Did you know that Earth is home to an estimated 3 trillion trees? About 228 billion are in the United States. The U.S. is also where you can find the Great Bristlecone Pine, the world’s oldest tree.
Since trees are the planet’s largest plants and oxygen sources, they’re vital to life. They also store carbon and stabilize the soil to prevent erosion.
Unfortunately, trees can stop being beneficial, sometimes even becoming dangerous. This is when residential tree removal becomes necessary.
But when exactly do you need to get a tree removed? And how much does it cost?
This guide explains the answers, so read on.
When Is Residential Tree Removal Necessary?
The primary reason for removing a tree is when it becomes a safety threat.
According to the folks at Top Notch Trees, diseased, dead, or damaged trees can cause injury. They can also destroy structural properties when they fall or topple.
Tree removal services may also be necessary when there’s a risk of tree disease spreading. While diseases don’t kill them immediately, they drastically cut a tree’s carbon-storing ability. If left unaddressed, the pathogens can spread to healthy plants, too.
So, as soon as you think you have a diseased tree in your beautiful yard, have it checked by an arborist. They may still be able to treat it, but if not (e.g., the tree is too ill), they must remove it.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
Residential tree removal services can cost as low as $200 to as high as $2,000 or more. This depends on the tree’s size, height, type (species), and health or condition.
Usually, the taller a tree, the more expensive its removal. This is why red maple, which can grow to over 100 feet, can cost at least $2,000 to remove.
However, some tall species, like palm and Italian Cypress trees, have thin trunks. They also have low volume, making them easier to handle. For these reasons, their removal can cost only a few hundred dollars.
A tree’s health and condition also influence the cost to remove it; a dead or damaged one is more expensive. This is because it carries the risk of breaking apart or collapsing. Thus, it requires more precautions and care.
Likewise, removing a diseased tree can cost more as it often needs a specific disposal method.
Another factor that can make things more expensive is requesting emergency tree removal. After all, it involves an expert coming to you immediately or after typical work hours. So, expect to pay them around twice or thrice more.
However, that extra cost is worth it if there’s a high risk of the tree causing injuries or damaging property.
Keep Your Trees Healthy
As you learned in this guide, residential tree removal can cost between $200 and $2,000 or more. Even $200 is a lot already, so if possible, consider removing a tree only if it’s dead, damaged, or ill.
Besides, you can keep most tree woes at bay with proper pruning, watering, and soil maintenance. Work with an arborist, too, as they can spot and treat tree diseases before they worsen.
Ready for more home improvement guides? Then check out our post on how to boost your home’s value by tidying up its appearance!
