A Pine Tree Removal Cost Guide

Is it cheaper to hire tree removal services or to take down your own trees?

When it comes to removing a pine tree from your property, there are a few options available. 

You could contact a tree removal company to come in and lean on their skills in removing large trees, which often involves paying for professional services with pricing that can vary depending on the company and the complexity of the job. Alternatively, you could try and take it down yourself if you’re skilled and qualified to do so, which may have different pricing considerations but also comes with its own risks and potential costs.

But what are the costs associated with either plan, and how do you deal with stump removal or the risk of damaging power lines? It's important to get an accurate estimate from a professional to understand exactly what you'll be paying. Let’s go into the basics of pine tree removal and find out.

Why do I need to remove my pine tree?

There are many reasons why you would want to take down a pine tree on your property. Your pines could be:

• • Dead trees

  • Storm damaged trees

  • Severely damaged trees that are at risk of falling

  • Leaning trees

  • Healthy trees that are too close to a house or power line

  • Smaller trees that need to be removed for land clearing

  • Trees with overgrown branches or dead limbs

  • Trees of certain tree types or large tree size that require removal

Check to see whether you can prune any problematic branches to save the tree, but if the tree’s trunk is damaged or the tree falls or could potentially fall and cause damage to your property then you may want to take it down.

Can I save my pine tree?

Get the perspective of a tree professional like an arborist who can assess the tree's structure and see whether or not it can be saved.

Arborists know what trees are at risk and when to cut trees down to protect nearby buildings or the health of surrounding trees.

Factors affecting tree removal costs

The cost of removing pine trees or any other species depends on a variety of factors. Larger trees, like mature pines or oaks, typically require more specialized equipment and expertise, which increases the overall cost of tree removal. The type of tree also matters—hardwoods such as oak are generally more challenging and expensive to remove than softwoods like pine.

The tree’s location plays a big role as well; trees situated near power lines, buildings, or in hard-to-reach areas may need additional equipment and careful planning to avoid property damage. Other factors that can drive up the cost include trees with multiple trunks, overgrown branches, or complex structures that make the job riskier and more time-consuming. Each of these elements contributes to the final price you’ll pay for professional tree removal services.

Is it cheaper to hire a tree removal company or remove a tree myself?

The cost of tree removal from professional tree services varies and depends on your area but can range from $300 to $1,000 or more. Removing a large tree will require more money due to the increased risk, need for special equipment, and professional expertise.

These services have specialized equipment and can safely take down trees that are risky or could potentially cause damage if mishandled and investing in professional services can save you money in the long run by reducing risks and potential property damage.

However, if you feel you are qualified to safely take down a tree you can do so yourself for just the equipment costs, namely a chainsaw and fuel. It also means you’ll be able to repurpose the tree trunk and use it for free lumber if you own a portable sawmill like the Woodland Mills HM130MAX.

How much does it cost to remove fallen trees?

If you have a dead tree on your property that’s already fallen you can call a tree removal company to come in and remove it but even that can cost $300+ depending on your local rates. In addition to removing the fallen tree, you’ll often need to haul away the debris, including limbs and trunk sections, which can add to the overall cost. Stumps and roots left behind after tree removal can also present significant challenges, both visually and in terms of safety.

You may as well deal with it yourself. You can get a log arch like the Loglander 20 and attach it to your ATV or lift it with a grapple onto the back of your truck. If you need to remove the stump you can acquire a PTO stump grinder to help you.

You can dispose of the log at the local dump or keep it, especially if you have a sawmill and can reuse it for free lumber. Removing a healthy one, as opposed to a rotting stump, is much more difficult and time-consuming.

Preparing for Tree Removal

Before your scheduled tree removal, there are a few steps you can take to help the process go smoothly and reduce the risk of property damage. Start by clearing the area around the tree of any outdoor furniture, toys, or other obstacles that could get in the way.

Mark the location of any underground utilities, such as power lines or water pipes, to prevent accidental damage during the job. It’s also courteous to inform your neighbors about the upcoming tree removal, as the noise and activity may affect them.

Taking photos of the tree and surrounding area before the work begins can be helpful in case any issues arise with the tree removal company. By preparing your property in advance, you’ll help ensure a safe, efficient, and hassle-free tree removal experience.