How to Save on Tree Removal Work


Although most people regard a tree as being a thing of beauty, in some instances they can severely detract from the aesthetic quality of a house. Furthermore, they can also be hazardous if not structurally sound or poorly maintained so that branches are allowed to grow within close proximity to the home and adjacent properties. Most people avoid addressing these issues until the unthinkable happens – a storm system moves into their area causing the entire tree to fall or a large branch, resulting in damage to valuable property.

Despite common belief, tree removal costs are far from being exorbitant. Sure, you will be expected to pay for extra services like stump removal, but the cost of tree removal for even the tallest trees rarely exceeds $1,000. If you are the ambitious type who likes to dabble with do-it-yourself projects, you can actually save a considerable amount of money by eliminating the tree stump removal cost and the cost of other extra services from your bill.

One of the most overlooked aspects of tree removal is waste disposal. When your 30ft oak tree comes down, where does it go? In most cases, the tree is fed into wood chipper. Renting and operating a wood chipper can cost money and makes up a fair chunk of the overall cost of tree removal. Why not instead opt to take care of this part yourself? You can cut the branches off the tree trunk and rent a disposal bin to get rid of them. You can then chop the trunk into smaller segments and use it for firewood! If you don’t have a fireplace, perhaps some neighbors might be willing to accept a donation. You can save a pretty penny by not having to dispose of the trunk.

When it comes to removing the tree stump, don’t even think about renting any special equipment. Drill a few holes in the trunk and fill them with stump remover. This will cause the stump to start to rot, at which point you can remove it with ease. If you’re not the type to like manual labor, let some kerosene absorb into the stump and then light it on fire. You should allow several weeks for the kerosene to fully penetrate. Remember that removing the actual tree yourself might require special permits, depending on the area you reside in. Even so, it is far too risky for the average homeowner to safely undertake. Leave this work for the arborists and cut costs where it is safe to do so.