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While the fastest way to kill a tree is to simply cut it down, there are several other methods to choose from. You should hire a professional tree removal service to cut down a tree to ensure your personal and property safety. Some slower but effective options include treating or grinding the tree stump or using a basal bark treatment. 

Hiring an arborist is usually more expensive than hiring a standard tree company, but it’s typically well worth the investment. If you suspect a tree is infested or diseased, hiring an arborist can help avoid the same fate for nearby trees, and prevent removal. Arborists might also be necessary if you’re dealing with tree removal or trimming near power lines, as uncertified removal companies often aren’t permitted to service these trees. Finally, if your aim is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is absolutely worth the money.

Most tree surgeons cost around $100 per hour or between $70 and $200 per hour for their services. You might get flat fees for more straightforward services, like a tree assessment, tree removal, stump grinding, and one-off treatments, but many times, treatments for tree diseases or pests will be charged based on an hourly rate or a per-visit rate. Since the cost of a tree surgeon can vary widely, it’s best to speak with an arborist near you to get an idea of what your particular issue will cost to correct.

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.