Who Do I Call to Cut Down a Tree?
Branch out and explore your hiring options for tree removal
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to prevent trees on your property from causing harm to your home and its residents. Since DIY tree removal can be unsafe (sometimes even illegal), you may wonder, “Who do I call to cut down a tree?”
When you’re hiring a tree removal specialist, look for one with the proper credentials, equipment, and experience for the job. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice about cutting down a tree on your property.
Benefits of Hiring a Tree Cutting Professional
Professional tree removal costs range from $200 to $2,000, with the average cost of around $750. Tree removal is a potentially dangerous job that comes with risk. So, in most cases, the cost to hire a pro is worth it to ensure the job is done efficiently and safely.
Some of the benefits of hiring a tree cutting professional include:
Pros have the knowledge and experience to cut down your tree safely and quickly.
You will save yourself time and stress.
Tree cutting professionals know how to avoid damage to your property and other plants in your yard.
Hiring a professional tree cutter keeps you and your family safe from harm.
Pros have the right equipment and are insured against tree-cutting accidents.
Can I DIY Cutting Down a Tree?
While it’s true that cutting down a tree on your own can save you money, it’s also an extremely dangerous job. And depending on the laws where you live, it could also be illegal and result in criminal prosecution or fines. For those reasons, it’s best to leave tree removal to professionals with the proper credentials, tools, and skills to get the job done safely and correctly.
The only time it’s reasonable to DIY tree cutting is if it’s a very small, young tree under three inches in diameter. Keep in mind that even cutting down a small tree requires handling a chainsaw and other dangerous tools, so proceed with caution.
Can I Hire an Arborist to Cut Down a Tree?
If you’re especially concerned with the health of your tree, you can also hire an arborist to cut it down. Arborists are highly skilled professionals who are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). They’ve been extensively trained on how to care for trees and other woody plants.
A certified arborist specializes in removing, planting, pruning, and transplanting trees. Essentially, you can hire an arborist for any type of tree-related service that affects the health of a tree. However, arborists may not have the equipment or team size to cut down a large tree, as it typically requires several trained professionals. If you’re considering hiring an arborist for this task, you should confirm their tree-cutting credentials and experience, as well as the number of people they plan to use to remove your tree.
How Do Tree Removal Specialists Cut Down a Tree?
Once you hire a tree cutting service near you, they’ll start the process of cutting down your tree. The process may look different depending on where you live, the tree’s location, size, condition, and how many trees you plan to remove. A tree removal specialist will follow these steps:
Estimate the height of the tree to determine plan of action.
Clear the area to make room for the tree once it falls.
Inspect the tree and determine the best direction for it to fall.
Decide on the best tree removal method, such as felling or removing the tree in pieces.
Gather the necessary equipment and protective equipment.
For felling, a pro will cut a V-shape near the tree’s base to direct its fall, then cut the opposite side until the tree falls over.
To remove the tree in pieces, a pro will scale the tree and begin cutting the large limbs.
Load the entire tree (or smaller pieces) into a truck to properly discard them.