Tree Removal Cost

It is not uncommon for trees to stand in the way of a new swimming pool, new garage, new house, or other forms of home improvement. Sometimes, trees turn into safety hazards, threatening to fall on houses or other utilities. In some instances, trees may have diseases that cannot be reversed or treated. If you have a dead tree on your compound, it could make your home look unappealing. When trees present problems that can’t be solved through any other means, tree removal becomes the only solution.

When planning to remove a tree, you will probably want to know the tree removal cost to expect. Different trees in Houston have varying removal costs. However, considering factors that affect the tree removal process, it is easy to estimate the cost to expect. In this article, you will get to know the cost estimates for removing different types of trees.

Average Tree Removal Cost in Houston

If you have a tree you would like to get rid of, you should plan a budget of between $200 and $2000. On average, however, your tree removal cost will be about $750.

Tree size determines the tree removal cost, with the cost going up as the tree size increases. The cost of removing small trees falls on the lower side, with the smallest trees costing about $200. When we move towards the upper end of the scale, where we find extremely large trees, the tree removal cost may increase to $2000.

Some tree service providers will base their tree removal cost on the number of feet a tree has. The average per-foot cost varies between $8 and $15 per foot.

Factors Affecting the Tree Removal Cost in Houston

1. Tree Height

Tree removal is a risky business. However, the overall risk goes up as the height of a tree increases. To minimize the risk, it is not uncommon for tree removal professionals to limb the tree part by part while lowering the cut pieces using ropes.

Based on height, the tree removal costs to expect are outlined below:

• Small trees– Trees whose height doesn’t exceed 30 feet are the most affordable to remove. On average, they will have a tree removal cost of $200 to $450.
• Medium trees– If the tree you intend to remove has a height of between 30 feet and 60 feet, you will be charged from $420 to $1,200 by tree removal professionals.
• Large trees– Trees with a height of 60 to 80 feet are considered large. They cost between $800 and $1500 to remove.
• Extremely large trees– Trees growing to a height of more than 80 feet have a tree removal cost of between $1000 and $2000.
• Crane-Assisted tree removal– Trees with a height of more than 80 feet generally require a crane to make the removal process smooth. In addition to the $1000 to $2000 you will have to pay the tree removal professionals; you may need an extra $500 for the crane. On average, crane renters in Houston charge between $200 and $500 plus an extra $50 – $100 for the crane operator.

2. Tree Type

Different tree species have varying heights and levels of hardness. Trees whose characteristics include a big height and extreme hardness will have a higher tree removal cost compared to trees with minimal hardness and a smaller height. Pine, palm, and oak trees are pretty common in Houston – below, we have outlined the removal costs to expect for these trees:

Oak Tree Removal Cost

Oaks are known to grow to over 100 feet in Houston. If your oak tree has a height of 60 – 100 feet, you should expect a tree removal cost of $800 – $1000. However, if your tree has a height of under 60 feet, you will be charged $200 to $800 to remove it.

Palm Tree Removal Cost

Palm trees cost between $200 and $1500 to remove. Palms with a height of under 30 feet will cost between $200 and $500 while those taller than 80 feet will have a tree removal cost of $1,100 to $1,500.

Pine Tree Removal Cost

Pine trees cost between $250 and $1500 to get rid of. Pines with a height of 40 feet will cost $400 while those taller than 80 feet will cost $1,500.

3. Tree Condition

Trees with problems feature greater complications. The largest fear is that they might fall unexpectedly, causing harm and injuries. This means that extra caution – and in some cases, extra support tools – may be needed to remove the trees safely. This often increases the tree removal cost.

Below, we have outlined some of the conditions that could increase the expected tree removal cost:

• History– If your tree had suffered some significant trauma at some point, its stability could be compromised. This means that even the slightest imbalance during removal could cause the tree to fall unexpectedly.
• Lean– Slight tree leans are normal. However, a significant lean, cracked ground and exposed roots are an indicator that your tree could be very unstable.
• Multiple trunks– If the trunks are joined by a weak connection, caution has to be exercised throughout the removal process to keep the trunks from splitting and falling.
• Cavities and decay– These indicate that your tree’s structural stability is not good. To keep the tree in one piece, the removal process will have to be handled carefully.
• Weak branches– These could fall on your home or individuals conducting the tree removal. For this reason, the tree removal professionals may have to prune your tree before removing it.

Fallen Tree Removal Cost

If your tree has already fallen, this condition will have a positive impact on the tree removal cost – it will reduce it. Most of the work has already been completed – the tree removal experts will have to do very little work. On average, you will be charged $75 – $150 to get rid of fallen trees.

