Despite their aesthetic value, there are situations in which tree removal is warranted. It could be sick and a hazard to your property, or it could be in the location where you'd like to put in a pool. However, it's not as easy as just cutting it down. For this reason, there exist qualified tree fellers and arborists in the world. Have a conversation with them first, before deciding to handle things on your own.
A tree felling service will use specialised techniques and equipment to securely and efficiently remove the problematic tree from your property. To prevent collateral damage, tree cutters may have to climb the tree and chop it down from the top. Afterwards, you'll be left with a stump that needs to be taken out with the same degree of care. In order to remove the stump, it may be necessary to use heavy machinery, and then the hole left behind must be filled. In the end, the trash needs to be taken away.
Estimated Costs Of Tree Service In Melbourne
The question, "how much does it cost to remove a tree?" has no universally applicable answer. Instead, there is no simple answer; it varies greatly depending on several factors unique to each tree, as well as environmental and geographical factors. The cost of tree removal is proportional to the length of time it takes to do so. However, this is not a straightforward equation. Qualified tree specialists need to inspect the tree, the surrounding area, potential dangers, and the weather in order to provide an accurate estimate of the time required to remove the tree.
This article will address the subject of how much it costs to remove a tree by breaking down the various factors that contribute to the length of time required to down and haul away a tree. To accomplish this, we conducted interviews with arborists from across the country to have a better understanding of the many factors that go into tree removal and the associated expenses and difficulties.
The cost of tree removal will not be given in this guide. As an alternative, it will look at the primary determinants of cost and how those prices are arrived at. You'll be able to get the greatest price for tree removal and have a better idea of how the pricing works.
- Tree: Condition, Species, Size,
- Site: Safety, Terrain, Location
- External: Weather, Time of year
- Extra Expenses: Council permits, Stump removal, Green waste disposal
Element Trees
Species
The removal cost is heavily influenced by the type of tree being cut down. How challenging it is to fell, climb, chop, and move a tree depends on its species. When asked about the impact of tree species on removal jobs, one arborist said it best:
It's true that "every tree is different," yet while a conifer might have 20 branches per metre, a gum tree might only have one branch per five. Nationwide, arborists concur that working with particular tree types increases both the difficulty and the risk of the job, and thus the cost.
"A tree surgeon has said, "Date palms, coral bean plants, anything with a spike is very expensive, you have to take extra precautions so that employees are not wounded. Since you don't want the climber to get wounded or break your harness and ropes, this also slows down the climbing process."
Size
Trimming of Small Trees
Planting distance for small trees is anything from 6 feet to 15 feet. To grow, they need to be at a certain distance from their food source. Small trees also need to be planted at least 8 to 10 feet away from the wall of a one-storey building. Citrus trees, Wollemi pines, and Blueberry ashes are just a few of the many popular tiny tree species native to Australia. The average cost to remove a small tree (up to 30 feet tall) might range anywhere from $125 to $500. If there are any plumbing lines or electrical issues that need to be addressed before the tree and stump are removed, you will need to contact the appropriate utility providers or dial-before-you-dig.
Felling a Medium-Sized Tree
If you want to ensure the health of your medium trees, space them at least 30 to 40 feet apart. Also, a medium tree needs at least 15 feet of space from a single-story building's wall. If you plant trees at this distance, you can protect your property from the potential structural harm that tree roots might cause. Popular medium tree species in Australia include Magnolia, Crab Apple and Honey Locust. Costs to remove a medium-sized tree, say between 30 and 60 feet tall, can vary widely, from several hundred to several thousand dollars on average. You'll have to shell out more cash if you want the tree's wood and stump taken away from the site, though.
Fallen Tree Debris Removal
A fully established large tree can reach a height of up to 40 feet. For this reason, you should space these trees at least 40 to 50 feet apart. Planting these trees 20 feet or more from your house will help protect it from any damage. The Sydney Red Gum, Silky Oak, and Flowering Gum are three of Australia's most well-known and widely-appreciated huge trees.
