Get matched with top arborists in Mustang, OK

A dead tree should always be cut down, because it could fall and cause injuries or damage, and it can also attract insects like carpenter ants. A tree that’s diseased beyond repair should also be cut down, but it’s not always easy for a homeowner to tell. Signs of disease include dying branches, a hollow trunk, leaning, and discolored or missing leaves, but your best bet is to hire a local arborist who can evaluate the tree and tell you if it can be saved or should be cut down.

Hiring an arborist costs around $900 on average, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500 or more. Some arborists charge an hourly rate, typically between $100 and $350 per hour. The final cost depends on several factors, including the type of work, the number of trees, accessibility, and whether you hire an independent arborist or a larger tree service company. When hiring, you should also consider their experience and insurance coverage.

Below are some estimated costs for common arborist jobs:

• Small tree removal: $300 to $500

• Large tree removal: $500 to $2,000 or more

• Tree health assessment: $150

• Trimming a small tree: $75 to $200

• Trimming a large tree: $150 to $400

• Dealing with invasive species: $150 to $1,000 or more

Yes, cutting a tree's roots can cause it to fall, particularly if major support roots are severed. In extreme cases, trimming roots can affect the tree's structure and stability. Many crucial roots are located just below the soil's surface. If you make severe cuts to roots more than 2 inches in diameter, you risk impacting the tree's water flow and its ability to withstand severe winds or storms. Even cutting roots less than half an inch in diameter under or outside the tree's canopy can cut off its water supply, causing it to decline, die, and eventually topple.

Often, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to handle the aftermath when a neighbor’s tree falls on their property. But if a tree has been obviously dead for a significant period of time and caused damage when it fell, a case can be made that the owner should have removed it, especially if the neighbor wrote you a letter about the tree or asked you to take it down. This can be grounds for a successful lawsuit in claims court and is a good reason to always pay attention to your trees and remove dead trees before they fall.