Tree services

[oceanchild]

Our 60-year-old house has some beautiful large trees in the yard, but they haven't been all that well maintained over the years. We got some estimates for trimming and pest control, and we are a little stunned by the prices.

$350 to trim the biggest tree
$125 for the slightly smaller one
$175 to remove a tree they say is an invasive species
$250 for pest control (needed because these trees are currently dripping stickiness all over my car - apparently bugs are the cause)

These were the lower of two companies who gave estimates. Have any of you done this before? Do these prices seem reasonable?

[diggitydot]

My grandfather is a retired logger. Definitely check references, bonding, insurance (theirs and yours), and BBB ratings. Sometimes cheap is good. Sometimes it can be very, very bad.

Also, maybe contact a local arborist and see what they say. I'd defer to the arborist's advice.

[corn poffi]

I second the suggestion to consult an arborist. They know what is best for the health of the tree, and (not to sound like a total hippie) they genuinely care about the well-being of the tree and the surrounding environment.

[diggitydot]

Consider loggers your typical surgeon -- they like to slice-n-dice. Arborists are more like oncologists -- trying to save what's healthy while getting rid of the diseased.

[Deebs]

We removed trees last year. We had several estimates that were around $300 to have them removed and stumped (these are 20 year old trees). Make sure you know what you're getting (if you want it stumped, make sure that's included - it's expensive and will cost more to have it done separately). The removal may be less expensive because it's an invasive species and some states have kick-backs for removal of them. An arborist can also help you with future planning, and I would definitely recommend having one out.

[Meenah]

That sounds really cheap to me. Check references, etc. We have had alot of tree work done, last year we had a large Norwood Maple removed (sadly it died)for $1800. I had two dead pines taken down two weeks ago for $825, and a large Oak pruned and cabled for $750.

[alison]

That sounds very cheap. We had overgrown laurel trimmed by about 10 feet, and the lowest estimate was $400. The highest was $1200, and the guys we went with were $650.

[alison]

PS I believe the healthiest way to do this is in the dormant seasons (fall and winter), because trees can go into shock.

[peggyfromwastate]

Alison you did take care of that Laurel?

We've had tree work done too. The guys we liked the best charged $400 to remove a tree which was a steal-- they also topped one for $150. They were just looking for work. Dh and I don't see how they could have turned a profit because they had a crew of 4 guys working all day, and they ground down the stump, cleaned up after themselves, etc.. They were bonded and insured.

We had a large pine removed from our front yard a few years before this other job (which was in the back). The large pine (sappy, diseased) cost $850 to remove!!! But that was back when $$ was free flowing and the guys definitely charged more.

[oceanchild]

It's a tree company. They get good reviews. How do I know if that qualifies as arborist or logger?

Interesting that it seems cheap to folks. Shows what I know!

[diggitydot]

I'd ask them if they have an arborist in their company. They might, but I doubt it because their prices don't reflect the pricing I'd expect from a company that has to cover an arborists salary. It seems inexpensive to me because most of the removals I'm familiar with were difficult and needed to be carefully done to avoid hitting buildings which adds significantly to the pricing.

[houseelf]

Wow...this seems cheap? Umm, I'd prefer to live in ignorance until the time comes.

Sometimes home ownership isn't all its cracked up to be.

[v-girl]

Sounds high to me, but I pay my tree guy in brownies and cash. He's like a brother to me though.

[diggitydot]

If it's just some Joe Blow with a chainsaw and a pick-up, then yes -- the quote is over-priced. If it's a professional service who has an arborist at their disposal, their quote is a steal.

[oceanchild]

We have confirmed that we are dealing with certified arborists. And we're going through with the tree services.

We've been holding on to some money from the ILs - an anniversary gift to be used for something wood (wood being the traditional 5th anniversary gift )... decided trees are sufficiently wood-related.