Tree Removal Cost

There are numerous reasons why tree removal may become necessary. Generally, if the tree is leaning over a walkway or structure, is dead, or has weakened or broken limbs that can easily blow away or break, getting rid of the tree may be the only solution. Such a tree not only poses danger to your home but can also threaten neighbors, loved ones, and even nearby animals.

If you are considering removing a tree from your home, it is essential that you be aware of the financial obligations you need to prepare for. In this article, we will show you the tree removal cost to expect in Austin. We will also show you the various factors that may affect the tree removal cost. This should help you figure out the amount of money you need to set aside before you invite tree removal professionals to your home.

Austin Tree Removal Cost Factors

In Austin, the tree removal cost ranges between $400 and $2000. The tree size is the biggest factor with smaller trees standing at 25 – 75 feet having a removal cost of $400 – $1000 and larger trees of 75+ feet costing over $1,500. The average tree removal cost is $650.

The main factors affecting the cost of removing a tree include:

• Tree height
• Tree condition
• Tree diameter
• Tree location
• Whether the tree is dead or alive

In the following sections, we will take a deeper look at the above factors:

Tree Height

Tree removal service providers calculate the cost of removing a tree on a per foot of the tree height basis. Trees featuring a height of under 30 feet are considered small trees. Trees featuring a height of between 30 and 60 feet are called medium trees.

Trees with a height of 60+ feet are known as large trees. If a tree has a height of over 80 feet, it will be categorized under very large trees. The tree removal cost usually increases as the height of the tree increases.

Tree Condition

If a tree is in a dangerous condition – for example, if the tree is leaning dangerously – tree removal professionals have to work with experts during the tree removal process. Experts, who are knowledgeable about both tree care and health, inspect the tree to determine the safest way to remove it.

Some factors that often affect tree condition include:

• History – Various activities, including a recent construction close to the tree roots, can easily affect the tree stability.
• Lean – Although small tree trunk leans are not uncommon, huge lean combined with cracked ground and exposed roots indicate that a tree may have stability issues.
• Multiple trunks – If the trunks have a weak attachment point to either the main trunk or to each other, this means that their chances of detaching and falling during removal are incredibly high.
• Weak branches – If the branches have a tight V-shaped connection, they may crack and break off the tree during the removal process.
• Decay/cavities – Decays and cavities form weak spots on a tree. These can easily affect the tree removal process.

Dead Trees

If the dead tree is small, it should be easy to cut and remove. This is simply because the tree will be both weak, brittle, and light. Large, dead trees, however, are generally dangerous to remove. While the tree will be weaker than a large, live tree, its brittleness can make it extremely dangerous to work on.

Removing dead and dying trees is extremely important. Allowing these trees to stay on your property will end up creating a safety hazard. If the trees end up falling, you may have to incur huge fines that often arise from neglect charges.

It is possible to find Austin tree removal professionals who charge the same price to remove both dead and live trees. However, these professionals are very rare. To be on the safe side, you should assume that dead trees cost more to remove compared to the live trees.

Diameter

If you have thicker trees on your property, you should expect to pay a higher tree removal cost compared to someone with thin trees. A tall but thin tree takes less time to cut down compared to a short but thick tree.

The diameter of the tree often affects the per-hour charges directly. If you intend to have the professionals cut the tree trunk into smaller parts, you should be prepared to spend more money if they will be working on a large diameter tree. If the tree is a hardwood, it will take more time to cut down and slice into small sections – this will further increase the tree removal cost.

Location

The tree location can increase the tree removal cost by 25% to 50%. For example, if the tree is too close to utility lines or structures, it will be tougher to remove – because of the extra effort and time needed, the removal cost will be high.

When removing trees growing too close to your house or power lines, professionals often have to cut the branches and lower them down using a rope. Also, if the tree you would like to remove is surrounded by other healthy trees, its removal may also be tough as special tricks will have to be used to make sure that the tree does not affect your healthy trees negatively.

Ease of accessibility is another important location factor. If the tree can be accessed easily, you will spend less money compared to someone planning to remove a tree that can’t be accessed easily. For example, if the tree is on your front yard, its branches can be accessed very easily via a crane and bucket. However, if the tree is in the backyard, someone may have to climb up the tree to cut down the branches before tree removal can commence.

Average Austin Tree Removal Cost

Small Tree Removal

On average, Austin residents spend around $400 – $500 to remove small trees of about 30 feet in height. Removing small trees is not very difficult but it may cost you more if your goal is to transplant the tree.

During tree removal, you may need to choose the direction you would like the tree to face – whether in the sun or not. To save yourself some cash, you can dig the hole before the tree removal professionals arrive on your property.

Medium Tree Removal

To remove a medium-sized tree (a tree featuring a height of 30 to 60 feet), you should expect to spend between $500 and $900. Additional expenses that you may incur include stump removal costs, debris removal costs, and cleanup. When talking to the tree removal professionals, it is essential that you ask whether they charge on a per-hour or per-tree basis since this can significantly affect the total tree removal cost.

