How to Negotiate Tree Removal: What to Know to Get the Best Deal

While trees provide undeniable benefits, certain situations call for removal. From fallen trees to decaying trunks, it’s smart to know how to negotiate tree removal costs.

Removing trees is a big job, and if it’s unexpected (like after a storm), it can be a cost you weren’t quite prepared to spend. Fortunately, you can learn how to negotiate tree removal to save yourself some money while still getting the job done by a safe, reliable crew.

How to Negotiate Tree Removal Costs

Trees offer shade, natural beauty, and oxygen to their environments, but a bad storm, neglect, disease, tree fungus, and pests can leave them with dangling branches or unsafe trunks. Trees near your home or power lines on your property can also pose a danger, and you may need to remove a tree to keep your household safe.

Since this is a dangerous job that requires skill and precision, you shouldn’t attempt to tackle the tree removal process yourself. Try these tips and tricks to help you save money instead.

Remove Multiple Trees at Once

When it comes to learning how to negotiate tree removal, the old saying, “The more, the merrier,” comes into play. You can often get a lower price if you remove multiple trees at once.

Maybe you’re clearing land to build a patio, or a pest has taken over the trees, bushes, and shrubs in your yard. A pro may be willing to reduce the price to take them all out in one (more affordable) visit.

DIY Cleanup and Stump Removal

Once the tree is down, you can save money by offering to clean up the debris yourself. Compare the cost of hauling it away on your own versus having the company do it for you. Renting tree-hauling equipment can be expensive, so you’ll want to do your research here.

Even if you don’t haul it away yourself, you can talk to the company about a discount for cleaning up remaining debris, like branches and leaves, yourself.

Hiring a local stump removal company costs about $100 to $150 for the first stump, plus $50 for each additional stump, and stump grinding costs about $170 to $500 per stump. If you have experience operating heavy machinery, you can remove the stump yourself to save money, but you’ll need to rent a grinder.

Another option is to leave the stump in your yard until you have a budget for grinding or removal. However, leftover stumps can be unsightly and will eventually rot, inviting pests to your yard, so this isn’t a great long-term solution.

Keep the Wood

When getting a quote, ask the pro how much it would save if they don’t haul the wood for you. You can request that they chop the tree into firewood logs instead, and then either keep it for yourself or contact local businesses, woodworkers, or neighbors via groups, social media, or word of mouth.

In some cases, people may be willing to haul away your wood for free, saving you the hassle, time, and money.

Negotiate for Tree Removal With Neighbors

Whether you have trees along the property lines or your neighbor’s tree has branches leaning over into your yard, you can talk with your neighbors about splitting the cost of removal.

Be polite and understanding with neighbors who may not be thrilled about the idea of cutting down trees. But in some cases, this negotiation can benefit both parties by removing hazardous trees and saving money.

Look for Free Tree Removal Options

There are many ways you could end up getting your tree removed for free. Utility companies may offer free removal for trees that threaten power or sewer lines. Local governments can help you with removal of trees on city property (like if roots are destroying the sidewalk in front of your home).

Your local or state government may also provide grants or other financial assistance for removal, especially if you live in wildfire-prone areas or locations with extreme weather.

Ask About Discounts 

Want a discount? Just ask! Just like your favorite department store offers sales and discounts, tree removal companies might offer deals as well. If you received a referral to the company, ask about offers that could save you and the neighbor who referred you some money.

Hire a Local Company Instead of a Chain 

With fewer executives up the chain of command, less office space, and generally less overhead costs, local companies may be able to offer lower rates than major chains. Plus, you can support your local economy by hiring a tree removal service in your area.

Just make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured before signing any contracts. Ask to see their contractor, city, and state licenses. Also, ask for their insurance company name and their agent, then contact the agent to verify insurance coverage before starting any work.

Tips for Successfully Negotiating Tree Removal 

Knowing how to negotiate tree removal can help you get a better deal on your project, but these tips will make this process go a lot smoother. From finding project bids to signing the contract, follow these tips for tree removal negotiations.

Do Your Research

It’s best to have everything you need ready when looking for company quotes. Research the types of trees and their estimated size, and also make sure to note their location on your property and how many you need removed before you start negotiations. Keep in mind that if they’re in difficult-to-access spots, it will cost more, even when negotiating.

Negotiate First, Not Last

Planning to clean up wood scraps or use them for firewood? Make that part of the conversation before signing the contract, rather than bringing it up after the tree has been cut down.

Negotiate first to get you and the tree removal company on the same page, and always get the agreed-upon price and discounts on paper to make the payment process straightforward.

Consider Tree Value

Dead, damaged, or dying trees can pose serious hazards to your family and property, but healthy ones can be an important part of your neighborhood. Consider their value before planning tree removal services.

Will you miss the shade the trees provide come summer? Is it an old-growth tree that is an essential part of its environment? Take these factors into consideration before scheduling removal.

Tree Removal Cost Factors 

From type and size to location and cleanup, these factors will impact the project cost. Here’s a look at what to expect when negotiating tree removal.

Size

Size is one of the most important factors in determining cost. You’ll spend about $8 per foot for smaller trees (30 feet tall or shorter) and over $15 per foot for trees over 30 feet tall. A wider diameter can also increase the cost of both tree and stump removal.

Type

The type can impact how easy or difficult it is to remove, which could increase the cost. For example, aspens are tall with deep, complex roots that are challenging to remove, making them more expensive than a small oak or ash.

Location

Taking out an old elm in a spacious, open backyard is easier and less expensive than removing an elm in a difficult location, like near a fence, against the house, or close to power lines.

Number of Trees

You’ll spend about $200 to $2,000 per tree for removal, but having multiple removed at once may earn you a better deal.

Emergency Services

Particularly after storms or other severe damage, you may need a tree gone—and quick. Expect to spend up to $5,000 per tree for emergency removal. The high price accounts for the even higher risk of injury for removal in these circumstances.

Cleanup

Companies charge about $70 to haul the tree away and about $95 to put it through a wood chipper. There may also be charges for debris cleanup to remove fallen twigs and branches in the yard after the work is done. 

If you’re considering how to negotiate tree removal costs to save money, handling cleanup yourself is one of the top ways to reduce the project total.

Average Cost of Tree Removal

Tree removal costs an average of $750, but it depends on how many you want to remove, size, and how easy or difficult it is to access and cut them down.

Here’s a look at what you might pay for removal by size:

In addition to the cost of removal, you may also want to factor in tips for tree removal services.

Tips aren’t expected or required, but it’s a nice gesture to tip if your pros do a good job or go above and beyond. If you tip, aim for about 15% to 20% of the project cost or about $5 to $15 per worker.

Best Time of Year for Tree Removal Services

If you’re planning removal in advance, consider booking the service in early winter for the best deals. This time of year tends to be less busy for tree removal companies since people are spending less time outdoors, meaning you can score off-season discounts.

Don’t wait for it to get too cold or snowy, though, which could make removal more difficult and more expensive.

Choosing a Tree Removal Company

Now that you know how to negotiate tree removal, you can work on getting a fair price. But getting the best deal sometimes relies heavily on the company you decide to work with. But don’t just sign off on the lowest bid.

Make sure your tree removal company is licensed, bonded, and insured, and check for additional qualifications, like accreditations from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

You'll also want to check reviews and references to find a reputable tree removal company near you. Get quotes from at least three trusted companies to help you find the best bang for your buck.