Elements Of The Location
Safety
Since safety must always come first, it often dictates how challenging and time-consuming a task must be. "If you're climbing a species which is notoriously unsafe and dangerous, then the price changes," says one of our tree surgeons, "you're pushing yourself harder to climb to further distances, and you're tying in on points that are not as safe and not as strong, so you've got to set up second lifelines and all sorts of safety measures." The cost, time, and effort of taking precautions to avoid harm when performing potentially hazardous tasks is high. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Safer lines
- Extra crew
- Work platforms
- Traffic control
- Cherrypickers
- Cranes
- Power outages ($6,000–$8,000)
Location
The site's location determines the ease of access and the lack of obstacles to the tree. The time and effort required to remove a tree are highly sensitive to the accessibility of the area and the nature of the barriers in the way. This job will go more quickly and at a lower cost if the truck and woodchipper can be parked as close as possible to the tree. "Not all driveways enable you to park a truck and a woodchipper, and occasionally you need to park on the road. That might merely add 10-30 metres of distance to transport the tree, but if you're cutting there down to smaller branch because of limited access, then that's a lot more trips to the woodchipper, which might affect the entire cost and time to remove the tree."
The rule of thumb is that the more space there is around the tree, the less it will cost to remove it. This is because of the numerous entryways and roadblocks. Since there are less obstacles in the area, the machines and tools are easier to access. The size of a tree's components may need to be reduced if only a tiny portion of it can be accessed. This makes the process of preparing, transporting, and disposing of the green waste longer. Location-specific factors to think about include:
- Backyard versus. front yard
- Site vehicle access
- Powerlines nearby
- Buildings nearby
- Under-tree structures (glasshouses, swimming pools, sheds etc.)
Terrain
Location is the first factor in determining a task's complexity, but the terrain is also crucial. Sloped or uneven terrain can increase the difficulty of garbage transportation, decrease site accessibility, and necessitate more frequent worker breaks. "The efficiency with which the crew moves the tree across the driveway to the truck can be greatly improved if the driveway is flat and level rather than steep." says a tree expert. In general, tree removal costs will be lower if the landscape is more manageable. A job's accessibility, safety, and difficulty are all affected by the terrain, even if it isn't usually a major influence in cost.
Caused By Circumstances Outside The System
Weather
The rate of tree removal is typically not significantly affected by weather. It might make cutting down trees much more difficult or impossible altogether. "The wind is a problem. It may take longer to down a tree on windy days because the climber must wait for wind lulls before he or she can safely cut away branches. Unfortunately, inclement weather is a common reason we have to cancel jobs," says a tree surgeon. Strong gusts of wind, pouring rain, flashes of lightning, and other forms of severe weather can make any outside work extremely hazardous. Moving costs might rise or fall, even on a gorgeous summer day. The workforce will require longer water breaks on a hot day, which will lengthen the time it takes to finish the project.
Calendar Year
The conditions for cutting down a tree, and the tree service's workload, will depend on the season. Most tree services see a spike in demand during the busiest seasons of summer and spring. However, the best time to save money on tree removal is in the fall. "It's a lot simpler to work on a deciduous tree in the fall, when the leaves have fallen, than it is to undertake the same work in the spring, when the tree is full of leaves." Experts have estimated that because to the added weight and complexity of the foliage, the cost of removing a huge tree with leaves can be as much as 35% higher than removing the same size tree without leaves.
How Much It Will Cost To Cut Down Various Trees
"Eucalyptus" Or "Gum Tree"
Removal costs for eucalyptus trees are higher than those of many other species. The price to remove a eucalyptus tree ranges from $1,200 to $7,000. Everything will rely on the tree's accessibility and size.
Liquidamber
The liquidamber is a medium-sized tree that may be swiftly and easily felled and removed from its location. Not including the stump, the average cost is $1,250. Costs can be reduced by selecting a smaller tree in a location with few obstructions.
Tree Of London Plane
The value of a London plane tree, which has the potential to grow to the same size as a gum tree, is similarly significant. When removing a London Plane tree, expect to pay an average of $3,450 (the low end is around $2,100 and the high end is around $7,500).
Jacaranda
These trees are quite manageable due to their small stature. Although they leave a mess that needs to be cleaned up, they are quite inexpensive to remove. In Australia, customers pay anything from $1,400 to $2,800 to have a jacaranda tree cut down.
Conifers
The conifer tree family is broad and includes a wide range of sizes of trees. Conifer trees range in size from skinny pencil pines to towering hedges, but regardless of their form, they all have a single softwood trunk and numerous little branches that radiate out from it. The typical cost to have a Conifer tree removed is $1000, but larger trees or those in inaccessible areas can push that number up to $2000.
Little Miss Piggy
The Lilli Pilli tree is a pleasure to tend to. They develop into enormous, dense clumps, but typically take on a round form, making it easier for a climber to reach and cut down the entire tree in one fell swoop. The removal of a small to medium Lilli Pilli tree will cost around $1,600, while a huge, fully grown Lilli Pilli tree will cost up to $2,800.
