Local Tree Service Companies FAQs
Choosing Local Tree Service Companies
If you require tree services on the North Shore, you may be considering your options in local tree service companies. Here are some frequently asked questions about tree service to help you anticipate what to expect and find a great professional to meet your needs.
- How much does it cost to cut down a tree?
The cost to cut down trees varies dramatically depending on the type of tree, the size, and the location. As a rule of thumb, it will generally cost between a hundred and $500 for a tree that's less than 25 ft tall. Costs range from $200 to $1,000 for trees that are over 25 ft but below 75 ft. If trees stretch over buildings, are tangled up with other vegetation, or otherwise are more challenging to access, the cost may be higher. But, asking the company directly will give you a good idea of how much it will be - they will most likely want to come out to take a look then give you an estimate.
2. Is tree removal covered by homeowners’ insurance?
In general, you cannot expect your homeowner's insurance to pay for removing a tree that has not fallen. It is your responsibility to maintain your home and garden, which means pruning trees and removing diseased trees.
If a tree falls in your yard and doesn't damage any structures, you will also be responsible for removing it. However, if the tree falls on a garage, home, fence, or otherwise causes damage, home insurance may cover the removal of the tree. Home insurance may also pay to remove a tree that blocks a driveway or wheelchair ramp. Most home insurance policies cover up to $1,000 of tree removal in a sitting.
3. When should trees be trimmed?
Light trimming can be done at any time of year based on your needs and preferences. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed regularly to keep a deliberate shape.
Some trees and shrubs may be trimmed every month, while others may be trimmed only a couple of times a year. How often depends on how much you want to control the shape of the plant.
Heavier pruning, on the other hand, should only be done when the tree is not actively growing. Late summer, fall, or winter are all good options, depending on the tree.
4. Does it matter if my tree professional is certified?
Tree trimming can be very dangerous, both for the workers involved and for your property. You want to have a true professional that is licensed and certified as well as very experienced. A certified professional will be much less likely to make a mistake that can be damaging for the tree or your home. The necessary liability insurance protects you in case something happens to the trimmer on your property.
5. Is it important to choose local tree service companies?
During certain times of the year, tree trimmers may travel long distances to service trees in areas around them. Sometimes, you can get a good deal by choosing a traveling tree trimmer. Still, it is better to choose local companies.
Local tree trimmers understand the needs of trees in your particular area. Furthermore, you'll be able to call on this trimmer for other needs surrounding your tree, such as if a branch breaks or you notice trouble with insects. An arborist that you can trust makes maintaining your trees much easier.
6. How do you know when it is time to cut down a tree?
It can be hard to determine whether a tree needs to be cut down. An arborist has the knowledge to understand when a tree needs to go, when it is okay to wait, and when the tree can be saved with pruning.
Cutting down a beautiful tree before it's necessary is a real shame. If that tree has historic value or is a vulnerable species, it may even be illegal to cut it down. Here are some signs that you should call the arborist to determine whether it's time to cut down your tree.
- Mushrooms regularly growing on the base of the trunk, not just around the tree.
- Cracks in the trunk or chipped and peeling bark.
- Cavities in important branches or the trunk of the tree.
- Branches that are dead or hanging throughout the crown of the tree.
- Small twigs at the end of branches that don't have living buds
7. Can I cut down my own tree?
If you have a chainsaw and a knack for home improvement, you may wonder whether tree service companies need to be involved or if you can handle the tree yourself. As a rule, the challenge in cutting down trees isn't getting the chainsaw to go through the trunk.
Rather, the hard part is determining how the tree will fall. Arborists generally cut from the top down using a cherry picker or by climbing the tree. It should come as no surprise that climbing a tree with a chainsaw can be very dangerous.
Unless 1) your tree is small enough for you to cut at the base and have room for it to fall without it hitting anything, and 2) you know how to make the tree fall where you want to go, it is best to find local tree service companies to take care of your tree.
8. Should I have the stump removed?
If your tree has fallen by itself or if you had it cut down, you may be left with a rather unsightly stump. For many trees, having the stump ground or removed can be as expensive or even more expensive than having the tree cut down in the first place. A stump doesn't pose the safety hazard of a tree which may fall on people or property, but there are still some good reasons to remove the stump.
- Aesthetics. A big stump in the middle of your yard isn't very attractive, and it will take a long time to break down on its own.
- Avoid attracting insects. As a trunk breaks down, it can attract all kinds of insects like termites and beetles, which may also target healthy trees or even your home.
- Regrowth. If you do not remove or treat a stump, there's a possibility that the tree will try to regrow from the stump. Some trees are quite persistent, requiring you to cut down the new branches every few months or so.
9. Can I use my newly cut tree for firewood?
Generally, tree service companies will haul away the wood that they cut down. However, if you would rather keep the wood for firewood or some other use, talk to the company about your needs.
Some companies have additional pricing to cut, split, and stack trees for firewood. You may also choose to have trees left in your yard so that you can break them down yourself.
Here on the North Shore, winters can be cold and wet, so a steady supply of firewood from the trees you have cut down in the fall can be very convenient. Keep in mind that not all trees are good for firewood. Wood with lots of oil, like camphor, may not be suitable to burn. Furthermore, your wood will need a fair amount of time to dry out before it is ready to be firewood.
10. Can local tree service companies clear my lot or yard?
The expertise and tools employed by professionals aren’t just great for taking care of large trees. These companies can clear land, remove brush and thickets, and get rid of trees of all sizes to open up your space for whatever goals you have.
Overgrown lots or yards attract vermin and can become unmanageable very quickly. On the other hand, beautifully landscaped property elevates your home. Have local tree service companies clear the lot before it gets any worse.
11. What can be done for a tree that is leaning over if you don't want to cut it down?
Many people are surprised to learn that cutting a tree down or heavy pruning aren't the only options for controlling its growth and protecting property from damage. Cabling is another great option.
Tree service companies with the right expertise and equipment can attach heavy-duty cables to a branch or even the trunk of a tree and anchor it in such a way that the direction of growth can be directed. Cabling is also useful if you are worried that a branch of tree might fall, since it can keep a branch from falling even if it should break.
12. What should I look for in local tree service companies?
The company that you choose should be certified as a tree care safety professional and registered with the professional trade association of tree care companies. Look for ISA certified arborists on staff, since they are highly trained in the science of taking care of your trees.
Choose a company that has been serving your area for some time so that you can feel assured that they have the experience necessary to do great work for your trees.
Choose Kinnucan as Your Top Pick for a Local Service Company
If you are on the North Shore, you can trust Kinnucan to give your trees the best possible care. We are certified with the organizations that matter throughout the tree service industry. Since 1970, Kinnucan has been providing excellent service to clientele throughout the North Shore.