A Complete Guide to Tree Trimming Costs: What You Need to Know

Tree trimming improves tree health and appearance and is also important for the safety of property and occupants. Tree trimming costs range from $215 to $730 per tree. The cost of tree trimming is affected by many factors, including the size of the tree, the number of trees, the type of tree, and the complexity of the trimming project. The average tree trimming cost is $470/tree.
The cost of tree trimming depends on the size of the tree.
Tree size is a key factor when estimating tree trimming costs, as it determines how many workers will be needed, whether trained climbers are needed, and whether special equipment such as a crane is needed.

Small trees: less than 20 feet.
The cost to trim a small tree 20 feet tall or less starts at $85 and ranges up to $345, for an average of $215 per small tree.

Small trees can often be pruned with pruning shears while standing on the ground. Small trees can be cut down with your own hands. Small trees include Japanese maples, Harlequin poincianas and dawn redwoods.

Average tree: 20 to 30 feet.
Trimming a medium-sized tree, 20 to 30 feet tall, costs between $145 and $485. The average cost to trim a medium-sized tree is $315.

The lower branches of medium-sized trees can be trimmed with pruning shears, but usually the gardener must climb the tree, often using an extension ladder. Medium-sized trees include paper birch, dogwood, wildflower and crape myrtle.

Large tree: 30 to 50 feet.
The cost to trim a large tree 50 feet tall or more ranges from $150 to $805. Pruning costs for larger trees tend to be higher. The average cost to trim a large tree is $480.

Climbers must be harnessed to trim large trees. A crane may be required to access the upper branches. Large trees include pine, maple, oak and spruce.

Extremely large trees: 50 feet or more.
Trimming very large trees 50 feet tall or more costs between $375 and $1,820, with the average cost of trimming a very large tree being $1,100.

Trimming very large trees often requires the use of special techniques and equipment such as climbing ropes, cranes and bypasses. Extremely large trees include palms, oaks, poplars, and most weeping trees such as willows.

Cost of tree pruning depending on the type of tree
Crape Myrtle: Crepe myrtle pruning costs start at $82 and go up to $455. The average cost to prune a crape myrtle tree is $270.
Cypress: Cypress pruning starts at about $215 and goes up to $1,200. The average cost to trim a cypress tree is $705.
Oak: Oak trimming costs between $400 and $1,415, with oak trimming costing an average of $910.
Palms: Palm trimming costs start at $210, with an average maximum cost of $1,200. The average cost of palm tree trimming is $695.
Pine: Pine trimming costs between $275 and $1,715. The average cost to trim a pine tree is about $1,000.
The cost of tree pruning depends on the level of difficulty.
The level of difficulty is a determining factor in the cost of tree trimming. Difficulties include factors such as tree height, accessibility, tree condition, presence of dead or dying branches, type of tree, presence of power lines, structures or roads, and the need for a license.

Low difficulty
Low complexity tree pruning costs between $75 and $300. Low complexity trees are usually 20 feet tall or less, most branches are in good shape, and the tree is completely accessible. The average cost to trim a low complexity tree is $190.

Moderate difficulty
Medium tree pruning costs between $200 and $600. Moderate difficulty trees are usually 20 to 30 feet tall, some branches may be damaged, dead or diseased, require climbing, and have a structure such as a house or building outside. The average cost for trimming a medium-sized tree is $400.

High difficulty
Pruning very difficult trees costs between $600 and $1,800. High complexity trees are typically over 30 feet tall, a significant number of branches may be dead or diseased, there may be sensitive obstacles such as power lines nearby, a crane with a bucket is required, and climbers with climbing equipment and traffic are required. required. The average cost to trim a very difficult tree is $1,200.

Cost depending on the number of trees
The more trees you cut down, the higher the total cost of your tree trimming project. When creating an estimate, the tree care company’s prices will take into account the number of trees.

But planting more trees may not always proportionally increase tree trimming costs. The cost of pruning one tree may be less. The company already has workers and equipment such as a wood chipper, so the next trees may not cost as much as the first.

Labor costs for pruning trees
Homeowners and property owners often turn to tree care companies for the expertise of their team. When a company charges a price for tree trimming, labor costs are included. Tree trimming labor costs range from $35 to $70 per hour per person. The average labor cost for tree trimming is $55 per hour.

Tree top trimming cost
The average tree trimming cost starts at $325 and reaches an average high of $1,070. Typically the cost of a tree top is $700.

Tree topping is the process of trimming tree branches to lower the height of the tree closer to the trunk. Topping is less expensive than complete removal and is often a quick fix for problem trees or trees with a sail-like effect. Poor pruning of a tree can lead to its death. Often the best alternative is to reduce the canopy or pollute the tree.
Cost of a tree trimming license
The average cost of a tree removal permit is $500 per tree. Tree removal permits are often less expensive than full tree removal permits or may not be required.

Trimming, pruning or removing trees in cities and other populated areas may be a regulated activity and require a permit. Some areas prohibit pruning or cutting down trees near watersheds unless it is considered dangerous.

