Keep reading for more details on how to find the best budget tree service company.

Why Hire a Tree Service

There are many reasons to hire a tree service. Trees can be dangerous, hard work to trim or remove yourself, especially if they are large or close to power lines.  Certified arborists (tree care professionals) have lots of experience and the right equipment to handle the job safely, including tree trimming and pruning, tree removal services, lot clearing, stump grinding, and more.

If you have small trees (under about 15 feet), the proper experience, and the proper tools and equipment, you may try trimming your trees yourself. However, in general, we recommend skipping the DIY attempts for large trees and leave the work to a fully licensed, insured, and experienced tree service company or professional arborists.

You can read more here: Can I Cut The Tree In My Backyard? When To DIY & When To Call A Pro.

How Much Do Tree Services Cost in Utah?

The cost of tree services in Utah can vary depending on the size and type of tree, the tree’s accessibility, and the service needed (trimming, removal, stump grinding  etc.). In general, cleanup is always included in the cost, but removal or grinding of the tree stumps is usually an additional charge.

Expect to pay more if the tree is in a hard-to-reach or dangerous location, like close to power lines or hanging over your roof. In addition, a dead tree or dying tree can often cost more because they are more dangerous and at risk of falling and breaking during the tree removal or trimming process.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more per tree. Read on for our best tips on finding a great price for your tree job.

You can read more details on the cost of tree services in Utah here: How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost In Utah County?.

What to Expect When Hiring a Tree Service

Here is the general process you can expect when hiring a tree service:

Call for a free estimate

Most tree service companies will come to your property for a free consultation. During the consultation, the arborist will assess the tree and give you an estimate for the work. Be sure to ask questions about their experience, insurance, and what is included in the estimate. You can also ask for a copy of the estimate to be emailed or texted to you in writing.

Need a tree estimate now? Give BranchWorks a call or text – we can usually get you a next day consultation!

Schedule the job

Once you decide on the tree removal company you’d like to hire, you can coordinate with them to get your job scheduled. Depending on how urgent your job is needing to be done, you can expect to wait 1-2 weeks. 

If you have a fallen tree or another urgent need, emergency tree service is offered by most tree companies. You will generally have to pay a higher price for emergency service.

Prepare for the job

Prior to the tree company coming to your property, you should ensure that any vehicles or other obstacles are removed from the area they need to access. 

You can also consider moving any personal property that is able to be moved away from the tree’s immediate vicinity if you are worried about any falling tree branches, such as patio furniture, children’s toys, etc. 

It’s not a bad idea to review the estimate with the tree workers once they’re there, and ensure that no additional work is needed. 

You can also request before and after photos to be taken.

Review the job and pay

After your tree job is completed, the tree service company can review the work they did with you. They should be able to send you any requested photos of the job and explain the process. Once you are satisfied with the work done, you can go ahead and pay your invoice.

The Best Tips for Hiring a Budget Tree Service in Utah

Here are the best tips to help you find a budget tree service that will ensure great work at an affordable price.

1. Get multiple bids

Don’t settle for the first price you hear. Get quotes from at least three different tree services before making a decision. 

Your tree service company should be fast and responsive. If they aren’t quickly returning your calls or texts, that may be a sign that they won’t offer you the most competitive price and you can move on.

2. Ask for price matching

If you’ve gotten several bids at different prices, you can always ask your favorite company if they will match a legitimate bid. Most tree companies would be happy to earn your business by matching or beating the bid.

3. Ensure they’re insured

Make sure the tree service company has liability and/or workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you and your property in case of any accidents or damage. You can ask for a copy of the company’s insurance certificate. 

If a tree service company is hesitant or dodgy about sharing their insurance information, this is a red flag, and not worth any cheaper price you might get. If the price seems too good to be true, it may be a sign of an uninsured, underinsured, or unlicensed business.

4. Ask about the necessary equipment

Depending on the size and accessibility of your tree, the arborist may need additional equipment to get the job done, such as a lift, bucket truck, or a crane. The use of this equipment can sometimes increase the cost of the job, especially if your tree is in an area that is difficult to access.

5. Go over the estimate in advance

Before the work begins, be sure to go over the estimate with the arborist in detail. The tree care professional should always consult with you before doing any additional, unexpected work that would drive up the cost, so you can make sure to mention that to them in advance. This will help to avoid any surprises later on. 

A tree company should offer you their honest, professional opinion, but they should not try to pressure you into additional services. Make sure you feel comfortable with the tree company and your job will go smoothly.

6. Schedule in the off-season

Tree services are typically busiest in the spring and summer. You can often save money by scheduling your tree work in the late fall or winter.

