If you are trying to decide if a tree removal service is worth the cost, it is a good idea to get some sort of estimate up front. If you don't do this ahead of time, you may find that when the tree removal crew comes to take the stump away, they find that it is more than they can remove and you may have to pay to have it moved again. When you give an estimate in writing, you will be able to see exactly what is being charged for the work that needs to be done and compare it to other bids. Of course, not all estimates are created equal. Some estimates will be close to the final price, while others may be far higher.
The first question to ask yourself is: how much does it cost to cut down a tree? In order to estimate tree removal service cost, you need to know the height of the tree, the length of the stump and the diameter of the stump. If you don't know these numbers, you will have to do some guesswork on your own. The best way to estimate the amount of time it takes to remove a tree is to get a few estimates and average them out. If you get three estimates from different people and average them, then you have an idea of how long it actually takes to remove a tree and eliminate the stump.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that the average tree is about 12 feet in circumference and the average stump about two feet in diameter. Since most trees are fairly old, you can typically eliminate the need for a stump removal with a simple tree trimming. This will also usually involve cutting the exposed branches so that the tree is closer to the ground and therefore easier to move. A trimmer will be needed to do this, so make sure you have a sharp tool that you use on trunks only.
If you have power lines that run through the area, you have a slightly different tree to remove. If the power lines are close to the tree, you can simply blow them away or hire someone to dig up and remove them. Getting rid of trees in these areas is usually a little more complicated. For instance, many states have what are called "dry rot" laws where trees can only be cut down after they have produced large amounts of core rot which will kill the tree. If you have a large tree that is producing core rot, you may not be able to get rid of it without removing the stump.
Once you know how much work it will take to remove the tree, you should do a little homework to find out how much it will cost to remove it. There are many free tree removal service near my house that I can go and view the trees in the area. All I have to do is bring the video camera. I will show details of the stumps, the size and how I cut them down to show the cost effectiveness of the service.
The best part about using a DIY kit is that there is almost no damage or waste to dispose of so it is safe for the environment. All I have to do is take a little time and follow the instructions. If you want to know how much it will cost to remove a tree with a DIY method, try searching online for a DIY tree removal service near your home.