Designed to monitor and slow tree canopy loss, tree canopy regulations help create resilient urban forests that minimize erosion, reduce water runoff, improve air quality, and preserve property values.1

Cost of calling an arborist
An arborist will cost between $90 and $120 per hour, with an average of about $100 per hour.

The professional opinion of an arborist may be needed to decide whether and how the tree should be pruned. When issuing permits, municipal authorities often seek the official opinion of arborists regarding the removal of trees or the removal of large trees.

Tree removal cost
Tree removal costs start at $305 and range up to $1,110 per tree, with the average tree removal cost being $710.

Trees can be cut down to their roots at the same time as other trees are pruned. Removing a tree will allow other trees to thrive by eliminating competing root systems.

Cost of cleaning up the yard after tree trimming
Yard cleanup costs after tree trimming start at $125 and go up to $400, with an average of $265.

Cleaning up your yard after tree trimming yourself is a way to save money on tree trimming. But it is important not to underestimate the extent of removal and disposal of large branches after tree pruning. The team has tools such as chainsaws and wood chippers to make the job easier.

Cost of separating wood after tree trimming
The cost of separating cut branches into logs suitable for burning ranges from $35 to $100 per cord. The average cost for log splitting is $70 per line.

Signs That a Tree Should be Trimmed

Trees can be pruned for aesthetic reasons, but in many cases tree pruning may be necessary. Dead wood, rotting wood and poor proportions are some signs that a tree needs pruning.

Dead Wood: Dead wood on trees should always be trimmed as it will never grow back and is dangerous. If the entire tree is dead, it must be removed.
Decay: Decay can occur inside the tree, hidden by overgrown bark. An arborist can help determine if there is hidden rot on the tree.
Large cracks. Cracks in the tree indicate that a branch or the tree itself may have come off. The tree should be pruned and separated.
Poor tree structure: Unbalanced trees have a higher risk of branches falling or breaking. Trees with poor structure can be modified for symmetry.
Nuisance Pests: Woodpeckers cause damage or damage caused by other invasive pests such as termites or emerald ash borers. Since woodpeckers are nesting birds, they can often be a sign of rotting inside the tree.
Do-it-yourself tree pruning or professional tree pruning
With the right tools and safety equipment, homeowners can prune trees themselves. Having a stepladder, tree pruning shears, pruning saw, pruning shears and an electric or gas powered chainsaw allows you to cut down trees yourself or complement a visit to a tree trimming company.

However, beyond simple pruning and pruning, your best bet is to call a qualified tree care company. Tree pruning may seem safe and simple. However, tree branches or entire trees can fall in unexpected directions – on people, power lines or structures. In addition to safety issues, professionals also know where and how to trim tree branches to avoid causing health problems for the tree.

All tree pruning work that requires lifting should be performed by trained professionals. Cutting down trees is also the work of professionals.

Cost of pruning trees yourself
Loppers: $30 to $50.
Pruning saw: $20 to $30.
Ladder: $150 to $250.
Electric chainsaw: $100 to $200.
Pole trimmer: $75 to $150.
Safety glasses: $10 to $20.
Gloves: $10 to $20.
Buy a basic set of tree pruning tools suitable for trimming small trees for $395-$725. On average, a good but limited set of tree trimming tools will cost $560.

The cost to trim one DIY tree is $560 if all the tools are needed. More trees can be cut down with the same tool, reducing tree costs when trimming additional trees yourself. So the cost to trim five trees yourself would be about $110 each.

Tree pruning vs tree pruning
Tree trimming, as opposed to tree trimming, costs between $290 and $1,070, with tree trimming costing an average of $680.

Tree trimming helps remove excess tree growth so that trees are properly shaped, uniform in size, and controlled so they do not grow into unwanted areas such as roofs or roads.

Tree pruning places greater emphasis on the health of the tree by removing unwanted or diseased areas that can limit the tree’s growth or cause it to die completely.

Both tree pruning and pruning require experience to know where to cut and whether to cut at all. Professional tree trimmers can also trim trees regularly.

7 Ways to Save on Tree Trimming
Regular plant care: Monitor the plants and control their size. Larger trees will become exponentially more expensive as the trees may have to be removed using a crane.
Get an informed opinion: As part of the sales process, your tree care salesperson may notice unhealthy or trimmed trees on your property. Be sure to get the opinion of a tree inspector or arborist.
Call the power company to remove trees: Power companies often trim vegetation growing near power lines. Trees are inspected by arborists and trimmed by trained professionals. The electric company may send an inspector to your property if you believe your trees are close enough to provide free power to tree trimming equipment.
Make sure your insurance covers the cost: Although most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover tree care, they will pay for tree removal and cleanup if a tree falls on your property.2
Ask for proof of company insurance: The tree care company should have general liability insurance. If an uninsured company causes damageb or the employee is injured, you may have to pay the costs yourself or sue the company for damages.
Trimming multiple trees in one project. Although adding additional trees will increase the cost of tree trimming, the cost will usually be less than if you trimmed each tree individually.
Clean your yard yourself: Tree service companies may charge extra to clean your yard. If yes, save costs by following these steps.