How Much Does a Tree Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $150 - $550
Tree inspection cost average around $450 but can increase based on the type of report and total number of trees.
If you’re beginning to worry about the larger trees in your yard, especially as the cold and windy weather approaches, it may be time to book a tree inspection. The average cost of a tree inspection is $450, but it can range from $150 to $550 depending on the type of inspection and the condition of your tree.
Tree inspections are important for monitoring the safety and health of the trees around your home, and they can give you details on what needs to be trimmed or removed to prevent damage during severe weather. That’s why getting consistent tree inspections ensures your trees stay healthy and don’t pose any safety hazards to you or your neighbors.
- Average
- $450
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $600
What Is a Tree Inspection?
A tree health inspection is when an arborist takes a look at your tree to assess its health and safety. They’ll usually look for:
General tree health
Life expectancy
Structural integrity
Insects, pests, or disease
Safety concerns
Based on these findings, your arborist will make a recommendation on what they think you should do to keep the tree healthy. In some cases, if the tree is unwell or poses a safety risk, they may recommend removing it. In other cases, you might need to do maintenance like trimming or installing a safety fence around the tree.
If this is your first time getting a tree inspection, it’s a good idea to check out inspector reviews from previous clients or to talk to friends and neighbors and see if anyone has an arborist they’d recommend. You can also browse online for professional arborists near you, so you can compare prices and check out reviews at the same time.
Common Tree Health Concerns
Knowing some common tree health concerns may help you determine when to call a professional tree inspector to look at the trees on your property. Assessing your own trees for issues like cracks, leaning, exposed roots, decay, or abnormal behavior also gives you some things to talk about with the inspector when they arrive.
Types of Tree Inspections
There are three basic types of tree inspections: visual, recommendation, and full report. The time and cost of these services can vary dramatically. Some arborists offer a flat rate that includes a certain number of trees, while others might charge a set amount to come to your property and then charge by the hour when they arrive.
Below is the cost range for the different types of inspections.
| Type of Inspection | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Visual Report | Free – $100 |
| Simple Recommendations | $100 – $250 |
| Full Arborist Report | $350 – $550 |
Learning a bit about each type can help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Basic Visual Report
Sometimes all you need is a quick assessment to confirm that your trees are happy and healthy. That’s when a basic visual report may be a good fit, especially for trees that aren’t too close to the house and don’t have any red flags.
With a basic report, an arborist will inspect the tree from the ground and tell you verbally whether or not the tree is safe and healthy. Some arborists offer this as a free add-on if you’re getting other services done like tree trimming or stump removal.
Simple Recommendations
If you’re not having any other tree work done, a recommendation inspection is usually the best fit. A recommendation report is where you ask an arborist to come out to look at a specific tree and they provide you with some brief written feedback and potential solutions.
If you have a particular tree you’re concerned about or if you’re looking at a property and want basic information about a tree on the grounds, a recommendation inspection is a good idea.
Full Arborist Report
If you have serious concerns about a tree and think it may need to be removed, you’ll need a full arborist report. This is an in-depth inspection that includes a detailed risk report as well as an assessment of tree health. After they’re done, your arborist will provide you with an extensive written report that you can use when you apply for a tree removal permit.
Factors that Affect Tree Inspection Costs
While some arborists charge a flat rate for inspections, many will charge by the hour. This means that anything that could cause your inspection to take longer can significantly drive up the cost.
Average hourly costs for an arborist range from $125–$300 per hour, depending upon experience and location. However, other factors like the number of trees, accessibility, and the weather can influence inspection time and cost.
Number of Trees
Depending on the number of trees you want inspected, it could take an arborist a few hours, which could drive up cost if they charge per hour.
There also may be an extra charge of $40–$50 for filing the tree report with the local council. For an arborist’s report that covers one to five trees, the average cost range is $70–$150, with an additional $20–$50 for each tree after that.
Accessibility and Terrain
If the tree is in a tough-to-reach spot, your inspection may take longer. If your arborist is charging by the hour, this can hike up the total inspection cost.
Typically, flat terrain and trees located near vehicle access points are less costly than those located in hilly terrain or that require a hike from the car.
To save a bit of money, create a small trail or clear out brush and tall weeds to facilitate the inspection and make it quicker and easier for an inspector to access your tree.
Weather
Snow, sleet, and rain can make it harder to perform outdoor work, which can drive up the cost of your inspection. This is primarily a factor if your arborist charges by the hour, though some arborists will refuse to perform inspections if the weather poses a safety risk.
It’s a good idea to take a look at the forecast a few days before your inspection, and consider rescheduling if it looks bad outside, so you can save yourself money and make your inspector’s job more pleasant.
However, if you have a tree that poses a safety risk in high winds, you may need to see if your arborist can offer a rush rate and bring them in before the storm hits.
After Your Tree Inspection
Once your tree inspection is complete, there are a few things that can happen. If the arborist has pronounced your tree healthy and good to go, there’s nothing more you need to do until your next tree inspection.
However, if their report includes recommendations, you might need to follow up with tree trimming, tree health, and in some cases tree removal. Costs for these services can vary, but these are some average rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree injections | $50 – $130 |
| Tree trimming | $100 – $700 |
| Root removal | $180 – $550 |
| Stump removal | $170 – $550 |
| Tree removal (trees up to 60 feet) | $290 – $900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, trees should be inspected every 5–6 years, especially if they look healthy and aren’t located near anything important like homes or power lines. If you’re concerned about a tree or it’s in an important area, it’s a good idea to get it inspected every 2–4 years.
It’s a great idea to check up on your trees every so often to make sure there are no red flags or concerns, but it’s still recommended to get a professional tree inspection every 5–6 years to catch things you may have missed.
Arborists can find structural issues that might not be visible from the ground. If you need a tree removed or you’re applying for a development permit, you’ll also need the report from your arborist’s professional inspection and recommendations.
In most cases, a tree health inspection and a tree safety inspection are the same. For visual inspections and basic recommendations, your arborist will take a look at both the health and safety of your trees.
The main difference is that with full inspections, your arborist will provide you with a risk assessment report that you’ll need if you want a tree removal permit. They’ll also look at tree health, but that document is the only official one for tree safety.
There are two main reasons a tree inspection is important: your safety and the tree’s safety. Arborists will start by making sure the tree doesn’t pose any safety hazards, including:
Risk of falling over
Risk of large branches falling
Potential to grow into foundations, water lines, or power lines
If the tree is confirmed for human safety, they’ll offer advice on how to look after the tree. This typically includes basic things like trimming and maintenance to promote good growth and vitality.
A tree inspection can also be a good idea if you’re considering purchasing a new property. Since tree removal can be costly, getting a tree inspection done before you buy a property can help you assess whether a tree might become a problem later down the line.