Trimming trees is an important part of lawn and garden management. If you are trying to enhance the beauty of your yard, wanting to keep your trees healthy, or trying to maintain safety by cutting dead or overgrown branches, you should trim your trees. But how much does it cost to trim a tree? Tree trimming prices may differ depending on a number of factors, and in this guide, we will be discussing what you should expect to pay, what factors determine the price of tree trimming, and how to get the best deal.
Factors That Affect Tree Trimming Costs
The cost of pruning a tree varies. So, what can affect the amount you will pay?
Size of the Tree
The size of the tree is one of the most influential factors that impact the cost of tree trimming. Larger trees require more work and equipment to trim.
Here’s how size can impact the cost:
Small Trees (less than 30 feet): These are fairly simple to cut and prune, and tend to range between $75 to $400.
Medium Trees (30-60 feet): The price of trimming trees of this height is usually between $300 to $1,000.
Large Trees (more than 60 feet): Trimming large trees may cost between $800 to $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the work.
Type of Tree
The various species of trees may have different methods of trimming, and some trees may be harder to handle than others. For example, pine trees are softwood trees which can be easily trimmed as compared to oak trees which are hardwood trees.
Hardwoods (e.g., oaks, maples): These trees may be more difficult to cut since they have a denser wood. Therefore, trimming hardwoods typically costs more.
Softwoods (e.g., pines, firs): These are normally less expensive to trim as they are soft and easy to cut.
Tree Health
The cost of trimming may also be affected by the health of the tree. If the tree is diseased, damaged, or infested with pests, then it might need more comprehensive work. Also, having large branches that need to be cut off will make it more expensive because of disease or rot.
Location and Accessibility
The place where the tree is located contributes a lot to the price of trimming. The tree might be close to power lines, buildings, or other structures, and this might necessitate additional care. Thus, the job might be more challenging and time consuming. When this happens, tree trimming services can be expensive due to the extra risk.
Accessibility: Trees which are accessible and located in open areas are usually less expensive to prune.
Difficult-to-Access Areas: Trees in a small area, close to buildings, or remote areas might need special machinery (such as a crane or bucket truck), and this can increase the total cost.
Additional Services
Sometimes tree trimming involves additional services, such as:
Tree Removal: If there is serious damage or if you need the tree to be removed, the price will be much higher. The cost of tree removal may vary between $200 and $2,000 depending on size and complexity.
Stump Grinding: You might want to have a stump ground after trimming or cutting down a tree. This normally ranges between $75 and $400 depending on the size and location of the stump.
Clean-Up: The clean-up is usually included in the price of some tree trimming services, but other services can charge extra to remove branches and debris.
Average Cost of Tree Trimming
Having examined the different factors that determine the price, let’s now examine some of the common price ranges of tree trimming services.
Basic Tree Trimming Costs
Small Trees (less than 30 feet): You can expect to spend between $75 and $400.
Medium Trees (30-60 feet): The cost of trimming such trees will be between $300 and $1,000.
Large Trees (more than 60 feet): The cost of trimming these larger trees may be between $800 to $2,000 and above.
Such prices cover basic trimming services, although additional services might be required, which will raise the cost.
Additional Costs for Extra Services
Tree Removal: If you have to remove a tree completely, you can expect to pay between $200 and $2,000, depending on the size and the location of the tree.
Stump Grinding: The cost of stump grinding after removing a tree is between $75 and $400 depending on the size of the stump.
Hauling and Cleanup: This is a service that can add between $50 to $200 to the total cost, depending on the scale of the job.
When to Hire a Professional Tree Trimmer
Although DIY trimming may be effective for small trees that are easy to manage, it is always advisable to contract a professional when it comes to bigger and more complex tasks. Tree trimming professionals possess the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and efficiently trim trees. Also, if the tree is close to power lines, then a professional can make sure the work is performed safely and that it is up to code.
The cost of trimming a tree depends on factors such as size, type, location, and the services you require. As mentioned, the average cost is between $75 and $2,000 depending on the size of the tree and the difficulty of the task. The price is typically less expensive with smaller trees, while larger trees and other services may raise the price. To make sure that your tree trimming task is not only affordable but also well-performed, you can shop around, take care of your trees, and combine services. When in doubt, talk to a professional so that you can get the best out of your yard.
