Ever wonder why tree removal costs vary so much? There are several factors that always increase the difficulty and safety of a tree removal.

For most trees, the longer they stand dead, the more dangerous they become, and the higher the tree removal costs. When wood rots, it looses it's structural integrity, and it becomes much more unpredictable. Dead trees with their top branches in tact can be very dangerous to remove. At some point, when all of the branches have fallen off, they aren't quite as dangerous. Decayed trunks are still unpredictable and a safety hazard, but there is less tree to remove.

The closer a tree is to existing landscaping, other trees, fences, the house or any other structure, the more technical the removal. Look closely at this photo. The large lead over the house extends quite far from the trunk. It takes time to be careful and not damage anything when removing this limb. At Vic's Tree Service, we pride ourselves on safely removing trees. When we finish, the only change will be that the tree is gone!

And Increase Tree Removal Costs

Structural flaws in live and dead trees contribute to increased tree removal costs. There are too many types of flaws to list them all, however there are a few common ones that are easy to detect. Rotten or rotting areas on trunks, holes in trunks, faulty crotches, cracks, and large dead limbs all can contribute to decreasing the stability of the tree and therefore increasing the cost of the tree removal.

Wood decay is a complicated process. Some species of trees may decay faster than others. In general oak, walnut, and hickory are strong woods that usually take some time to decay. The presence or absence of fungi, moisture, and trunk wounds also contribute to the speed of the dccay. Sometimes trees that have been struck by lightning decay very quickly due to the extreme temperature of the lightning strike and how it cooks the wood. From my observation, the Ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer have decayed at a record pace. Many that died last fall have already fallen to the ground or broken. This could be attributed to the extreme structure damage created by the insects.

The distance the tree is from the equipment makes a difference in the cost of the tree removal. The farther the crew has to carry wood and debris, the longer it takes and the more it costs. If they have to navigate landscape the price may go up because we pride ourselves on being careful and not damaging anything. 

Many factors increase the cost of tree removal. Most of them are safety related. Don't wait until your tree falls and causes damage. Call today (703) 450-1898 or email us for a free estimate or consultation.

Vic's Tree Service