Labor
-
Labor costs are the biggest expense of the contractor. These costs may vary due to the level of mechanization available at each job site. Some tree removals require additional labor when machinery cannot access the work site.
Type Of Tree - Different tree species require a different approach when it comes to safe tree removal.
Some trees are protected by the city and state, which means more red tape and authorization costs to get permission to remove them.
Permitting
- A
permit may be required when removing many trees over 6" DSH in Seattle and other Washington communities. Most, though not all, permits will require additional fees paid to the city.
Location And Accessibility - If the tree is not accessible by a bucket truck and must be climbed to remove, or the location requires additional equipment and precautions to remove safely, that means more labor which increases the cost. Complexity and inaccessibility can increase the cost of tree removal by
25% to 50%.
PRO TIP:
Trees that are within 10' of the power lines need to be addressed by the utility company. The utility provider can prune the tree branches away from the wires to allow for an arborist to safely proceed with work.
Tree Health - The health and condition of the tree can affect how it is removed. If it is
diseased,
infested with pests, or rotting, removal can be hazardous. More time and care are required, which increases the cost.
Whether you need stump grinding or stump removal, including the root ball
-
Stump grinding is when a grinding machine grinds the stump and above ground root zone to a minimum of 6 inches below the surface to prevent regrowth and level the ground for landscaping or construction. Stump removal requires excavation of the stump and root ball. The area is then filled and graded so you can replant or build without obstruction. Typically, stump grinding costs less than stump removal. Your tree service can help you determine whether you need to completely remove the stump or just grind it down. Stump grinding and stump removal also increase the cost to remove your tree.
Emergency
- Urgent or
emergency tree removal services often cost more. However, if the damaged or dead tree could cause severe damage or injury if it falls on its own, call to have it professionally removed immediately.
Number of Trees
- The more trees you have removed, the higher the cost.
Additional Services
- Wood chipping, splitting logs for firewood, and hauling away of limbs are
additional services
that increase the cost of tree removal. If you want the
stump grinding and stump removal, that costs extra as well. Alternatively, we encourage customers to keep the stump and create a safe, inviting natural habitat to reduce the negative impact on local wildlife tree removal causes. Habitat creation also costs extra, but the home it provides and the hours of wildlife watching are well worth it.
The most significant factors when determining the cost of tree removal in Seattle are the location and size of the of the tree, and the amount of material that we haul away.
Conclusion
With so many variables to consider when determining tree removal cost,
it is difficult for a tree removal company to provide you with an accurate estimate without knowing the details of your particular tree removal needs. That is why we do not provide prices in this article.
A ballpark tree removal estimate does you and us a disservice that either establishes unrealistic expectations or leaves you with more questions than answers.
If you have a tree or trees on your Seattle, WA property that you need or want removed, contact Sound Tree Care to get a
free quote. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
