Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick and dirty version. You're thinking about trimming that big oak yourself to save a few hundred bucks. I get it. Here's my rule after 25+ years in the field: if you can't reach the branch with both feet flat on the ground using a simple pole saw, you call a pro. Period. Anything involving a ladder or a chainsaw for more than a twig is asking for trouble. A pro will run you anywhere from $300 for a simple trim to a few thousand for a big removal, but that's cheaper than an ambulance ride.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Do a walk-around and actually LOOK at the tree. Check for obvious signs of trouble like dead branches (widowmakers), cracks in the trunk, fungus growing at the base, or if the whole thing is leaning.
Step 2
Eyeball the 'drop zone.' If the branch or tree were to fall in any direction, what would it hit? Your house, your car, your neighbor's fence, power lines? If the answer isn't 'nothing but grass,' stop here.
Step 3
Judge the size of the job. Is the branch thicker than your arm? Is it higher than you can safely reach with a pole saw while your feet are on the ground? If yes to either, it's a pro job.
Step 4
Be brutally honest with yourself about your physical ability. Does climbing a ladder make you nervous? Do you have the strength to control a heavy tool above your head? This work is more exhausting than it looks.
Step 5
Take an inventory of your tools and safety gear. Do you have a helmet, face shield, chaps, steel-toed boots, and proper rigging? If your 'safety gear' consists of a pair of sunglasses, you're not ready.
Step 6
Do a quick search for your local city or county ordinances. Some places have rules about removing trees of a certain size or species, and you can get a hefty fine for not following them.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Minor Pruning (from ground) | $20 - $75 (for tools) | $150 - $450 | 1-3 hours |
Small Tree Removal (<20 ft) | $100 - $300 (for rental and tools) | $250 - $600 | 2-4 hours |
Medium Tree Removal (20-50 ft) | N/A - Don't do it | $600 - $1,700 | 4-8 hours |
Large/Hazardous Tree Removal | N/A - Don't do it | $1,700 - $6,000+ | 1-2 days |
Stump Grinding | $120 - $280 (rental) | $100 - $450 | 1-2 hours |
When to Call a Professional Tree Service
- Any work that requires you to get on a ladder, especially with a power tool.
- The tree or branches are anywhere near power lines. This is non-negotiable.
- The tree is close to your house, your neighbor's house, a fence, or anything else you don't want to buy a new one of.
- You need to use a chainsaw for anything more than cutting up small branches that are already on the ground.
- The tree is over 20 feet tall. The forces involved are too great for an amateur to handle.
- The tree is visibly dead, diseased, or has been damaged in a storm. It could be unstable.
- The job requires equipment you can't rent at Home Depot, like a bucket truck or a crane.
Prevention Tips
- Do a little bit of light pruning every year. It takes 30 minutes to snip off small, wayward branches and prevents them from becoming monster problems.
- Pay an arborist for a check-up every 3-5 years. For about $150, they'll spot problems you'd never see and save you thousands in the long run.
- Deal with small problems right away. That little dead branch is easy to remove now. In two years, it might take out a window when it falls.
- Water your trees during a drought. A healthy, hydrated tree is much more resilient to wind storms and disease.
- Plant the right tree in the right place. Don't plant a future giant 10 feet from your house or under power lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
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