Find Tree Service Companies Near You
From trimming overhanging branches to emergency storm cleanup — find a licensed arborist who does the job safely and protects your property. Compare costs across 32 states and 4,147 zip codes.
Avg Bid
$40.35
Bid Range
$6.3 - $80
Zip Codes
4,147
US Coverage
13%
How Much Do Tree Service Companies Cost?
Typical cost range: $300–$2,000 for trimming; $500–$5,000+ for removal. Actual prices vary by location, complexity, and urgency.
When to Hire a Tree Service
Dead branches are hanging over your roof, driveway, or areas where people walk — these can fall without warning
A tree is leaning more than it used to or you see exposed roots lifting on one side, indicating root failure
After a storm, damaged limbs are hanging in the canopy or a tree is partially uprooted and unstable
Tree roots are cracking your foundation, sidewalk, or driveway and the tree needs root pruning or removal
You need to clear trees for construction, improve sunlight for solar panels, or open up a view
A tree shows signs of disease — mushrooms at the base, cankers, excessive dead wood, or woodpecker activity indicating internal decay
How to Choose a Good Tree Service
ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist on staff — not just laborers with chainsaws
Proof of liability insurance ($1M minimum) AND workers' compensation — tree work is among the most dangerous occupations in America
They lower limbs with ropes rather than letting them free-fall, protecting your property and landscaping below
Written estimates that specify which limbs will be cut and how the debris will be handled (chipping, hauling, leaving firewood)
Professional climbing equipment and bucket trucks for large trees — not climbing spikes on living trees (spikes damage the tree)
Willingness to obtain the required permits for tree removal — many municipalities require permits for trees above certain diameters
Common Tree Service Problems
Storm-damaged trees with hanging limbs (widow-makers) that can fall at any time and are extremely dangerous to remove
Trees too close to power lines causing outages — only licensed utility arborists should work near energized lines
Root damage to foundations, sewer lines, sidewalks, and driveways requiring either root pruning or tree removal
Trees with internal decay that appear healthy from outside but are structurally compromised and at risk of sudden failure
Overgrown trees blocking gutters, damaging roofs, or providing rodent/wildlife access to the house
Invasive species like Bradford pear, tree-of-heaven, or Norwegian maple that spread aggressively and displace native trees
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service
“Do you have an ISA certified arborist who will oversee the work?”
An ISA certification means the arborist passed an exam on tree biology, safety, and proper pruning practices. Companies without certified arborists are just laborers with chainsaws — they may remove the tree but are more likely to damage property, injure workers, or butcher the tree's canopy.
“Can I see your certificate of insurance — both liability and workers' comp?”
This is the most important question in tree service. Workers injured on your property without workers' comp coverage can file claims against YOUR homeowner's insurance. Get the certificate directly from their insurance carrier, not just a photocopy from the company.
“What's included — is stump grinding, debris removal, and cleanup in the price?”
Cheap quotes often exclude stump grinding ($200–$500), debris hauling ($100–$300), and final cleanup. Get a written scope that specifies exactly what's included to avoid surprise charges.
Red Flags to Watch For
Goes door-to-door soliciting tree work, especially after storms — this is how most tree service scams operate
Cannot provide proof of workers' compensation insurance or tries to pass off liability-only coverage as sufficient
Recommends topping trees (cutting the main leader) — this is destructive, makes trees more dangerous long-term, and is condemned by every arboricultural authority
Wants full payment upfront or demands cash only — reputable companies invoice or take partial deposits
No ISA certified arborist on staff and no written estimate detailing the work to be performed
Safety Considerations
Never attempt to remove a tree near power lines yourself — contact your utility company. Touching or cutting a branch in contact with power lines can be instantly fatal
Tree work is one of the top-5 deadliest occupations in the US. Uninsured tree workers who are injured on your property can sue you — always verify workers' compensation insurance
Climbing spikes (gaffs) should only be used on trees being removed. Using spikes on trees you're keeping creates wounds that invite disease and decay
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
You can safely prune small branches (under 3 inches diameter) that you can reach from the ground with a pole pruner. Never prune branches near power lines — that's utility company territory. Any branch that requires a ladder, chainsaw, or climbing to reach should be left to professionals. Tree removal is one of the most dangerous home maintenance activities — falling trees kill dozens of homeowners every year. The cost of professional tree work is a fraction of the cost of property damage, injury, or death from a DIY attempt gone wrong.