Trees With Silky Bark
The silky oak is another manageable tree species. The general has a vertical growth pattern, with a single or many trunks and minimal foliage. Pricing for removal of a silky oak tree often falls in the $1,300–$3,300 range. For properties with limited accessibility, the cost may rise.
Pine Radiata
Working on a radiata pine tree might be a challenge. Radisca pines are notoriously difficult to cut down due to their ungainly shapes, which necessitates a lot of climbing and dismantling. They produce gallons of sticky sap and have bark that is thick and difficult to work with. The cost to entirely remove a Radiata pine is between $1,500 and $4,500. In addition to grinding up the stump, this service costs you nothing extra.
Pine Of Norfolk Island
The pine trees on Norfolk Island are genuine monsters. Over the course of their lifetime, they can reach heights of more than 50 metres, making them among Australia's tallest trees. To remove these trees securely, a crane is often required, which drives up the cost. The cost to remove a young Norfolk Island pine is typically around $2,600, with the removal of a massive, century-old tree reaching up to $12,500.
Fallen Tree Removal Costs?
It's not the same thing as a tree that has fallen. It's a breeze to fix up, and the cost is cut in half from what it was when it was upright.
What Does It Cost To Remove A Cut Tree?
Typically, this fee is already factored into the overall "tree removal" estimate. Taking down the tree and removing it was a major hassle for this reason. While chopping down the tree is certainly a significant part of the job, hauling away the debris is where the most of the labour is involved in tree removal. The expense to have the tree debris removed is almost half of the total.
Is It Beneficial To Take Out The Trash Yourself?
It may be useful at times. Consider a tree on a backyard slope without access to heavy equipment if it's exceptionally difficult to find. It could be advantageous to avoid having to pay a tree service to clear the debris. Let the customer do the heavy lifting if you're selling the wood for firewood online, or, if you're in a giving mood, offer the wood for free to whoever takes down the trees.
Consequences Of Additional Costs
Cutting Down A Tree Stump
Due to the difficulty involved, many tree removal firms skip the crucial step of removing the tree's stump. Our teams have access to high-quality stump grinders that make quick work of even the toughest stumps. It's important to decide ahead of time whether or not you want the stump taken out as well, as doing so may incur additional fees.
Ecology-Friendly Garbage Disposal
When a tree is cut down, it leaves behind a huge amount of yard garbage. The cost and effort required to collect and haul away this trash can add up quickly. Though some clients appreciate keeping the scrap wood for use as firewood, others would rather see it go to waste. We provide green trash solutions, but it's important that you let us know whether or not you're interested in them before we give you a price quote to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Permission To Cut Down Trees Document
Local governments are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations they create regarding the removal of private trees. Protection legislation for trees varies from municipality to municipality. To cut down a tree on private property, however, many jurisdictions require residents to first obtain a permit. Depending on factors including tree kind, size, condition, and location, the cost of obtaining one of these licences can add up quickly. You should know about these expenses in advance so that you can more precisely estimate the final price.
Why Does It Cost So Much?
In order to fell a tree while it is still upright, a skilled tree surgeon must climb the tree and cut it down one section at a time. Once it reaches the ground, however, it takes a team effort to simply dismantle it. Cost estimates are most reliable when they are based on an inspection of the actual site of the work to be done. Provide as much information as possible about your tree so that they can provide you with precise pricing information. It will be less expensive to remove a tree in the middle of your yard that is not near your home or any other structures for this reason. Such specifics are what set apart an accurate preliminary quote from disappointment upon a closer look at the tree.
Conclusion
Tree removal cost? It depends on many tree-specific, environmental, and geographical factors. Arborists and tree fellers can estimate costs accurately. Small trees up to 30 feet tall cost $125 to $500 to remove. Average costs range from several hundred to many thousand dollars. Large trees can grow to 40 feet. Australia's famous giant trees include the Sydney Red Gum, Silky Oak, and Flowering Gum. Location determines tree accessibility and obstructions. Tree task complexity affects location, topography, and weather. Fall tree removal is the cheapest.
Even on a beautiful summer day, moving prices can vary by season. Eucalyptus trees are more expensive to remove. Smaller trees in unobstructed areas cost less. As they grow into massive bunches, Lilli Pilli trees are fun to care for. Radisca pines are awkward to chop down. Radiata pine removal costs $1,500–$4,500. Cranes are needed to safely remove these trees, increasing costs. Many tree removal businesses neglect stump removal. Many municipalities demand permits to take down trees on private land. A site inspection provides the most accurate cost estimates.
