We know. We’ve heard all of the horror stories of sticker shock, too!
“I just got a quote to take my trees down for $15,000. That’s one semester of my child’s college education!”
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably searching the internet to find the average cost of tree removal, tree trimming, or stump grinding in Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh/Durham, NC. And you’re probably coming up short because, quite honestly, it depends on a lot of different factors (We know, spoken like a true arbor consultant, right?).
So, much like taking down a tree, let’s approach this topic in small, manageable pieces.
Removing a tree is a lot like getting a tooth pulled. It’s likely in your best interest, but it’s an investment that nobody really wants to make!
Depending on why you’re interested in tree removal, the rationale may be easy. You may have a dead or dying tree that poses a danger to your home and family if it were to fall during a storm. Or you may have an opportunity to expand your lawn and invest in stunning landscaping. Perhaps you’re putting in a new pool (lucky you).
Note: The type of tree, accessibility, the health of the tree, disposal needs, the size of the tree, the urgency of the situation, and the surrounding terrain all matter when a tree professional determines the price of a project.
Our professional arborists are always happy to stop by and provide a free consultation.
Please read the section below entitled What factors affect the cost of tree services? to learn more.
Tree removal in North Carolina typically ranges from $500 to $4K+. Read more about our service areas, which includes Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh/Durham, NC.
First and foremost, price gouging is against the law in most states, including North Carolina. Since there are always predatory companies who are willing to make a quick buck, it’s more important than ever to work with a reputable, insured, bonded company like Carolina Tree Care during an emergency.
Not only do we live by our operating principles at all times, but we also are skilled at working with insurance companies to manage the process and make life easier for you.
With that said, there are legitimate factors that lead to increased costs during emergency tree removal: the need for increased workplace safety (for the tree crews, property owners, and general public) as well as the need to ensure careless treatment does not cause further property damage.
Buyer beware: The prices for tree removal quoted by your local mom-and-pop tree service may not include the cost of stump grinding or stump removal.
Stump grinding is typically factored at $2.5–$3 per inch but may be less expensive if the stump is rotting and easier to grind.
As always, our professional arborists are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate for your specific tree(s).
There’s good news for the DIY folks out there: Carolina Tree Care is available for stump grinding services only.
Depending on the size and depth of your tree stump, using our stump grinding service may be more economical (not to mention safer and easier!) than renting a stump grinding machine for the day.
Learn more about our services here: Tree Removal and Stump Grinding
Professional stump grinding in North Carolina typically begins at $225 with an average price in the $500 range.
And, really, what’s the difference? (Spoiler alert: they’re the same!)
Trimming a tree is a lot like getting your hair cut. They both grow back, but, like a bad haircut, how your foliage grows back can make all the difference. Luckily, most people understand the importance of spending wisely to get the most out of their investment, whether it’s for the health of their trees, the beauty of their lawn, or to maximize the value of their property.
There are many factors that affect the price of tree services (outlined in the section below) but there are two main factors to be considered when pricing a tree trimming job: the size of the tree(s) and class of pruning.
As always, our professional arborists are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate for your specific tree(s).
One important thing to keep in mind: if you need tree trimming because your tree limbs are encroaching the power lines, please call your local utility. Do not attempt to trim these yourself as live lines pose significant danger.
Your power company will send utility arborists to assess and, if necessary, trim the trees under nearby distribution lines at no cost to you.
As you can see, there are a lot of variables to weigh. But when it comes to our tree services, you’ll never be in the dark.
Our consulting arborists will walk through each proposal with you thoroughly to help you understand the variables affecting your price so you can make an educated decision.
Studies have shown that trees can increase a home’s price by about 7%. Some researchers have even found that mature trees can increase the price of a home in a high-income neighborhood by 10-15%!
When you couple this wise investment with Carolina Tree Care’s depth of knowledge and unparalleled service, you won’t need to look any further.
To make your tree care more affordable, take a look at the list of factors above that impact the cost and see if there are ways to minimize any of them.
For example, do you have a fence around your property that restricts access? Enlist the help of your friends to temporarily remove a good-size portion before we arrive so our tree crews can get right to work.
Will it be easier for us to access your trees through an adjoining property? We recommend gaining your neighbor’s permission before we arrive.
Another cost-saving effort: let us leave our wood chips on your property. Not only do you get mulch to use around your yard, but we save time and energy in clean-up and hauling.
Lastly, if it’s a slow time of year (e.g., late November through January), some tree care companies may be willing to give you a discount just to keep their crews busy. On the flip side, prices may go up during the busy season as demand increases.
When your arbor consultant stops by, share with him or her your level of urgency. If the tree service can wait, it may be a win-win situation.
Want to save some money? Read our blog post on Your Next DIY Project: Tree Banding!
Now that you have a rough estimate of what your costs might be to maintain or take down a tree in North Carolina, contact us for service! We’re happy to stop by and provide a free 30-minute consultation. We’re your friendly, Charlotte-, Greensboro-, and Raleigh/Durham-area tree experts.
Fill out this form to get started:
When you hire an expert tree care company, you don’t need to worry about municipal or town tree ordinances, permits, or preservation requirements. No matter where you live in the Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh/Durham area, we have the knowledge and expertise of your specific area to guide your decisions.
We’ll manage the entire permitting process on your behalf.
Want to learn more about your specific town? Feel free to click any of the links below to research your local ordinance in greater detail:
City of Charlotte NC Tree Ordinance
City of Concord NC Urban Forestry
Greensboro Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual
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