How much trim tree cost should you expect in your area?

More than maintaining the aesthetic value of a property, tree trimming is about safety. You may have to bear the trim tree cost but it’s worth it. 

When you have large trees in the front or backyard of your home, you need to ensure that you maintain them. This article will outline the reasons for pruning your trees, the average trim tree cost, and how to do it safely.

What is tree pruning?

Generally, all trees need pruning. Pruning means:

• Removal of the dead branches or diseased ones
• Thinning out the tree so it’s not so thick and dangerous
• Raising the lower limbs for health and safety reasons

Tree trimming vs tree pruning: What is the difference?

Tree trimming is primarily undertaken for aesthetic purposes, such as sculpting the tree to enhance its visual appeal. It’s generally done for trees that are in good health, devoid of pests or diseases. It stimulates denser foliage growth and minimizes the risk of issues. In contrast, tree pruning is a strategic elimination of specific, redundant branches and even weak roots to maintain the tree’s overall well-being.

Why is it important to trim trees?

Tree maintenance is your responsibility and neglecting to prune trees on time can lead to serious consequences including injury and in some cases death. Simply put, trimming helps to reduce the risk of unhealthy branches breaking and the growth of pest and disease problems. And, it improves the overall shape of the tree. Moreover, it encourages new growth. For homeowners looking to ensure proper care and expert pruning, hiring tree service Pensacola specialist can make all the difference in maintaining healthy and safe trees.

Here are some of the reasons why you should prune your trees:

Safety of you, your home, and your neighbor’s property

It’s important that you always put the safety of your family first when it comes to tree trimming. Poorly cared trees can have dead or diseased branches that may fall at any moment. You need to remove these branches as soon as you notice them. So, if you see overhanging tree branches that are dying or not looking healthy, simply call tree trimming services to cut them. Or, if you’re an enthusiastic DYer, you could try removing them yourself in a safe manner. Keep in mind that fallen branches can cause serious injury and damage to you and your property.

Read more: Tree fall liability

The health of the trees

When you spend time to prune, you remove the parts of the tree that are dying or diseased. This stops any disease from moving from the diseased branch to the rest of the tree. The healthier the tree is, the more green leaves will grow resulting in a better-shaded area and a nicer-looking tree.

Yard maintenance 

When you work on your trees and yard, it shows. And, good aesthetics add more value to your home. Once they are pruned correctly, they can grow in the right direction – improving the look of your exterior area and curb appeal.Read more: The best trees for your front yard

How often should you trim tree branches in the yard?

According to landscape experts, you should plan to trim the trees at your home every 3 to 5 years (1 to 2 years if the trees are young still). This prevents the branches from going haywire and possibly causing problems in your roofing system, power lines, plumbing system, and electric systems.

Of course, the tree trimming schedule can vary from one tree to another. Certain types of trees require trimming more often than others as they grow faster. Pruning also depends on the season and the age of the trees. For example, some trees grow much faster as they get older.

Want help plan your tree trimming schedule? 

Kukun My Maintenace is a platform that will take care of this part of your home maintenance for you. You can set the task of trimming your trees on a virtual home maintenance calendar. And, get timely reminders to complete the task. The app also helps you get in touch with the service provider of your choice. Kukun understands the importance of trimming tree branches for optimum shape and health. Not just tree trimming, you can take care of all your home upkeep projects in a similar manner – be it rain gutter cleaning, HVAC inspection, filter changes, window cleaning, lawn mowing, or planting flowers and shrubs.

Read more: How to hire tree planting services  

What is the average trim tree cost?

The average tree trimming cost amounts to $460. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $760 depending on the type of tree, how big the tree is, what is its condition, the time of year it is, and the ease of accessibility. If the trees are under 30 feet, the prices can begin at a modest $75 and reach up to approximately $400. However, as the size of the tree increases, so does the corresponding cost. For trees exceeding 60 feet in height, the trimming fees can escalate to as much as $1,500.

Factors that impact the cost of tree trimming are

• Your geographical location. The expenses can differ substantially depending on the city. For instance, trim tree costs are approximately $600 in Phoenix, while it typically costs in Denver approximately $200. 
• Accessibility or ease of reaching the tree for trimming purposes. For a challenging situation, the tree trimming cost could increase by 25 percent to 50 percent.
• The number of trees that require trimming. While professionals charge per tree, they generally offer a discount if more trees on the property need trimming. That way, you can save money on tree trimming.
• Tree health as some trees afflicted by diseases can become more hazardous to trim and hence cost more to trim. For example, the presence of pests can indicate potential tree decay, making trimming a riskier undertaking.
• Labor cost. It can be either a fixed charge or on an hourly basis. Although per-hour rates are less frequent, they generally fall within the range of $25 to $50 per hour for each skilled worker.

