Why You Should Care About Negotiating Tree Removal Costs
Let’s get real for a minute – most of us don’t exactly have “tree removal” as a line item in the monthly budget. So when faced with needing to take down a diseased elm or the aftermath of a nasty storm damaging your favorite oak, those tree removal quotes can really take you by surprise.
Getting slapped with a $2000 bill to haul away a fallen tree in your backyard sounds absurd. But actually, that’s right around the average cost for professional tree removal, which typically ranges from $200 to $2000 per tree based on size and difficulty to access.
And if you’re dealing with multiple trees that need to go ASAP, things add up fast. That’s why negotiating tree removal costs is so important – it could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Through tips like bundling services, not opting for stump grinding, and even bartering with the company, you can often shave 10-20% off the initial quote.
So don’t just accept that astronomical quote as the final price. With the right approach and information, you can handle the tricky task of negotiating tree removal. Consider this your guide to saving major money on your next unexpected tree removal project.
Step 1: Do Your Homework On The Tree Removal Project
If you want leverage when negotiating later on, you need to understand the scope of your specific tree removal project first. That means doing a bit of homework before picking up the phone.
Determine Size, Type and Location On Your Property
Take notes on details like:
- Height of tree
- Diameter of trunk
- Whether branches overhang roof, powerlines, etc.
- Accessibility (open area vs. tight space)
- Type of tree species
Why does this matter for the price? Because extraction difficulty plays a huge role. Removing a 30 foot oak with ample clearance will likely cost around $400. But if that same oak cracked your roof and has tangled branches hovering over power lines, expect closer to $1500 or more due to risk and complexity.
Understand Risks If Applicable
Speaking of risk, make sure you evaluate and document potential dangers associated with the tree if applicable.
For example, is it leaning ominously toward your or the neighbor’s house? Do power lines run through the area? Are buildings or cars below limbs that could break off?
Communicating these hazards will help the company take proper safety precautions, while also potentially justifying a higher quote that you may be able to negotiate down.
Research AveragePrices In Your Area
While averages give you a ballpark, removal costs can fluctuate drastically even within the same city. Checking recent quotes for similarly sized trees in your neighborhood or zipcode will give you better context on fair market pricing.
Lookup Free & Discounted Options
Before agreeing to any tree removal quote, exhaust all options for free or discounted services first:
- Many utility companies provide free removal if trees threaten power lines
- City/county governments occasionally offer assistance cutting down trees on public property
- Non-profit organizations in some areas provide free or discounted services for the elderly or low income residents
Set A Budget Range
Having target numbers in mind for best/worst case scenarios will make negotiations smoother.
Be prepared to pay on the higher end for that enormous oak cracked through the roof. But for smaller or low-risk trees, don’t accept quotes exceeding your max budget without first trying these negotiation tactics.
Step 2: Get Quotes From Multiple Tree Removal Companies
OK, time to start collecting those tree removal quotes!
Aim high and contact at least 4-5 companies before deciding. Here’s why:
Pricing Varies Drastically Between Companies
The exact same job could ring up at $700 with one outfit and $2500 with another. And higher price does not guarantee better service! Getting multiple bids levels the playing field so you don’t overpay.
Ask Lots Of Questions
As you chat with reps from various tree companies, pick their brains about the specifics of the job:
- What equipment do you use? Do you own/operate your own crane or large machinery?
- How do you handle tricky removals near buildings or power lines?
- How long have you been removing [type of tree]?
- What percentage of jobs require follow-up repair/cleanup?
Their responses will help you gauge competence, safety practices, and professionalism.
Compare Service Offerings
Beyond the bottom line price, compare what’s included with each bid.
- Does wood debris cleanup come standard or cost extra?
- Do they offer stump grinding? Site restoration?
- Is tree climbing or technical rigging expertise needed?
Make sure you compare apples to apples. That discounted quote might skyrocket with add-ons a pricier company includes by default.
Book In The Off Season For Lower Quotes
Most tree removal takes place during warmer months when demand spikes. For cheaper pricing across the board, aim to book services between November and February when companies eager for work will offer better rates. Just don’t wait until snow or ice pose dangerous removal conditions.
Step 3: Negotiate The Price
Once you’ve vetted a few companies and have quotes in hand, try these proven tactics to chip away at the initial pricing.
Ask Straight Up For A 10-20% Discount
Before signing anything, ask plainly: “Are there any discounts you offer, such as 10% off for first-time customers or projects over $2000?” The worst they can say is sorry, no can do.
But often eager sales reps have leeway to take a small cut if it means locking down business. Maybe start higher at 20% and negotiate downwards from there.
Offer To Take Over Debris Cleanup
Removal quotes often sneakily exclude hauling away those massive piles of logs and branches left behind. That’s an added perk companies leverage to crank up project profit.
Tell them: “We’re happy to handle debris cleanup ourselves if it would bring costs down.” Doing heavy lifting to clear the site yourself means less billable hours and no dump fees for them.
