Who to Hire to Cut Down Trees

Call a licensed tree cutting company or an arborist to safely fell trees

A man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw
Photo: Christine Bird / Adobe Stock Photography
A man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw
Photo: Christine Bird / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
  • Cutting down trees is hazardous; hire licensed, insured pros to manage risks and protect property.

  • Expect to spend around $750 on average, with a $200 to $2,000 range depending on type, size, and location.

  • Extra services like stump removal and debris cleanup can increase your total.

  • Winter scheduling can reduce costs; some homeowners save around 20% in colder climates.

  • Pros bring training, safety gear, and specialized equipment to complete the job efficiently.

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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to cut down trees, focus on licensed tree cutting companies and arborists that handle safe felling from start to finish. Hiring insured professionals protects you and your property, while their safety training, protective gear, and specialized equipment help prevent injuries and damage. Use this pro hiring guide to compare options and costs.

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Cutting Company to Cut Down Trees

A licensed, insured tree cutting company is the safest choice for removal. These teams know how to assess hazards, direct the fall, and work around tight spaces. They arrive with the right equipment and prioritize safety from setup to cleanup, reducing the risk of injuries or property damage and saving you from costly mistakes.

Other benefits of hiring a tree cutting company to cut down trees on your property include:

  • Accurate assessment of tree condition and hazards

  • Liability protection from licensed, insured professionals

  • Safety gear and trained crews on every job

  • Cost-effective versus risk of DIY damage

  • Access to cranes and bucket trucks when needed

  • Efficient debris removal and site cleanup

  • Ability to section trees safely in tight spaces

  • Proper rigging for large or heavy limbs

If your property has large or hazardous trees, you might want to consider a tree removal pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Can I Hire an Arborist for Cutting Down Trees?

Arborists bring tree care expertise for all ages and conditions, and they can safely remove trees when needed. Advantages include a focus on tree health, managing disease, and being permitted to service trees near power lines. Limitations exist: service can be cost-prohibitive, not all states require arborists to be licensed and insured, and some may lack the equipment or crew for very large removals. Match an arborist to the tree’s size, condition, and site constraints.

How Do Tree Cutting Companies Cut Down Trees?

Pros follow a careful, safety-first process before any cutting begins. Expect planning, controlled cuts, and thorough cleanup designed to protect people and property:

  1. Inspect area to confirm safe fall space.

  2. Cut a notch at trunk base; back cut opposite side.

  3. Section tree when needed by climbing or bucket truck.

  4. Rig large limbs to a crane for safe lowering.

  5. Limb and cut trunks into manageable pieces.

  6. Dispose by hauling, chipping, or cutting for firewood.

How Much Does It Cost to Cut Down a Tree?

You can expect to pay around $750 on average for the cost to remove a tree, with an average range from $200 to $2,000 based on tree type, size, and location. Extra work, such as stump removal and debris cleanup, can increase the final price. Scheduling in winter often lowers costs; some homeowners in colder climates save around 20%. Because removal is dangerous, professional service helps prevent costly damage.

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