TREE SERVICE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

This is one of the top questions we get asked. unfortunately there is no simple answer, but we'll do our best to give some helpful info. The best way to know what your tree removal cost will be is to give us a call at 434-290-4320. We'll provide a FREE estimate, so you know exactly what your tree service will cost. Read on for more info...

Estimates for removing a felled tree vary, but usually range from $500 to more than $5000. This includes climbing the tree and cutting branches, removing the stump, grinding the stump, filling in the hole and cleaning up all the debris as well. The reason for the large range is that no 2 trees are exactly alike, and no 2 properties are exactly alike.

Some of the factors that influence the cost of tree removal include:

• The size of the tree and how much of it needs to be removed.
• How accessible the tree is. If it's a very tall tree and the only way of accessing it may require some heavy equipment, then the cost will be higher.
• If you are building or have built something around the tree that makes removal more difficult or could damage whatever's being built, this would also result in a higher cost. For example if someone was building a pool and their builder recommended cutting down a large Oak Tree that stood right next to where they plan to build their patio, that would cost significantly more than simply removing it from an area without anything at stake. Working around buildings, especially residences, requires a higher skill level, more planning, and potentially more equipment.
• How big is the tree? Bigger trees not only require more work to take down, but since they have more branches, leaves and roots there'll be more debris left over after removal than with smaller trees that can be disposed of easier.
• Where exactly is the tree located relative to your property boundaries and neighboring properties? Since mature trees grow large quickly, their trunks can easily protrude up onto sidewalks or serve as super-sized backdrops against facades of adjacent properties. That means removing them may require you to obtain permission from neighbors or local government entity before taking up that axe.
• How long has the tree been growing there? If it's only a few years old, you may be able to get rid of it with just a chainsaw and some rope if its trunk isn't too big in diameter and is within your budget. But when older trees are involved, way more than just chopping off branches may be necessary and will probably cost more because of all that extra labor involved.
• The condition of the tree. Is it already dead or dying from old age, disease, flooding, drought, lightning strike or fire? Does it need to be trimmed of branches that are growing towards the house and causing damage?
• How deep the roots are, and how close to buildings or other obstacles. Trees that are trimmed too short can be more susceptible to disease and external damage.
• What kind of maintenance work would you like done? Remove dead or diseased branches? Trim back encroaching branches or roots and add mulch to prevent stumps from moving? Protect the trunk from fire by adding a non-flammable barrier around the bottom portion of the tree? It's important to make sure you know what type of product is being used when having your tree worked on so that you can keep it maintained properly in future years.
• The time of year: Usually it is cheaper in the fall and winter, so scheduling non-emergent work for those times is a great way to save money.

Based on their experience, Arborists can usually give you a rough estimate as to the cost of removing a certain type of tree based on those factors. However, they won't know for sure until they get out there and look at your tree.