Everyone is looking for the best deals, whether it is saving a few pennies per gallon on gas or saving a few thousand on a car. We have been conditioned to be cost-conscious over the past several years during the economic downturn; however, there are some categories that you just cannot afford to bargain shop. One such category is home improvement, and tree care services are included in this category. You may be asking yourself, “Why should I spend more of my hard-earned money on these kinds of services when I can have it done as quickly and cheaply as possibly by the first company that comes along?” Unfortunately, this line of thought can lead you down a dangerous road that may end up costing you much more in the long-run, may cause damages to your property, or even put your assets at risk. The list can go on and on.
What do tree services cost?
The cost of tree services varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of service required, the size and condition of the tree, accessibility, and geographical location. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
- Tree Trimming and Pruning: Costs can range from $150 to $500 on average, but for large trees or those in complex locations, it can go higher.
- Tree Removal: The cost can range significantly, from about $200 for small trees to $2,000 or more for large trees. Factors like tree height, thickness, health, and accessibility play a major role in pricing.
- Stump Removal: Generally ranges between $60 and $350 per stump, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
- Emergency Tree Services: These can be more expensive due to the urgency and risk involved, often costing up to 50% more than standard rates.
- Additional Services: Costs for services like pest control, disease treatment, or tree health assessments can vary based on the tree’s condition and the required treatment.
Remember, these are approximate figures, and prices can vary based on the service provider and your specific needs. It’s always recommended to get multiple quotes from different tree service companies and ensure they are licensed and insured before proceeding with any work.
What Should you look for when hiring a tree service for thinning or removal?
Just as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” when it comes to your assets being dealt with, like your property needing a tree removed, it is essential to weigh the options when deciding on different Tree Care Service providers. That’s when your judgment needs to be at its best. There have been too many stories on the news about a tree or crane falling into someone’s house due to hiring a service that offers lack of experience, customer service, or a combination of the two. Below are a few things to watch out for and keep in mind when you are hiring a tree care service or professional to work at your home or on your property:
- First and foremost, customer service in any business should be the priority. A tree service company showing you a lack of customer service should immediately be a turn-off. If that company doesn’t care enough to be sincere in front of you, how will they treat your property, whether you are home or not? Customer service starts with your initial call into their office, continues with your appointment with an estimator or sales representative, is followed by the tree care crew that should arrived at the pre-scheduled time, and ends with a follow-up call or email from the office to make sure that everything went smoothly and you were happy and satisfied with your service. If a company cannot take the time to take care of you, why would you want to spend your money to take care of them?
- Receiving a low price/bid could be a strong indicator that this company is hiring workers “under the table,” defrauding the insurance companies and the government. It also saves the company a colossal amount of money because they are not paying for worker’s compensation or general liability policies (hence why the company priced you so low). There is no easy way to tell if they are contractors for the company, so that is why it is essential to check the company’s insurance and to rely on review-based websites such as Yelp, Google+, Angie’s List, etc. It is also within your right to ask for references of other work that the company has completed.
- Another aspect of pricing to consider is that retaining the bottom-dollar priced Tree Service may also indicate a crew of very few experienced workers who will more than likely carelessly damage your property by not knowing how to use the equipment, nor having the proper equipment needed for the job.
In the bigger picture, the likelihood for error is much higher due to lack of experience. Potentially, your house, driveway, septic system, or even worse your neighbor’s house are all at risk. All in all, it is worth paying a little more to have a reputable Tree Care Industry professional on the job because that is what they are trained to do.If you have the time and ability, it is best to get several quotes, check reviews, and do your research before you leave your most valuable asset in the hands of strangers. Bargain shopping is great when looking for designer threads, but when it comes to your home, sometimes you just need to spend a little extra to ensure that the job is done correctly, safely, and to your satisfaction.
Do the costs of tree services vary by geographic region?
Yes, the costs of tree services, including tree removal, vary significantly by geographic region due to factors like local labor rates, the cost of living, and the availability of tree service companies. For example, the cost of tree removal in Atlanta Georgia can be influenced by the tree’s size, location, and complexity of the removal. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes from local professionals to understand the specific costs in your area for accurate budgeting.
Get Tree Services Today
Atlanta Arbor is a fully licensed and insured, dependable, professional and reputable Tree Care Specialist serving metro Atlanta area’s tree care needs. Standing by our quality craftsmanship and equitable prices, we specialize in tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, storm damage cleanup, tree plantings, and arborist consultations. We have been fortunate that our customers trust that our work will be done professionally, efficiently and correctly; they expect that their assets will not be at risk, and that they will be treated with the utmost respect. Atlanta Arbor may not always be the cheapest option (we are not the most expensive, either), but you can be sure that the job will be completed diligently and properly. Feel free to contact us for any of your tree care needs: 770.765.6555, [email protected].