How Much Does It Cost to Trim a Tree?

Tree trimming involves risks, and that is one of the reasons why most people leave it to professionals. Faced with the task, you might be wondering: how much does it cost to trim a tree? Well, read on to learn.

However, we encourage you to take this pricing guide with a grain of salt, because many factors affect the cost. In this post, we will discuss these factors and give you a good estimate of how much you can expect to spend to get the job done.

On average, professional tree trimming costs between $315 and $700. If the tree is small, you might be charged as low as $80. And for a 60-feet tree, the cost for trimming can go up to $1200.

How Much Does It Cost to Trim a Tree? – Factors to Consider

As we have mentioned, the cost depends on a host of factors. While the size of the tree is the main factor, there are other factors that need to be understood. Let’s take a look at them:

Size of tree

How much does it cost to trim a tree? To find the answer, first, take the size of the tree into consideration. Your tree trimming cost will be significantly affected by the size of the tree. To trim large trees, heavy-duty equipment is used. And that increases the cost.

There is also a safety risk involved in trimming a large tree. A project involving greater risks is going to be more expensive.

To trim a small tree, workers may not have to use heavy-duty equipment and spend many hours. For this reason, you will most likely be charged less. Tree trimmers will give you a quote mainly based on the tree’s height.

For example, trimming a tree below 30 feet tall will cost around $80. If the tree is 50-60 feet tall, you will have to spend around $150. And if the tree is really large, more than 60 feet tall, get ready to spend around $220.

Location

A tree is hard to trim if there is a power line close to it. In such a case, to ensure safety, a tree trimmer has to take more precautions. The same is true if the tree is located next to other structures. And this factor can obviously affect the price.

A trimming job that requires more advanced equipment, and more effort is going to be more expensive. If there is a power line near the tree that needs trimming, you can consider calling the utility company. They might trim the tree without charging any fee.

Accessibility

If the tree is not located in an easily accessible place, you will have to pay more. To reach the tallest point of a tree, trimmers often use a bucket truck. And if the space is too narrow for a bucket truck, trimmers have no option but to climb the tree.

Climbing makes the task riskier, and that is why trimmers may charge more. Just call a tree trimming service and ask: how much does it cost to trim a tree? They will ask you about the exact location of the tree because accessibility is a big factor for the workers.

Number of trees

This is pretty self-explanatory. The cost directly depends on the number of trees you would like to have trimmed. However, if you have a large number of trees that need trimming, you will be charged relatively less per tree.

Tree health

The stability of a tree depends on its overall health. Tree diseases, lightning strikes, and whether the damage can affect a tree’s health. Maybe you are wondering: how much does it cost to trim a tree if it is dead?

Trimming a tree involves more risks if the tree is unhealthy, damaged, or dead. If the tree is less stable, tree trimmers have to take more precautions to ensure safety. And as a result, you may have to pay more.

Pests

The cost of trimming a tree also depends on the presence of pests in and around the tree. Woodpeckers and ants indicate that the tree is rotting. Emerald ash borer can also cause long-term damage to trees.

Pests make a tree unstable, and climbing an unstable tree is risky. Therefore, pest infestation can significantly increase the cost of trimming a tree.

DIY Tree Trimming

If you have never tried to trim a tree, you might think that it is easy to work. But the reality is different. If you do not have the proper training and experience, tree trimming can be dangerous and deadly.

There is another thing to consider. Even if you take tree trimming as a DIY project, you will have to spend some money. Now, the question is how much does it cost to trim a tree if you decide to do it yourself?

Well, you will have to buy and rent some equipment that will cost you around $500. So, if you have just a few trees that need trimming, hiring a professional tree trimming service makes sense.

Safety Tips for DIY Tree Trimming

If your trimming techniques are improper, you can get into a lot of issues. Here are some tips that will help you stay safe:

Do not use any sealant product

There is no benefit of sealing a tree’s cuts. You do not have to tar or paint the cuts. This product can even be bad for your trees.

Do not stand on a ladder when trimming trees

When you are trimming a tree, standing on a ladder can be life-threatening. If you have to handle tall branches, calling in a professional is a good idea. And if you must do it yourself, make sure you use ropes and a safety harness to secure yourself.

Wear safety glasses and a hardhat

Flying splinters and falling tree limbs can be dangerous. That is why you should take precautionary measures by wearing safety glasses, gloves, and a hardhat.

Do not work alone

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when they take tree trimming as a DIY project. Working with a buddy is probably the best way to boost safety measures. If you are not experienced, do not handle large branches. Leave them to the professionals.

Final Thoughts: How Much Does It Cost to Trim a Tree?

If you have some trees with large branches, hiring a professional tree trimmer is better than doing it yourself. We have tried to give you a rough idea of the cost, and we hope you have figured out the approximate cost of your project. Before you hire a tree trimming service, discuss the cost openly so that you do not have to deal with any hidden cost.

Need a professional to do the job? Contact us for a professional tree trimming service in Danbury, CT and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.