Trees make a wonderful addition to any property, adding visual appeal and value.  But as with any investment, regular maintenance needs to be performed in order to preserve its beauty, health, and safety.

Tree trimming is a dangerous endeavor, which is why it is always the better choice to hire a professional tree trimmer.  The exception would be a shorter tree that you can easily access and trim while standing on the ground.  As tempting as it may be to save money and stand at the top of a seemingly stable ladder with a running chainsaw — it is dangerous.  And tragically many deadly accidents have occurred from homeowners attempting this method.  Professional tree trimmers are trained in tree safety and properly equipped with harnesses, ropes, and other gear to keep them as safe as they can be while performing such a dangerous job.

The cost of trimming a tree, in most cases, cannot be given unless the tree is inspected in person.  Thanks to advances in technology, sometimes quotes can be drafted using Google Maps, if the website contains a recent photo capture of your property and the trees are visible.  There are ballpark numbers, however, that can be given based on tree height, but the final quote will fluctuate depending on several factors, such as tree girth and the difficulty of the terrain.

Provided are price ranges depending on the tree’s height, however, the range is wide due to various factors that influence the final cost.

• 30ft or less = $75 – $500 per tree
• 30ft – 60ft = $150 – $800
• Over 60ft = $200 – $1,000 or more per tree

Because every tree and every property is different, quoting a tree pruning request varies depending on the following factors.

• Tree or palm species
• Tree height and girth
• Density of the canopy
• Proximity of the tree to dump truck and chipper’s location
• Ease or difficulty of the terrain
• Number of trees
• Proximity to structures, fencing, or sensitive landscaping
• Proximity to hazards, such as electrical lines
• Emergency work that requires immediate action, especially during the company’s off-hours

Having your tree trimmed and inspected by a tree service company is a necessity to maintain your tree’s aesthetic value, health, and safety.  Rather than allowing several years to go by between trimmings while your tree continues to grow a thick, messy collection of limb overgrowth, it is recommended that trees go on a more regular schedule.  This is contingent on the species, but most trees should be trimmed, on average, every two years for the following reasons:

• Promoting and maintaining proper structure for the tree
• Removing dead limbs and potentially hazardous limbs
• Removing messy seed pods (in the case of palms)
• Increasing air circulation and light penetration
• Improving overall tree health
• Early detection of diseases
• Improving the size and quality of fruit in fruit trees
• Fostering root growth

All tree trimmers are technically considered arborists.  However, a Certified Arborist is an individual who possesses a thorough understanding of tree science and care.  These are individuals who have worked a certain number of years in the industry and/or possess a degree in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry.  They are also also required to pass an extensive exam and are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics that strengthens their integrity and reliability in the tree industry.

A company with Certified Arborists, not only knows how to trim your tree, but they can also inform you about your tree.  They can tell you why your tree is acting the way it is or why its leaves are browning or wilting.  They can take a quick look at your tree and know, sometimes immediately, if your tree has been invaded by beetles and other damaging pests.  They can also inform you on the proper seasons to trim certain tree species, as trimming specific sensitive species during the wrong time of the year can damage or eventually kill your tree.

These are just a few examples of the benefits of Certified Arborists in the tree industry.  While the market may seem oversaturated with different tree service companies to choose from, it is always recommended to hire a company with Certified Arborists to ensure that your valuable tree landscape is kept healthy, safe, and beautiful.