Licensing & Guarantees
Tree service licensing varies significantly by state and municipality. Some states require a tree care or arborist license; many cities require tree removal permits for trees above a certain diameter. ISA arborist certification is voluntary but strongly recommended. Always verify liability insurance ($1M minimum) and workers' compensation. In some states, companies must carry a specific tree care contractor license separate from a general contractor license.
What to expect: Tree work guarantees are limited by nature — weather, disease, and soil conditions are beyond anyone's control. Expect a guarantee against property damage during the work and prompt cleanup. For stump grinding, expect the stump to be ground 4–6 inches below grade with chips cleaned up. For pruning, expect proper ANSI A300 cuts that don't leave stubs or damage the branch collar. For removal, expect the tree taken down to grade level with all debris removed as specified in the contract.
Seasonal Tip
Late winter (February–March) is the ideal time for most tree pruning — trees are dormant, visibility into the canopy is better without leaves, and the spring growth spurt will quickly heal pruning cuts. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as it stimulates new growth that won't harden before winter. Emergency storm work peaks during summer thunderstorm season and winter ice storms — having a trusted tree service on speed dial saves time and money when everyone else is scrambling. Oak trees should never be pruned between April and October due to oak wilt disease risk in many regions.
Cost Distribution
Most Expensive Cities
- 1. Acton, ME$80
- 2. Alfred, ME$80
- 3. Alton, NH$80
- 4. Alton Bay, NH$80
- 5. Avondale Estates, GA$80
- 6. Barrington, NH$80
- 7. Berwick, ME$80
- 8. Bremen, GA$80
- 9. Buchanan, GA$80
- 10. Canton, GA$80
Least Expensive Cities
- 1. Sarasota, FL$6.3
- 2. Bradenton, FL$6.3
- 3. Bradenton Beach, FL$6.3
- 4. Cortez, FL$6.3
- 5. Longboat Key, FL$6.3
- 6. Osprey, FL$6.3
- 7. Parrish, FL$6.3
- 8. Marysville, WA$10.5
- 9. North Lakewood, WA$10.5
- 10. Cape Canaveral, FL$11.1
Coverage by State
$80.00 avg
$80.00 avg
$72.15 avg
$70.00 avg
$60.00 avg
$59.00 avg
$57.60 avg
$53.53 avg
$45.90 avg
$45.00 avg
$45.00 avg
$45.00 avg
$41.20 avg
$40.26 avg
$40.00 avg
$36.66 avg
$35.00 avg
$34.73 avg
$34.39 avg
$33.67 avg
$30.00 avg
$30.00 avg
$30.00 avg
$25.75 avg
$25.50 avg
$25.00 avg
$23.87 avg
$21.10 avg
$21.10 avg
$21.10 avg
$21.04 avg
$17.50 avg
Get a Free Quote
Get Free Tree Service Quotes in your area
Compare providers and pricing. No obligation.
Related Categories
More Home Services services
27,781 areas · $29.54 avg
Bathroom Remodeling22,638 areas · $109.44 avg
Air Conditioning Contractors19,156 areas · $116.57 avg
Biohazard Cleanup16,516 areas · $190.48 avg
Carpet & Rug Dealers16,340 areas · $47.98 avg
Air Duct Cleaning11,254 areas · $69.47 avg
Chimney Repairs8,178 areas · $87.82 avg
Carpet Cleaning & Repair1,143 areas · $22.03 avg
Frequently Asked Questions: Tree Service
- What is the average cost for Tree Service?
- The national average bid for Tree Service is $40.35 per call, with prices ranging from $6.3 to $80 depending on location and market competition.
- How many zip codes have Tree Service coverage?
- Tree Service has active provider coverage across 4,147 zip codes in 32 states, representing approximately 13% of US zip codes.
- Which state has the highest Tree Service costs?
- Maine has the highest average Tree Service bid at $80.00 per call across 23 zip codes.
- Which state has the lowest Tree Service costs?
- New York has the lowest average Tree Service bid at $17.50 per call across 42 zip codes.
- How often is Tree Service pricing data updated?
- Our Tree Service market data is refreshed every 12 hours from the eLocal marketplace, ensuring you see current bid prices and coverage information.