and your local city arborist office for referrals. Your city or county often has a free arborist on staff who can recommend companies and tell you which ones have caused problems. Search online for "tree service near me" and read reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, but weight recent reviews more heavily — a company's quality changes with ownership and staff turnover.
Check that the company holds a current business license in your state. Most states require tree services to be licensed; your state's department of labor or licensing board has a searchable database. Verify that they carry general liability insurance (at least $1 million) and workers' compensation insurance. Ask to see the certificates yourself — do not take their word for it. If a worker is injured on your property and the company has no insurance, you may be sued personally.
Look for an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist on staff. Certification requires passing an exam and logging hours of experience. A certified arborist can tell you whether a tree can be saved or must come down, and they follow safety standards that protect your property. Many tree services employ only uncertified workers and will remove any tree you ask them to, even if it could be treated.
Getting estimates and understanding what they include
Call at least three companies and ask them to visit your property and provide a written estimate. Do not accept a phone estimate — the arborist needs to see the tree, its location, and what is nearby (power lines, structures, other trees). A good estimate takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing.
The estimate should list the specific work: tree removal, branch trimming, stump grinding, chipping, hauling, and cleanup. Ask whether the price includes stump removal, because grinding a stump costs $100 to $500 extra depending on size and depth. Ask whether they chip branches on-site or haul them away, and whether they remove debris from your yard or leave it in piles. These details often account for 30 to 50 percent of the total cost.
Compare the three estimates side by side. If one is much lower than the others, call back and ask what is different — they may be skipping cleanup, using less experienced workers, or planning to cut corners on safety. If one is much higher, ask what extra work or insurance they are providing. The middle estimate is often the safest choice, but the lowest price is not always the worst deal if the company is licensed and insured.
What happens on the day of work
The crew will arrive with a truck, chipper, and safety equipment. They will mark off the work area with cones or caution tape and brief you on what to expect: noise, vibration, and dust. Ask them to point out where they will stage equipment and where debris will be piled. If you have a car in the driveway or outdoor furniture in the way, move it before they arrive.
The work itself takes anywhere from two hours for a small tree to a full day for a large removal. The crew will use a bucket truck, ropes, and chainsaws to bring down the tree in sections, working from the top down. They will chip branches and load debris into the truck. If you ordered stump grinding, they will grind the stump 4 to 6 inches below ground level and leave the chips in a pile (you can use them as mulch or ask them to haul them away).
Stay inside or at a distance while they work. Do not ask them to rush or skip safety steps. If something goes wrong — a branch falls on your fence, a root tears up your driveway — document it with photos and get the crew leader's name and the company's insurance information on the spot. Report the damage to the company in writing within 24 hours.
Cost factors and how to save money
Tree removal costs between $200 and $2,000 depending on the tree's size, location, and what is nearby. A small tree in an open yard costs less than a large tree next to your house or power lines. Removing a tree from a steep slope or a narrow lot costs more because the crew needs specialized equipment or extra safety precautions.
Stump grinding adds $100 to $500. Chipping and hauling debris adds $200 to $800. Cleanup (raking, sweeping, removing wood chips) adds $100 to $300. If you want the wood chips left for mulch, the cost drops. If you want everything hauled away, the cost rises.
Schedule work in late fall or winter (November through February) when the ground is firm and tree services have more availability. Companies often offer discounts during slow seasons. Bundling multiple trees into one job also lowers the per-tree cost. If you can wait for a sale or off-season, you may save 20 to 30 percent.
When to call a certified arborist instead of removing the tree
A tree that is sick, weak, or poorly shaped can often be treated or pruned rather than removed. A certified arborist can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment: pruning to remove dead wood, cabling to support weak branches, or fungicide to treat disease. Treatment costs $300 to $1,500 but preserves the tree and the shade and privacy it provides.
Some problems look serious but are not. A tree with bark missing in a ring (girdling) will die and should be removed. A tree with one dead branch is usually fine — remove the branch and monitor it. A tree that leans is not automatically dangerous; many trees lean naturally and have been stable for decades. A certified arborist can tell the difference and save you money by recommending treatment instead of removal.
If a tree service when ready recommends removal without suggesting alternatives, get a second opinion from a certified arborist. The arborist's fee ($100 to $300) is worth it if it saves you from an unnecessary $1,500 removal.
Dealing with storm damage and emergency removal
After a storm, many trees will have broken branches or lean at odd angles. Do not assume they are dead. A tree with broken branches can recover if the breaks are clean and the trunk is intact. A tree that leans after a storm may straighten up as the soil settles, or it may be permanently damaged — wait a few days before deciding.
If a tree has fallen across your roof, driveway, or power line, call a tree service when ready. This is a safety emergency. If power lines are down, call the utility company first and wait for them to de-energize the lines before the tree service touches anything. If the tree is blocking your driveway and you need access, most services can come within 24 to 48 hours during storm season.
Emergency removal costs more than scheduled removal because the crew works on short notice and may need to work in bad weather. Expect to pay 25 to 50 percent more than the standard rate. If the tree fell because of negligence by a neighbor or a utility company, document everything and contact your homeowner's insurance — they may cover the cost and pursue the responsible party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree myself with a chainsaw?
Not safely if it is more than 20 feet tall or near structures. A falling tree can kill you or damage your house. Chainsaws are dangerous, and a tree's weight and balance are hard to predict. Hire a professional for anything larger than a small backyard tree.
What should I do if the tree service damages my property?
Take photos when ready and get the crew leader's name and company information. Report the damage in writing to the company within 24 hours. Their liability insurance should cover it. If they refuse to pay, file a claim with their insurance company or contact your state's licensing board to file a complaint.
How do I know if a tree is actually dead?
Scratch the bark with your fingernail. If you see green underneath, the tree is alive. If the bark is gray or brown all the way through, it is likely dead. A certified arborist can confirm this and tell you whether the tree is a safety risk or can be left standing.
Is it cheaper to hire a tree service or remove the tree myself?
Hiring a professional costs $200 to $2,000 but is safe and includes debris removal. Renting equipment and doing it yourself might cost $100 to $500, but you risk serious injury and still have to haul debris. The professional cost is worth the safety and convenience.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
It depends on your city and the tree's size. Some cities require a permit for any tree removal; others only for trees over a certain diameter or in protected zones. Call your city's planning or building department before hiring. The tree service can often handle the permit process for a small fee.