Is it Cheaper to Prune or Cut Down a Tree?

Removing a small tree is, of course, more cost-effective than taking down an 80-foot oak tree. If the tree is situated in an open area with nothing around it, it will be much easier and cheaper to remove. To make your yard look its best, you may need to prune or trim your trees periodically. This not only makes them look more attractive, but it also removes dead or broken branches that can be hazardous.

The cost of trimming trees varies depending on several factors, such as whether you do it yourself or hire a professional contractor. To learn more, check out our Tree Trimming Cost Guide. Cutting down trees is not good for the environment and prices depend on many elements.

This is because a fallen tree makes it easier for tree removal companies to access and start cutting it. A crown lift, which removes all the lower branches of the tree and lifts the canopy off the ground, is by far the most affordable trimming option. Whether you live in the city, suburbs or countryside, there are trees that need pruning - not just at Christmas! On the other hand, a tree that has already fallen, as long as it hasn't caused an emergency, is much cheaper to cut and drag than a live tree.

Tree pruning and removal is essential for both aesthetic and safety reasons. You can also cut down trees that are infested or sick to stop them from spreading to nearby trees and plants. As far as the above prices are concerned, the total cost of cutting down trees should include cutting the tree into a small stump, chipping and tearing off its branches and cutting its trunk into manageable sections. Trees that can be felled from the base are much cheaper than trees that require a climber or cherry picker to remove them.

Usually, the contractor will also have to tie up pieces of the tree by climbing the tree and cutting it into more manageable sizes. The only problem is that you may have to pay more to cut down trees during peak season when tree companies are very busy. Whether a tree is leaning, damaged or just in the wrong place, a tree removal service can cut it down and often dispose of it for you. If a short tree has a thick trunk that is particularly laborious to cut, a tree removal company may charge you extra.

If you prune trees in spring when they start to leaf out, they will leave sap and may not heal in the cut, making the tree vulnerable to diseases and insects and causing long-term damage.