It is worth noting that more caution may be needed when removing trees that have fallen on important structures – the caution will help eliminate the possibility of further home damage. Such trees may have a slightly higher tree removal cost.

4. Tree Diameter

Trees with a bigger diameter require more time to bring down – they will have a higher tree removal cost. It is, however, worth noting that other factors may play a key role in the tree removal cost – for example, tall but thin trees may have a higher tree removal cost than shorter but thick trees.

5. Tree Location

Tree service companies often serve their neighboring zone without charging a travel fee. If your tree is located outside the company’s service zone, you may have to spend some money on the travel fee. The travel fee is often charged separately – that is, it will not be included in the tree removal cost quote. For this reason, you should ask the tree service provider whether you will incur a travel fee.

6. Accessibility and Complexity

Trees that are sitting next to important structures or utility lines are usually complicated to remove. The trees cannot be allowed to fall freely – if they do, they will cause too much damage to your home. Because of the additional work that is needed, the tree removal cost generally goes up by 25 to 50%.

Some of the factors that increase the complexity of tree removal and reduce accessibility include:

• Power lines– Proper care has to be taken to eliminate the possibility of losing lives through electrocution or causing power outages.
• House next to the tree– The tree will need to be brought down slowly to avoid house damage.
• Trees growing in a group– If you need to remove a single tree from a group, care will be needed to avoid damaging the trees you intend to keep.

Prices Associated with Extra Services

Tree removal involves several services. In most cases, all the needed services are not covered in the quoted price. Some of the services that may incur extra costs include:

1. Stump Removal

Once your tree is brought down, the part that attached it to the ground – the stump – will remain on your property. To remove the stump, you may need to spend some extra money. The prices to expect are outlined below:

• Per stump price– If you need to remove more than 1 stump, the first tree stump may cost $150 while the remaining stumps will cost $50 each.
• Diameter-based cost– You will spend between $2 and $3 per diameter inch, with a minimum cost of $100.
• Land clearing– If you have a large piece of land with tree stumps, you will be charged on a per hour basis. On average, you will be paying $150 every hour.

2. Limb Chipping and Removal

If you would like the tree removal professionals to chip your tree trunk and haul the limbs away, you may need to add the following amount to your tree removal budget:

• Limb chipping– This will force you to spend $65 – $150.
• Removal– Hauling the limbs away may force you to spend an additional $50.

3. Log Splitting

If you would like to use the logs as firewood, you can ask the tree removal professionals to split them for you. On average, log splitting costs $75.

4. Cleanup

It is not uncommon for tree removal to produce a lot of waste. This waste could include branches, leaves, sawdust, and logs. Some tree removal professionals do not include the cleanup cost in the quoted price. For this reason, you should ask the tree removal professionals beforehand.

5. Clearing Charges

It is not uncommon for lands in Houston to require clearing before tree removal is conducted. This cost of clearing the land is often charged separately on a per-project or hourly rate. On average, clearing charges may add $100 or more to the project’s cost. If you clear the land yourself, you should be able to save yourself the clearing charges.

6. Permits and Licenses

In most areas, permits are required when property owners need to remove trees whose height exceeds a certain height. On average, permits cost between $60 and $150. This, however, depends on your area of residence.

Tree Transplanting Cost

It is not uncommon for property owners in Houston to want to move a tree from one location to another, rather than getting rid of it entirely. Tree transplanting is an effective service that occurs frequently – this means that it is possible to find professionals who can handle the service safely and effectively.

Relocating or transplanting a tree generally adds $125 to the cost of removing a tree of the same size. For example, if your tree is 30 feet high and complete removal is being charged $400, the cost of transplanting the tree will be about $400 + $125 which will be $525.

Tree Removal Cost after a Storm

Storms are known to compromise the structural stability of trees in Houston and other areas. This increases the risk of the tree falling unexpectedly. To reduce the chances of spending money on home repairs and injuries that could result from the tree falling, Houston residents prefer to invest in tree removal ahead of time.

Removing storm-damaged trees is generally very risky. The professionals handling tree removal may need to use special gear to keep the tree from falling in the wrong direction or causing injuries. While spending more money on the removals might seem less ideal, it is one of the best options. It helps you avoid spending thousands on injuries or repairing your home.

It is important to note that if you need emergency tree removal after a storm, your price may be higher compared to tree owners who do not need emergency removal. On average, you may be charged 10% for the inconvenience – especially if the tree removal professionals have to come and remove the tree outside their normal work hours – and emergency charges. It is, however, worth noting that emergencies are covered by home insurance. For this reason, before paying out of your pocket, call your insurer.