Content Summary
- Thus, skilled tree fellers and arborists exist everywhere.
- Tree felling services employ specialised methods and equipment to safely and efficiently remove your troublesome tree.
- Tree removal costs depend on time.
- To estimate tree removal time, qualified tree specialists must check the tree, the surrounding area, potential threats, and the weather.
- This article will break down the aspects that affect how long it takes to cut down and cart away a tree to determine its cost.
- To better understand tree removal and its costs and challenges, we interviewed arborists from throughout the country.
- This advice does not include tree removal costs.
- The species of tree determines its difficulty to down, climb, chop, and move.
- Arborists nationwide agree that working with some tree types is more difficult, risky, and expensive.
- Small trees are planted 6–15 feet apart.
- Small trees up to 30 feet tall cost $125 to $500 to remove.
- Space medium trees 30–40 feet apart to guarantee their health.
- Medium trees need 15 feet from a single-story building's wall.
- Magnolia, Crab Apple, and Honey Locust are popular Australian medium trees.
- Large trees can grow to 40 feet.
- Therefore, position these trees 40–50 feet apart.
- These trees should be planted 20 feet or more from your house to prevent damage.
- Australia's famous giant trees include the Sydney Red Gum, Silky Oak, and Flowering Gum.
- Preventing damage when doing dangerous tasks is expensive, time-consuming, and difficult.
- Tree removal time and effort depend on accessibility and barriers.
- If the truck and woodchipper can be stationed close to the tree, this job will proceed faster and cheaper."
- Tree removal costs less with greater area surrounding it.
- Sloped or uneven terrain makes rubbish transportation harder, site accessibility worse, and worker breaks more frequent.
- Manageable landscapes reduce tree removal costs.
- Even though geography rarely affects cost, it does effect accessibility, safety, and difficulty.
- Weather rarely affects tree removal.
- It may make cutting down trees impossible.
- Seasons affect tree-cutting conditions and tree service workload.
- Summer and spring are peak seasons for tree services.
- Tree removal is cheapest in fall."
- The weight and complexity of foliage can increase the expense of removing a large tree with leaves by 35%.
- Eucalyptus trees are more expensive to remove.
- Eucalyptus removal costs $1,200–$7,000.
- Depends on tree size and accessibility.
- London plane trees, which can reach gum tree size, are also valuable.
- A small to medium Lilli Pilli tree costs $1,600 to remove, while a large one costs $2,800.
- Working on a radiata pine may be difficult.
- Radiata pine removal costs $1,500–$4,500.
- Norfolk Island pines are monstrous.
- A young Norfolk Island pine costs $2,600 to remove, while a large, century-old tree costs up to $12,500.
- This made removing the tree difficult.
- While cutting down the tree is important, carting away the debris is the hardest aspect of tree removal.
- Tree debris removal costs roughly half the total.
- If it's hard to find, try a backyard slope tree without heavy equipment.
- Avoiding tree removal costs may be beneficial.
- Many tree removal companies neglect stump removal since it's tough.
- Taking out the stump may cost more, so determine ahead of time.
- Tree cutting generates a lot of yard waste.
- This trash collection can be expensive and time-consuming.
- To avoid unexpected surprises, let us know if you want green waste solutions before we quote you.
FAQs About Tree Removal Cost
Tree trimming can cost between $75 for small jobs, and well over $2,000 for larger specimens. The average cost for tree trimming is around $500. If you're looking for accurate costs on tree trimming in Melbourne, get in touch with Trav's Trees.
The average or typical cost of removing a tree across Australia is about $1,434, according to GoTreeQuotes, a service that lists local arborists. However, it says that the range of prices for individual jobs can vary widely – from $350 to $4,500 – depending on the circumstances.
You must obtain approval from your local council prior to removing any tree(s) from your property. Failing to do so can incur substantial fines. The rules regarding tree removal differ from council to council, but Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Local Environment Plans (LEPs) guide many of the decisions made.
The courts have powers to fine anyone contravening a Tree Preservation Order. The maximum fine is $20,000 for destroying a tree and up to $21,500 for anyone who does not completely destroy a tree but has carried out some other works without consent.
Removing dying or hazardous trees can increase property value, experts say. “This mostly depends on the health of the tree. If a tree is in poor health or is a potential hazard, removing it could help maintain the value of the property,” says Glassey.