"We had Hometown Tree Experts remove two large oak trees in our backyard and a large spruce tree from our front yard. We had multiple quotes, and they were the least expensive (by thousands of dollars for most of the other quotes we had). Not only that, their office staff were the most friendly of any tree company I've worked with. Two of the companies that gave us quotes told us they would need to bring a crane in, and Hometown did it without a crane and with incredible speed (they did the entire job in under 6 hours). Not only that, they managed to take down the massive oak trees while not damaging the trampoline, play structure, and garden, all of which were very close by. They also were just overall very friendly, and left the yard cleaner than it was when they got there. I hope I don't need to have any more trees removed, but if I do, I will definitely use this company again."
"Exceptional service! Administration, Supervisor/Estimator and Arborists are all extremely knowledgeable and responsive. Each of the 5-man onsite crew (3 climbers, 2 ground) is skilled and professional but together they formed a spectacular team. They coordinated cutting/removing trees that were entwined with electrical and communications cables in a confined space with breathtaking efficiency. The work was started on-time, property was protected and effective clean-up was integrated into the process. Unfortunately, these trees needed to be removed due to safety concerns but would also call them for other services. I believe that this experienced company excels in everything they do and I highly recommend Arbor Care!"
"Keith was the first to contact me about grinding my stumps. Based on his questions for me I could tell he was an expert. He gave me a quote over the phone right away and arrived as scheduled. He got to work quickly and raked up any stray wood chips into a pile. I paid Keith the same amount as his quote and am completely satisfied with the job. I look forward to using Allegheny Hill again in the future."
"Carlos came prepared to work on the initial estimate visit to my home. Within 3 hours at my home the tree was removed and the sizable stump was grinded up. He was prompt with taking away the brush and cleaning up behind himself. I would strongly recommend him."
"I had a dead branch high up in an oak tree that had been there for a number of years. Walter quoted a really great price and removed the branch and cut back several other dead branches. These folks are really great to work with and did a fantastic cleanup when they were done. Walter is an arborist and takes the time to explain the why and wherefore of pruning a tree."
"JMC Tree Service did a thorough, professional job taking down a challenging tree. Communication was excellent, crew worked as a tight team; this was a very large oak, it had a trunk of over 54" in diameter and overhung both my neighbors and my house, along with the homes power lines - truly a lot of challenges. The price included taking the tree down, hauling the trunk, cutting the branches to length that would fit in my free standing fireplace, and grinding the stump - all for significantly less than other estimates received - more in line with the cost I was expecting. Would definitely recommend and use in the future."
"Jose and his crew are wonderful. They are punctual and polite. They did a great job at trimming my tree and the cleanup was excellent. I highly recommend them !!!"
"They responded to quickly to my request to trim two ornamental apple trees with a very reasonable quote. Upon arriving at my home, I could tell the camaraderie of the 5 man crew. The tree climber was incredible in what he did. The supporting crew cleaned up the yard before they left. I also accepted an offer to trim the overgrown bushes in my front yard again for a reasonable fee. It was clear that they knew what they were doing here as well. They improved the appearance of my landscape significantly. It only took them an hour and half to complete the work which would have taken me a day (assuming I can climb trees). After they were done, they gathered around the grinder to socialize before moving on to the next job. It was sincerely a pleasure to work with these men."
"I contracted White Oak Tree Experts to remove some trees, grind stomps, and perform light pruning at my single family home. Right from the start, from the free estimate where Fernando Reyes walked my property line with me while listening to my concerns and goals while offering helpful suggestions, to the day he brought his crew and equipment, I knew I was in good hands. I highly recommend Fernando and White Oak Tree Experts since they are professional, hard working, very efficient, affordable, and committed to their customers needs. They exceeded my expectations!"
In some states and municipalities, you will need a permit to remove a tree on your property. In many cases where permits are required, a tree must reach a maximum height before a permit is required to remove it. You can either ask your local building department or a tree removal professional if you’ll need a permit. If you do, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for the permit alone. Your tree removal company should pull the permit for you and include the permit fee in your total.
Leaving a dead tree can expose your other trees to potential diseases, pests, and fungi, and it can also be a hazard. If your tree is dead, then you should hire a tree maintenance service to remove it. Cutting down trees is extremely dangerous, and a professional can ensure no one gets hurt and there is no damage to your property. Tree removal costs between $200 and $2,000 and will prevent future issues and keep you and your property safe.
If tree branches cross well into your property line, in many cases, these branches become part of your property, and you can trim them up until your neighbor’s property line. However, this issue will vary based on local ordinances, so you should do your research before making any decisions. Better yet, speak with your neighbor about how to handle any tree issues.
If you don’t mind the branches, you can leave them be, but if they’re becoming a hazard, it’s definitely worth having a conversation.
It is possible to cut down a tree on your property yourself, but it is generally not recommended unless specific conditions are met. You should only consider this project if the tree is small (e.g., under 4-5 inches in diameter and short enough that you don't need a ladder to reach the branches), and you are experienced in handling a chainsaw. The tree must also be located far from any power lines, fences, homes, or other structures. Even for small trees, the work can be dangerous, and it's always advisable to have a spotter to ensure the tree falls correctly and no branches fall on you.
For any tree that is large, requires a ladder to access, or is near electrical lines or structures, you should always hire a professional. Attempting to remove a large tree yourself is extremely dangerous, poses a risk of serious injury, and could result in significant damage to your property.
Before any tree removal, it's also important to check your local and state regulations to ensure the tree is not historic or otherwise protected by your city.
In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.
That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.
The Cockeysville, MD homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
How much does an arborist cost? This guide explains the cost of different services, ongoing expenses, and other factors to consider when hiring an arborist.
Tree inspections can ensure your trees stay healthy and safe, preventing costly damage. Learn how much tree inspections cost and what can affect the price.
Arborists are specialized tree care experts. This guide will help you hire an arborist with all the qualifications to give your trees the best care possible.