Tree care and maintenance
Sometimes it seems like there’s no time to put off tree work, yet somehow the tree services seem so pricey. Maybe there’s a hanging limb, or a tree leaning toward the house, or a branch brushing against the roof. You need to get it done, but not everything has to be a tree removal. You need to get an idea of what tree work is actually necessary.
Start with what actually needs attention
Identify the reason for your visit. Is the branch dead? Does it rub the structure? Is it blocking access? Is it dropping debris? Is it diseased? The more you can tell the tree service representative what you’re seeing, the better. You might even take a few pictures to show them over the phone. They’ll probably want to come out anyway for a more accurate quote, as they need to see the trunk, branches, access, structures, and power lines, etc., up close.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you with your quotes:
- Broken/dead limbs to remove
- Branches hitting/over the roof
- Branches blocking the driveway, sidewalk, or view
- Logs/stumps/brush to haul off
- Areas that the equipment cannot easily access
Often, pruning is cheaper than removing an entire tree. A tree that needs to be taken down is costly because they often have to climb it and cut sections down carefully, cut up the rest of the tree, clean up, and haul it away. If the tree is not too damaged, there are pruning options (https://britannica.com/science is surprisingly readable on this) that might be cheaper.
A crown cleaning might be enough. This means they clean up the dead/damaged/crossing branches, leaving only the good parts. Clearance pruning means clearing out space for roofs/fences/access. Sometimes they can thin the tree a bit, too, if they’re careful not to take too much away all at once.
But again, don’t allow a company to prune your tree poorly. If they’re telling you to top the tree just because it saves them money, skip that company. Topping the tree does more harm than good, and they’ll probably charge you later to do the cleanup when the tree dies from being topped. The cheapest option won’t necessarily save you the most money.
Make sure the quotes cover the same work
Ask what is included in the price. Two companies might give you different quotes but have vastly different pricing structures. One company might quote $1,000, while another charges $2,000-but the lower price may not include debris removal. One company might leave the logs on the ground, while another will haul them away, rake up the debris, or even grind the stump. When comparing tree services in Albuquerque, get every detail in writing so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Are you sure about:
- Debris removal?
- Log removal?
- Stump grinding?
- Lawn/hardscape/plant protection?
- Hidden issues?
Think twice before paying for stump grinding
Does the company include stump grinding? In most cases, a stump left behind is a non-issue, especially if it’s in a section of the yard you aren’t using. No one will trip on it. You can mow over it without difficulty. It won’t bother any construction or planting. If the area has no plans for anything, and the tree isn’t in the way, you don’t have to pay for it. However, if you’re planning on planting something in the spot or having work done in the area, then yes, stump grinding is worth it.
Safety and access can change the estimate
Tree work near power lines
Is the company pricing safely? It’s important not to cut corners when it comes to safety. Tree removal near power lines is especially tricky. If your tree is within 10 feet of a power line, the tree service will have to contact the power company. It’s often difficult to do any work near a live power line. Depending on where the tree is and what type of line it’s under, they might not even be allowed to work on it, which will impact your estimate.
What kind of access do they have? Trees in open yards are easy to work on. But trees over garages, next to fences, over swimming pools, or in the side yard between houses might require some climbers or ropes to pull the limbs down. This won’t necessarily mean they’re overcharging you, but it will likely mean they’ll charge you more because it takes longer to take a tree down safely.
Put urgent problems first
Prioritize your tree problems. What’s the worst? Do they have dead branches? Cracked trunks? Damaged roots? Storm damage? Branches over occupied areas? Make those your first priority and worry about cosmetic shape later if needed. Get some regular maintenance and small prunings done now and you might not have to call an emergency crew later.
When you’re ready to approve the work, be smart. It’s usually possible to keep the costs down by focusing on what needs to be done and not what sounds cool. Don’t pay for things that aren’t causing a problem. Just walk around and make a list of the trees, branches, stumps, and areas you want them to clean up before you call for the final quote.