Decline Stump Grinding
Extracting the remaining tree stump after felling often tacks on $100 or more per stump to removal pricing. But if you don’t mind an ugly leftover stump until you save up to remove it down the road, tell them no thanks on grinding it out for now.
See If Paying Upfront Saves Cash
Some companies extend a cash discount or instant 5-10% off if you pay for the full tree removal on contract signing instead of post-service. This incentivizes them to prioritize your project ASAP.
If you can swing it, offer to pay 50-100% ahead rather than the standard down payment. Just make sure the company is reputable before forking over fat stacks of cash.
Barter The Wood For Free Removal
If you have little use for the logs and debris left behind, you possess bargaining power. Offer to let the company keep all wood removed at no charge if they’ll discount services 10-30% in return. Lots of artisans use reclaimed branches and trunks for custom furniture or sculptures.
For you, that’s just a nuisance taking up space. But for them, it’s free raw goods.
Step 4: Confirm Logistics Before The Work Begins
Before any chainsaws rev up in your yard, lock down agreements and protocols in writing.
Verify Licenses, Insurance and Credentials
protect yourself by making sure:
- The company holds active local business licenses for tree removal
- They carry general liability insurance with at least $2 million coverage
- Employees hold credentials like ISA Certified Arborist
Reputable outfits will happily provide documentation. It protects you both.
Schedule Date & Re-Confirm Pricing
Get scheduled ASAP if price locks were contingent on a specific timeframe. Then call/email to re-confirm details a few days beforehand:
- Previously agreed pricing
- Exact scope of work
- Start/end times
- Payment expectations
Book Multiple Trees For Bundled Pricing
If you ended up with a few trees that need removing after a storm or due to disease, ask if they offer any bundling packages. Most companies extend 10-15% off if removing 3+ trees in one go since it’s more efficient.
Finalize In A Written Contract
Get every last detail in a written contract with no vagueness, including:
- Precise removal scope details
- Itemized cost breakdowns
- Payment terms & timeline
- Site cleanup responsibilities
- Insurance liability & damage policies
Verbal agreements invite headaches. Avoid “he said, she said” conflicts later by spelling it out on paper.
Step 5: Day Of Service – Monitor Progress & Final Walkthrough
Stay close by as work proceeds to oversee smooth operations.
Evaluate Setup & Safety Protocols
Before revving up chainsaws, the crew should:
- Block off the workspace safely
- Use rigging equipment for trees near buildings
- Establish clear communication protocols
If anything seems off or dangerous, speak up immediately before work progresses!
Supervise Work & Handle Concerns
Stick around to:
- Ensure the removal aligns with quoted scope
- Point out property boundaries or off-limit areas
- Raise any issues promptly as they occur
Don’t be afraid to halt work if you notice consistently sloppy practices, major delays, or dangerous situations arising.
Final Walkthrough & Receipts
Do an end-of-day walkthrough of the site with the crew boss before equipment packs up for:
- Final debris sweep & cleanup check
- Damage verification (document with photos if any)
- Receipts for your records & warranty info
Thank them for excellent work if all looks dandy! Or discuss recourse if repairs become necessary later.
Key Takeaways: Top Tree Removal Negotiation Tips
Getting slammed with a shocking 5-figure quote for removing damaged trees can induce instant rage blackouts. But rather than belligerently accusing them of price gouging, try these bargaining tactics first:
- Contact 4+ removal companies for comparison quotes
- Book off-season between November-February for lower rates
- Request 10-20% discount on total quote
- Ask to take over debris cleanup yourself
- Decline stump grinding to save $100+ per stump
- Barter the removed wood for free haul away credit
- Pay 50-100% upfront for potential 5-10% discount
- Bundle 3+ tree removals to secure 15% or more off
And remember – the more details they have to work with on required effort and risks associated with the removals, the easier it is to justify discounted pricing!
Can Negotiating Tree Removal Costs Help Increase the Value of My House for a Quick Sale?
Negotiating tree removal costs can certainly help increase the value of your house for a quick sale. Potential buyers may be put off by the cost and hassle of removing trees themselves, so taking care of it can make your property more appealing and help you sell your house fast.
Additional Resources On DIY Removal & Safety
If negotiated quotes still exceed your tree removal budget even after employing these savings strategies, a few options remain. But proceed with extreme caution if attempting tree removal yourself without professional expertise!
Learn techniques and safety tips for DIY tree felling →
Research grants helping homeowners offset tree removal costs →
The Final Takeaway
Removing damaged, dying and unwanted trees quickly yet cost-effectively takes insider techniques. But now that you know how to negotiate tree removal costs like a pro, you can protect your property without getting fleeced.
Follow these step-by-step guides for smooth savings:
- Thoroughly assess details like height, risks and backyard obstacles
- Get 4+ itemized quotes for comparison
- Book during less busy winter off-season
- Leverage bargaining tactics to lower quotes
- Confirm logistics and pricing in written contract
- Monitor work actively to handle issues promptly
With the right information and tenacious negotiation approaches, you CAN slash that absurd $5k bill down to size. Now get out there, embrace your inner honey badger and start fiercely negotiating those tree removal costs down!