Trees are an integral part of any property, providing shade, protection from wind and rain, and a valuable aesthetic to your landscape. But sometimes it’s necessary to remove a tree; maybe it has become too large for its location or it’s in danger of toppling over due to disease or age. If you find yourself needing to get rid of a tree, there are several hidden costs you should consider before hiring a tree service.
Depending on where you live, you may need to get a permit from the local government in order to remove a tree. It’s important that you research this ahead of time so that you can plan for the costs associated with getting the permit. Some cities may even require an arborist’s report certifying that the tree needs to be removed before they will approve the permit. These fees can be as low as $50 or as high as several hundred dollars depending on your location and what type of permit is required.
Once the tree has been removed, there’s still one more cost to consider—haul away fees. Most cities require homeowners to dispose of their own debris, which means that after cutting down the tree, it must be hauled away by truck or trailer at your expense. Depending on how big the tree is and how far away it needs to be taken for disposal, these costs can add up quickly. Make sure you discuss this with your contractor beforehand so that you know exactly what you are paying for when it comes time for removal.
It’s not enough just to cut down the tree; after removal there will likely be an unsightly stump left behind that needs to be dealt with as well. You can either hire someone to grind down the stump into mulch or have them fill in the hole left behind with soil and grass seed (or sod). Both options come with additional costs that should be taken into consideration when budgeting for your project.
Tree removal is never an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be done in order for safety reasons or just because a particular species no longer fits into your landscaping plans. Before taking action though, make sure that you are aware of all potential costs associated with removing a tree so that no surprises arise once work begins! With proper planning and research upfront, taking care of business when it comes time for tree removal doesn't have to break the bank!