Quick Answer
Okay, here's the quick version. Forgetting about your trees is like ignoring a small leak in your roof. It's fine for a little while, then suddenly it's a catastrophe. You end up with branches crashing down, pests moving in, and trees that are just plain dangerous. Look, basic pruning might cost you a few hundred bucks every few years with a pro. Let it go, and you're easily staring at a $2,000 removal job, not to mention the cost of fixing whatever that tree falls on. It's a no-brainer. Pay a little now or pay a whole lot later.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Stand way back across the street and look at the tree's overall shape and balance.
Step 2
Walk a slow circle around the base, looking for heaved ground or fungus on the root flare.
Step 3
Get up close and inspect the trunk for deep cracks, hollows, or peeling bark. Give it a tap to listen for hollow sounds.
Step 4
Use binoculars to scan every major limb for deadwood, cracks, or other signs of damage.
Step 5
Look for fine sawdust, sap trails, or neat rows of holes that indicate an insect infestation.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Pruning small branches (from the ground) | $20-$100 | $250-$500 | 1-3 hours |
Removing a medium-sized dead branch (at height) | Don't do it. | $300-$800 | 2-4 hours |
Full tree pruning (mature oak, maple, etc.) | Don't do it. | $500-$1,800+ | 4-8 hours (half day) |
Small tree removal (under 25 feet) | $150-$300 | $400-$900 | 3-6 hours |
Large, complex tree removal | DON'T DO IT | $1,500-$5,000+ | 1-2 days |
Grinding the stump | $150 (rental) | $200-$400 (add-on) | 2-4 hours |
When to Call a Professional Tree Service
- Anytime you see branches that are touching or even close to power lines.
- When there are large, dead, or broken branches that you can't easily reach from the ground.
- If the tree is leaning noticeably or if you see the ground heaving up around its base.
- Anytime a tree needs to be totally removed. This is not a DIY job.
- If you suspect a bad pest problem or disease that needs a real diagnosis and treatment.
- Any task that would require you to use a chainsaw on a ladder. Just don't.
Prevention Tips
- Do a walk-around inspection of your trees once in the spring and once in the fall. Just look up.
- Budget for a professional pruning every 3-5 years for your large trees. It's a standard home maintenance cost.
- Give your trees a good, long soak with a hose during long dry spells in the summer.
- Apply a 2-3 inch 'donut' of mulch around the base, but don't pile it up against the trunk.
- Be careful with lawn mowers and string trimmers to avoid wounding the bark at the base of the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
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