Who Should I Call for Tree Branch Removal?

If you’re wondering who to call for tree branch removal, you’ll want to find a licensed and insured tree removal or tree pruning service. When hiring a tree removal specialist, look for local companies that are experts in their field and offer specialized services for safely removing tree branches. Let’s review when and how to hire the right tree service professional to remove fallen branches from your yard.

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Removal Specialist for Tree Branch Removal

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You’ll want to find a local, top-rated tree removal service near you for tree branch removal. It’s essential to hire a licensed, insured, and bonded tree removal company. Here are the benefits of hiring a tree removal specialist:

• A pro can quickly obtain any necessary permits for your tree branch removal project. 

• Pros understand the tree species' specific needs.

• Tree removal pros can properly and safely remove dead or diseased branches.

• Tree removal specialists know how to re-shape the tree so it continues to grow in a healthy manner.

• Pros always keep the tree’s structural integrity as the top priority of the project.

• Pros will ensure tree branches don’t fall on your property, neighbor’s property, power lines, or pedestrians. 

Can I DIY Tree Branch Removal?

Attempting DIY tree branch removal requires a trusted spotter and the proper tools, and you’ll likely need to rent a crane or bucket truck. Ultimately, we do not recommend DIYing this project due to the increased risk of property damage and causing injury or harm to yourself. 

Before you hire a tree removal or tree trimming specialist, you’ll need to take the following steps to ensure that you and a tree removal pro are on the same page in terms of cost, quotes, qualifications, and project timeline:

• Properly plan out your project so you’re not surprised by added costs in your quote.

• Gather references and verify the company’s qualifications.

• Draw up a list of questions to ask the tree specialist before you hire them.

Plan Out Your Tree Branch Removal Project for Accurate Quotes

You should aim to get at least three quotes from local tree removal companies to gather information on the services included in each price quote. Typically, tree removal costs run between $200 and $2,000 or more, depending on tree size, number of branches in question, location, and more. On the other hand, you can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for tree pruning. 

We recommend hiring a licensed and insured tree removal specialist by searching through Angi’s extensive professional network or through word of mouth—think friends, family, neighbors, and community organizations. If you see a neighbor having tree branches removed, ask them how the job went and whether they would recommend the company.

Can I Hire a Local Tree Trimming Company for Tree Branch Removal?

Yes, you can hire a local tree trimming company to take on your tree branch removal project. Tree trimming companies work similarly to tree removal specialists—they come equipped with the knowledge, experience, tools, and supplies to ensure the job is done right. The average cost of hiring a tree trimming service is $460, but it can range from $75 to $1,800, depending on the type and size of the tree.

When obtaining quotes from tree branch removal companies or local tree trimming companies, you’ll want to ask the following questions:

• How many branches need to be removed?

• Do you prune trees according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standard? 

• How many years have you been in business?

• Does your company specialize in tree pruning?

• Will you supervise the job, or should I expect another team member?

• Do I need to do anything before the tree branch removal?

• Do you need to obtain a permit?

• How long do you expect this project to take?

• Is cleanup included after the branch removal is finished?

• What happens if you damage other parts of the tree while pruning?

• Do you need a bucket truck or crane to reach the branch?

How Do Tree Removal Specialists Remove Tree Branches? 

Removing dead, diseased, or competing tree branches is essential for keeping trees happy and healthy. Here’s how tree removal specialists safely remove tree branches:

1. Gather your safety gear and tools, including pruning shears, loppers, handsaw, and a pole saw.

2. Depending on the location of the damaged tree branch, you may need a crane or bucket truck. Otherwise, you can stand on solid ground or use a sturdy ladder with a spotter.

3. Identify the branch collar on the tree—the indentation at the base of the branch.

4. Mark three spots on the tree to make cuts. Multiple cuts help the limb fall easily without ripping bark from the rest of the tree.

5. Start at the first marking. Take a hand saw and cut halfway up from the bottom of the branch.

6. Identify the second marking. Take your hand saw and saw the entire way through the branch. The limb should begin to slowly fall over.

7. Continue sawing through the limb until you can completely remove it.

8. Identify the branch collar for your final cut. Saw through the branch collar until you can remove a clean branch nub. This type of cut allows the tree to heal properly, seal the wound, and prevent infection and disease. 

9. For trees without a branch collar, you’ll need to look for the bark ridge. This is the location where the bark from the tree and the bark from the branch meet and form a raised ridge. 

10. Draw a straight line intersected with a 45-degree line where you want to cut the branch, essentially making a DIY branch collar.

11. Take your hand saw and cut through the line until you can cleanly remove the limb.

12. For small branches, locate the branch collar, take your hand pruner, and cut through the limb. For branches larger than 1 inch thick, use loppers.