Answers to common questions
Can I cut down a tree myself?
Small ones, maybe. Big ones, no. Trees that are tall, leaning, split or near your house, fence or power lines are not a weekend project. Falling wood is heavy and hard to predict. Chainsaws cause serious injuries every year. If you feel unsure, you should be. A local provider has the gear and the training for this work.
When is a tree an emergency?
A tree is an emergency when it has fallen on your home, car or fence, blocks a driveway, or hangs from a broken limb over a roof. Stay clear of it. Keep away from any downed power lines. Request a callback to check provider availability. Many providers can respond quickly after a storm, but timing depends on demand.
Will my insurance pay for tree removal?
It depends on your policy. Some policies may cover sudden damage, such as a tree that falls on your house in a storm. Removing a healthy or dead tree that has not hit anything is often not covered. Check your policy or ask your agent. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
How much does tree removal cost?
In the U.S., typical jobs run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Size, height, location and access all change the price. A tree over a roof costs more than one in an open yard. Prices vary by job. Ask for the quote in writing so you can compare it fairly.
What does stump grinding involve?
A provider uses a machine to grind the stump down below ground level. Wood chips are left behind, and many providers can haul them off if you ask. Tell them about sprinklers, pipes and cables first. Ask whether the price includes cleanup and filling the hole.
How do I choose a tree removal provider?
Ask for proof of insurance and get it in writing. Ask what the quote covers: cutting, hauling, cleanup and stump work. Be careful with anyone who wants full payment upfront or knocks on your door after a storm. Compare at least two quotes. Cheap is not the point. Clear and complete is. Batteryselling Tree Service can connect you with providers in our network, but you decide who to hire.
What should I expect on the day of the job?
A crew arrives, looks over the tree and sets up safety zones. They cut it in sections, lower the pieces and haul away the wood if that was agreed. Keep kids and pets inside. Move cars away from the area. Walk the yard with the lead person at the end to check the cleanup.
What should I do after the tree is gone?
Fix it, then maintain. Look at nearby trees for dead limbs, leaning or cracks. Have them checked before storm season, since heavy rain and wind in our area can bring weak trees down. Trimming on a regular schedule keeps limbs off your roof and siding. Ask the provider what they noticed.