Those trees in your yard have got to go, but you’re less than confident in your skills with a chainsaw. You’ve decided to hire a tree removal service, but how can you do that without breaking the bank? Below, learn our top tips for keeping more hard-earned money in your pocket during tree removal.
Key Takeaways
- Tree removal companies have the expertise to take down trees safely and quickly, but the cost can be a barrier to some.
- Homeowners can save money by requesting quotes from multiple tree removal companies and having the work done at the right time of year.
- For more savings, homeowners can offer to dispose of tree removal debris themselves.
The Best Ways To Save on Tree Removal
There are many ways to save serious cash on tree removal, from hiring a local company to disposing of tree debris yourself. Here’s how to save big when hiring a Louisiana tree removal service.
Shop Around for a Great Deal
One big mistake that many homeowners make is hiring the first tree removal service they find on Google. Pricing for tree removal varies widely among different companies, so it’s smart to request estimates from a few different ones before choosing a service.
Most tree services will provide free estimates, so you have nothing to lose by asking for a quote. Plus, with multiple quotes in hand, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate for a reasonable rate.
Look for companies that offer discounts, too. For example, some will give you a discount if you remove several trees at once.
If you need tree removal for a large land-clearing project, choose a company that offers financing. This will allow you to pay for tree removal over time instead of all at once.
Stick With a Local Company and Say No to Chains
Some homeowners find it comforting to stick with a large national chain for tree removal. Chains have slick websites and lots of customer reviews, so they’re a safe bet, right? Not necessarily.
Often, chains charge a premium for tree removal because they’re so in demand. On top of that, they may not have the expertise to handle complex or unusual tree-felling jobs.
Locally owned companies, such as Jack’s Tree Service, typically offer lower prices for tree removal because they have fewer overhead costs and don’t spend as much on advertising. And unlike most chains, they treat your property as if it were their own.
Negotiating Can Score You a Serious Bargain
When a tree removal company provides you with an estimate, think of it as a starting point for negotiations, not a set-in-stone price. Good companies providing tree services won’t mind negotiating with you; after all, they want your business.
You’ll have more negotiating power in the fall or winter as opposed to the warmer months. Services like limbing, root extraction, and hazard mitigation aren’t as in-demand during the cooler seasons as they are when it’s warm outside. By scheduling your tree removal in the off-season, you could save as much as 10% to 15% on your bill.
If you need to remove trees that are straddling the property line, you could also try negotiating with your neighbor. They may be willing to split the cost of tree removal with you.
Handle Stump Grinding Yourself
It may surprise you to know that many tree services don’t include stump grinding in the cost of tree removal. You’ll probably have to pay extra for that, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per stump.
You could save big bucks by leaving the stump as-is, but that’s not the best choice. Tree stumps are unsightly and can attract all manner of pests and diseases to your yard. Plus, they take up a lot of space.
If you’re willing to put in the elbow grease, it’s fairly easy to deal with the stump yourself. You can opt to remove the stump or grind it down. Many hardware stores and tree companies have stump grinders available to rent.
Get Creative With the Wood
Tree services factor the haul away of debris, such as branches and trunks, into tree removal. By offering to deal with this debris yourself, you can save quite a bit of money.
The most obvious use of tree debris is to turn it into firewood. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can sell the firewood for extra cash.
Are you a creative type? Break the debris down into smaller pieces and set it aside for woodworking projects.
Looking for Affordable Tree Removal? Call Jack’s Tree Service
If you’re hunting for the best rates for tree removal, look no further than Jack’s Tree Service. We offer fair prices, free estimates, and a team of experienced arborists. To request a quote, call us at (985) 515-8939.
