Tree Removal Questions, Answered Plainly

Ask for a written estimate that names the work, the cleanup and the stump. Ask whether the provider carries liability insurance and workers' compensation, and ask to see proof. Do not choose on price alone. Do not pay the full amount upfront. Characteristicsbeneath Tree Service is a referral service, so an independent provider does the work and you decide who to hire.

Typical U.S. prices run from a few hundred dollars for a small tree to several thousand for a tall tree close to a house or power lines. Size, access, tree condition and cleanup all change the number. Stump work is often priced separately. Costs vary by job, so get it in writing before anyone starts cutting.

Some policies may cover sudden damage, such as a tree that lands on a roof, fence or garage. Coverage depends on your policy, your deductible and the cause of the fall. Check your policy or ask your insurer. Providers can often help document damage for a claim with photos and a written description of the work. Do not assume removal of a healthy tree is covered.

Emergency tree removal is for a tree that has fallen on a home, leans over it, blocks a driveway or touches a power line. Keep family and pets away and never go near a downed line. Request a callback to check provider availability, or send the estimate form with photos.

Do not try it if the tree is large, close to the house or bent under tension after a storm. Falling limbs and chainsaw kickback cause serious injuries. A provider plans the drop so the roof, fence and yard stay protected. Small saplings are a different matter.

A provider usually walks the site first, marks the drop zone and protects lawns or paving where needed. Workers then cut the tree in sections or fell it whole, depending on space. Branches are chipped and hauled away if that is in your estimate. Stay indoors or well back, and ask beforehand who handles cleanup and what happens to the wood.

Not always. Many quotes cover only the tree, which leaves a stump at ground level or a foot or so high. Stump grinding is often its own line item. In a humid climate, old stumps can attract termites and send up new shoots, so ask for grinding and the grinding depth in the written estimate.

Look from a safe distance. Do not walk under hanging limbs or touch anything near downed lines. Take photos for your insurer. Providers can be busy during tropical storm season, so availability varies. Request an estimate early, and ask exactly what storm tree clearance covers: cutting, hauling, and whether any roof or fence repair is outside the job.