Large Tree Removal

To get rid of a large tree, you should expect to spend $1000 to $2000. Trees featuring a height of 60 to 80 feet require more work – this increases their removal cost. Some of the reasons you may want to remove a large tree include:

• Pests and diseases
• Storm damage
• Close proximity to plumbing pipes or power lines

To minimize safety risks during large tree removal, professionals often remove the branches first before cutting the tree down. You may be able to reduce the tree removal cost by helping during the removal process. Also, renting some of the tree removal equipment yourself so that the tree service providers don’t have to bring their own can save you some cash.

Very Large Trees

Large trees, featuring a height of 80 – 100 feet or more, cost $2,000 or more to remove. Some of the factors that complicate their removal include:

• Plumbing lines
• Power lines
• Professionals having to use climbing equipment and ropes
• The labor and time involved

Some tree species – maples, bur oak, and American ash – can reach 100+ feet tall and are generally the hardest to remove. If you have these tree species in your home, you should expect your tree removal cost to be on the higher end.

Palm Tree Removal

Palm trees cost $150 to $500+ to remove if they are 30 feet tall. If they are 80+ feet tall, you may have to spend $1,100 to $1,500 on their removal.

Palm trees do have teeth. For this reason, instead of being cut with chainsaws, they have to be roped down. The taller your palm tree, the heavier it is and hence the higher the amount of stress the tree roots will be enduring. To keep the tree from breaking and falling on your property, professionals can come in and use ropes to ease the tree down.

Pine Tree Removal

If the pine tree is approximately 40 feet tall, you should expect to spend about $400 on its removal. An 80-foot pine tree will cost $1,500 to remove because of the potential danger and work involved.

Depending on the pine tree breed, additional work may be involved with getting rid of cones and branches. In this case, the tree removal professionals will have to wear a lot of safety gear to keep pine from getting in their eyes and to avoid scratches.

Oak Tree Removal

Since oak trees reach a height of 60 feet, their average removal cost is usually $400 to $1000. Compared to other trees, oak is strong wood and taking it down is usually not very easy. Factoring its girth and strength, professionals often use heavy-duty equipment to cut down the tree.

Fallen Tree Removal

Depending on the species and size of the fallen tree, you should expect to spend $75 to $150 on the tree removal. Since a lot of work has already been done, removing fallen trees is generally cheaper.

It is, however, worth noting that you may incur some additional charges. The main extra fees include:

• The cost of hurling the tree pieces away.
• If the tree has to be pruned before it can be cut into pieces, you may need to pay for this service.
• You may need to pay approximately $75 – $150 to get rid of the stump from which the tree broke off.

Average Prices for Extra Services in Austin

When hiring tree removal professionals, it is crucial that you understand which services are included in the quoted cost. This will help you avoid unexpected extra charges.

Below, we have some of the extra services and how much you should expect to pay for them:

Stump Removal

After the tree has been removed, the tree stump remains, unless you pay some extra money to have it removed. Stump removal costs largely depend on the number of stumps, soil condition, root system, wood hardness, stump’s age, and the service provider pricing practices. Below, we have the prices to expect:

• Diameter – You should expect to spend $2 – $3 per diameter inch. You may, however, have to pay a minimum charge of approximately $100.
• Per stump – Most professionals charge approximately $150 for the first stump, and a lower cost for the extra stumps, for example, $50 each.
• Clearing land – If you have a large space with a large number of stumps, you may be charged on a per hour basis. On average, you should expect to spend $150 per hour.

Trimming/Cutting

Trimming is generally done to maintain the overall tree health and to improve the tree’s aesthetic appeal. Usually applied to the small branches and non-invasive, trimming helps allow more water and sunlight through the tree branches.

While you can trim smaller trees, it is a good idea to let professionals handle the trimming of large trees. Trimming prices range from as low as $75 to as high as $1000 depending on the tree size, with an average of $250 to $500. Factors that affect tree trimming cost include:

• Tree health
• Accessibility
• Location
• How long it has been since the last trimming

Pruning

Pruning is quite similar to trimming in that it is done to help with maintaining or improving tree health. It is different since it involves the removal of larger branches and branches with problems such as weak branches or those rubbing against one another.

The factors affecting trimming often affect pruning. The prices for trimming and pruning are almost equal, but the pruning costs are usually on the higher end.

Limb Chipping/Removal

Most tree removal services will include limb chipping and removal in their pricing estimate. However, you should ask anyway to avoid surprises. Below, we have the estimated prices for these services:

• Chipping – Chipping cost ranges between $65 and $150.
• Removal – Hauling the limbs away can add an extra $50 to the initial cost.

Log Splitting

If you would like to split the logs for firewood, this will be an extra charge. You should expect to spend an average of $75.

Travel

If the tree removal professionals have to travel a long distance to get to your home, you should expect to pay some travel fees. To avoid a high travel fee, you should work with tree service providers closest to your home.

Tree Removal After a Storm

Storms often make trees unstable, increasing their chances of falling. If you have to remove a tree after a storm, it is essential that you invest in their inspection – this will help you determine how to safely remove it. Compared to stable trees, unstable trees after a storm may cost more to remove.