How does the tree size affect the trim tree cost?

A tree trimming company will have to utilize heavy-duty machinery for larger trees, leading to increased expenses. Trimming sizable trees also presents heightened safety concerns compared to smaller trees. The greater the risk associated with the task, the higher the associated costs tend to be.

To put it simply, the process of trimming tall trees demands more time, manpower, equipment, and a greater level of risk than pruning smaller trees. Consequently, professional tree trimmers often set higher charges.

How does the tree type matter?

The frequency of your tree trimming depends on the type of tree it is. And that of course will add to your tree trimming budget.  

Evergreens

Evergreen trees should not be pruned often. Sometimes, you may not have to do much with your evergreens as they shed and get rid of damaged or remove dead branches themselves. Don’t trim them unless they’re causing a hazard.

Oak trees

Oak trees benefit from a strict tree-trimming schedule. Trimming every 2 to 3 years when they’re young is important. Every three to five years is optimum as they get older.

Fruit trees

Fruit trees need more regular pruning, often annually, to encourage new growth. Pruning during the dormant season is also effective for these trees.

Take a look at the table below to get an idea of how the average tree trim cost differs according to the tree species.

What is the average tree removal cost?

Homeowners throughout the United States usually spend between $385 to $1,070, the average cost being $630 when opting for professional tree removal services. The cost to remove a small tree from your yard can be as low as $150, while larger tree removal projects might reach up to $1,950.

Read more: Tree removal cost and the cost factors

Why is tree removal necessary, sometimes?

Here are some situations where tree removal might be necessary:

• Diseased or pest-infested trees: If your tree is afflicted by disease or infested with pests, a certified arborist might initially recommend treatments to rescue the tree. However, if these efforts prove futile, the arborist could advise the removal of the tree.
• Safety hazards: Trees positioned too close to your residence or power lines can pose a significant safety risk. In the event of a storm, such a tree might fall onto your house, causing extensive damage. 

What is the safest way to trim trees?

The safest way to trim your tree branches is to do so before there is a problem. This means scheduling a time every couple of years, depending on the tree, for tree maintenance. With Kukun My Maintenance by your side, this shouldn’t even be a problem. 

If you decide to take the DIY route, you’ll need the following:

• Safety equipment such as goggles and gloves
• Hand pruners for smaller tree branches 
• Pruning saw – manual or mechanical – for larger branches

What are the steps to trim tree limbs?

1. Select the right tools and equipment.

2. Identify the branches that need trimming. You should be looking for:

• Suckers – these are weak branches that look like weeds, usually found around the base of the trunk.
• Dead or dying branches – this one is an obvious choice, if it is dead or dying, you should remove it.
• Damaged branches – if a branch is damaged and not likely to heal naturally, it should be removed. It can lead to disease in the tree as well as rot.
• Hazardous branches – these are the most important branches to remove. If a branch poses a risk to you, your family, or your property, it needs to be removed.

3. Look for the branch collar. It’s at the base of the branch and is usually thicker than the rest of the branch. Make sure you cut just outside the branch collar so the tree can heal properly. Damaging the branch collar can result in rotting in the area where you removed the branch.

4. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle keeping close to the branch collar. Improper trimming could leave an amputated stump and the tree won’t be able to form a proper callus. 

5. Work your way from the top of the tree to down. When you trim your tree, ensure to consistently make cuts at a downward angle. This precautionary measure prevents water from accumulating, averting the risk of disease and decay. The same principle applies to upward-growing branches – removing them prevents water accumulation on the cut end, which can harm the tree.

6. Clean up the area by removing the debris from the ground.

7. Monitor the tree’s growth and health after trimming the branches. 

Buying a home? Learn why you must schedule a tree inspection.

Last thoughts

Regular trimming and pruning, even for young trees, are essential for their health and the safety of your surroundings. Although you might consider trimming yourself, hiring a professional tree service is often best, especially for large trees or those with diseased branches. A professional arborist can ensure safe and accurate pruning cuts, advise on tree care, and help avoid issues like oak wilt. Whether you choose to trim or prune, the investment in your trees’ health will yield a safer, more attractive yard.

Read more: Why is tree trimming so expensive

Written by Kukun. November 9, 2024