If you live in Massachusetts and have a tree on your property that needs to be removed, you may be wondering how much it will cost.
In Massachusetts, the cost of tree removal services can vary widely depending on the size and type of tree, as well as the complexity of the job.
Keep reading to find out the cost of tree removal services in Massachusetts and all the various factors that can impact the cost.
Cost Of Tree Removal In Massachusetts
So what is the cost of tree removal in Massachusetts?
We provide a round-up of the average costs below. Just remember that these are estimated tree removal service costs and that the final price may be higher or lower depending on the situation.
It’s also worth noting that higher-tier professional arborists with state-of-the-art equipment will charge more than a “Chuck in a Truck” with no experience and sub-par tools.
Cost To Cut Down A Tree
The average tree removal cost in Massachusetts is approximately $1,000, with a price range for most jobs running between $400 and $1,700.
That being said, complex tree removal jobs in difficult-to-reach areas can easily cost as much as $7,000, while simple tree removal jobs in easy-to-access areas can cost as little as a few hundred.
For example, removing a large oak tree close to your home will likely cost more than removing a small fallen tree in an open field.
Average Tree Removal Costs Based On Tree Height
Another way to approach the average cost of a tree removal service in Massachusetts question is to break down costs by tree height:
- 20-foot tree removal costs: $300 to $700
- 40-foot tree removal costs: $550 to $1,000
- 60-foot tree removal costs: $800 to $1,500
- 80-foot tree removal costs: $1,100 to $2,900
Tree Trimming Costs
The average cost to trim a tree in Massachusetts is $900, with a price range between $200 and $3,000.
The price range for tree trimming can vary widely due to the same factors that can change the cost of tree removal.
One major factor is whether or not it is easy or difficult to access the tree that needs to be trimmed.
Some trees are located in areas where it is very difficult to set up the usual tree removal equipment.
Other times the drop zone around the tree can affect the cost.
For example, if a tree is leaning over a house, patio, or garage, the tree removal crew will need to take extra steps to protect those structures. Those additional precautions will add to the final cost of tree trimming as well.
Cost Factors For Tree Removal
Here are some of the major factors that can affect tree removal costs in Massachusetts:
Tree type: Tree removal cost varies based on the type of tree. Different types of trees present different challenges for their removal, and not just based on their overall size.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, the weaker the wood is for certain types of trees, the more it can cost to remove them.
This is because weaker wood is harder to work with if you are climbing it or using it as a rigging point to lower down cut branches.
So instead of being able to climb the tree, the tree removal team will have to bring in specialized equipment for that purpose.
Height: As noted above, tree height is a significant factor in determining tree removal costs in Massachusetts.
In general, the higher the tree, the higher the cost will be to remove it. Fallen tree removal is easier because there’s no climbing involved.
Job Complexity: Multiple factors can influence the complexity of a tree removal job.
Is it easy or difficult to access the tree with the tree removal equipment?
Is the tree near a sensitive drop zone?
Is the tree near an underground utility?
The answers to these questions will definitely impact how much a tree removal costs.
Equipment Required: Another critical factor in tree removal cost is the equipment required to remove the tree safely.
As noted above, some trees can’t be safely climbed, so a bucket truck or other specialized equipment will need to be brought in.
Here at Arbor Works, we take pride in the high-tech machinery we have invested in to make sure that we can safely and efficiently remove trees that other tree removal companies can’t.
Amount Of Debris: Tree removal costs are also determined by the amount of debris that is left behind.
Large trees may require multiple trips to remove all the debris, which can add to the total tree removal cost.
Very large logs may also require specific drop-off sites for their disposal.
Any logs or branches that won’t fit in a chipper will need to be hauled away by a debris truck rented or owned by the tree removal company.
Wire Proximity: If wires are close to (or even within) a tree, this will increase your tree removal prices.
If the tree is close to electrical wires, it may need to be handled by the local power company.
Tree Condition: The condition of the tree will also impact the cost of its removal.
Dead trees are more difficult to remove because they can’t be safely climbed or used as a rigging point to lower pieces.
Specialized equipment will need to be used instead, which adds to the final cost of the tree removal.
It’s good to know how to identify a dead tree so you know if you’ll be spending more or less to remove it.
Emergency Tree Removal: Another factor that can increase the cost of tree removal is whether it is an emergency tree removal.
Emergency tree removal services would include removing trees that present imminent danger to a structure or removing a fallen tree blocking access points to the home (like across a driveway).
The extra cost can be due to the complexity of the job or the need to prioritize the tree removal.
Stump Removal Costs
Before we dive into the details of tree stump removal costs, let’s take a moment to clarify the difference between stump uprooting and stump grinding since people often lump those two different services under the same general stump removal term.
- Stump uprooting involves the complete removal of the tree stump from the ground. This is a challenging and complex task that can take a full day of work. In Massachusetts, the cost for stump uprooting ranges between $700 to $800.
- Stump grinding is the more common type of stump removal service. It involves grinding the stump several inches below the surface of the ground in order to speed up the deterioration of the tree stump. The average cost of stump grinding is $150 for a service that leaves the sawdust on the ground. For a stump grinding service that grinds and also removes any remaining sawdust, the average cost is $250.
Average Tree Maintenance Costs
The average cost of tree maintenance work in Massachusetts is approximately $1,200. The price range for tree maintenance costs goes from $500 to $4,000 per property.
When it comes to tree pruning, trimming, and other maintenance tasks, multiple factors can impact the cost. Here are some of the most significant factors:
- Number of trees
- Tree heights
- Foliage amount
- Branch pattern
- Equipment needed
- Accessibility
Tree Tips & Tree Laws And Regulations
Tree tips:
- The best time to remove a tree is during the fall
- The worst time to prune a tree is during the fall
- The most common type of tree removed in Massachusetts is the oak tree
Tree laws and regulations:
Massachusetts has very strict laws regarding tree removal and more, and failure to comply with these laws could result in stiff penalties and even jail time.
- You can’t kill or injure a tree that isn’t yours, but you can cut branches hanging over your property
- You can’t plant trees near power lines. Power companies have the right to remove any tree that encumbers power lines
- You can’t remove, trim, or harm trees on public property
The State Tree Of Massachusetts
The official state tree of Massachusetts is the American Elm (Ulmus Americana). It was adopted as the state tree in 1941.
Unfortunately, like many elm trees in North America, the American Elm has been severely affected by Dutch Elm Disease.
Diseases Affecting Trees In Massachusetts
Besides Dutch Elm Disease, there are several other diseases affecting trees in Massachusetts.
While this list is far from comprehensive, here are some of the most common:
- Dogwood Anthracnose
- Beech Leaf Disease
- Apple Scab
- Tar Spot Disease
If you think any of your trees have been affected by a disease, you should contact a qualified arborist for help in identifying the issue and recommending solutions.
Arbor Works takes pride in its educated workforce, who not only know how to remove trees but can also diagnose tree diseases and provide solutions.
In fact, we guarantee that an ISA Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture) will always be on-site, no matter how big or small the tree removal service job.
Let Arbor Works Take Care Of Your Tree Removal Needs
It’s essential to be proactive about the health of your trees and take action when necessary. If you’re concerned about a tree on your property, give us a call today.
We’ll gladly provide a consultation and help you determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
If you need tree services, we’re here to help. Fill out our contact form today, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!