7. Read the reviews and get referrals

Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations for tree service companies. You may be able to get a better idea of the cost by talking to someone who’s had tree work done in your neighborhood. You can also read online reviews to get a sense of a company’s reputation (and steer clear of companies that don’t have good online presence or reviews.)

8. Consider a smaller tree service company

Smaller tree service companies generally have lower overhead costs, translating to cost savings which they can pass onto you, the customer. They also may be more willing to work with you or negotiate on price.

9. Ask about referrals for new customers

Many tree companies will offer incentives for referrals! If you refer a friend to them who schedules a tree job, they should offer you a discount off your services – or, even better, a cash or gift reward.

Summary

By following these tips, you can find the best budget tree service in Utah to take care of your trees without going over budget.

If you’re looking for a local, family-owned, quality tree service company with reasonable prices, 100% customer satisfaction, quick responses, and a professional manner, look no further – schedule a free consultation with us today! With BranchWorks, you and your tree are guaranteed great service and a great experience. 

The post 9 Tips to Find the Best Budget Tree Service in Utah  appeared first on BranchWorks | Tree Services in Utah County.

While there are many cost factors that can have an effect, the average cost of tree trimming in Utah County in 2024 is $200-600 per tree. For a small tree under 15 feet tall the average price of trimming is around $150 per tree, and for larger trees or tall trees over 40 feet, the cost of trimming is closer to $600-800.

Other factors such as type of tree, tree health, nearby obstacles or structures can also influence the cost. This article will break down those factors that affect the cost of tree trimming and help you decide if it’s a DIY project or one best left to the professionals.

Why do I need to trim my tree?

There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to trim your trees regularly:

Improved health:

Trimming removes damaged, diseased, weak, or dead branches. This allows the tree to divert its resources to healthy branches, making the tree grow stronger.

Enhanced Safety:

Overgrown branches can become hazardous, especially during storms. Trimming can prevent branches from falling on your home, power lines, or people.

Increased Sunlight:

Strategic trimming reduces density, allowing optimal sunlight to reach your property, which benefits your lawn and garden.

Boosted Aesthetics:

Trimming can improve the overall appearance and property value of your tree and your property.

How Often Do I Need to Trim My Tree?

The frequency of trimming depends on the species of tree and its growth rate. However, a general rule is to trim every 3-5 years.

Young trees (less than 10 years old, approximately) need to be trimmed slightly more often than mature trees, every 2-3 years.

An exception is fruit trees — they need to be trimmed every year, sometimes twice a year. This maintains a small growth habit to allow for easier fruit harvesting, and also encourages production of healthy, good-sized fruit.

When is the best time of year to trim my tree?

Most landscape trees can be trimmed any time throughout the year. For certain fruit trees or flowering trees, trimming at the wrong time can affect their flower or fruit production.

The ideal time for tree trimming varies depending on the tree species and your location. In general, late winter or early spring, before flowers (if any) appear, is a good time for most trees. This is because the tree is still dormant and so trimming will not hinder its growth. 

In the case of storm damage or disease, your tree may require emergency service. Damaged branches, diseased branches, or dead limbs should be taken care of right away to protect the tree.

That being said, a tree trimming company is generally the busiest during early spring through fall. So if your tree is not flowering or fruiting, you can often get the best price by scheduling your tree trimming job outside of peak season, during the later fall to winter months.

How much does it cost to trim a tree?

Factors that affect the cost of tree trimming

Size of the tree:

Tree size is the most obvious reason that will affect how much it costs to trim a tree. Larger trees generally cost more to trim than smaller trees. This is because they require more time, labor, and equipment.

• Small tree (under 15 feet): $150-300 per tree
• Medium-sized tree (15-30 feet): $200-500 per tree
• Large tree (30-40 feet): $500-1000 per tree
• Extra-large trees (over 40 feet): $1000-1500+ per tree

Tree type:

Some tree species are more difficult to trim than others. For example, trees with dense foliage or thorny branches may cost more. Trees that have not been pruned regularly and are overgrown will also drive up the cost.

• Deciduous trees: Some common types of trees in this category in Utah include maple trees, oak trees (gambel oak or shrub oak), willow, ash, box elder, and elm. These trees can be accessed with a lift or by climbing. You can expect to pay between $250-700 for trimming a deciduous tree, depending on size.
• Evergreen trees: Evergreen trees such as pine trees can grow extremely tall, and they generally have very dense branches, which makes them more complicated. They are not generally a tree that can be climbed. You can expect to pay between $300-800 for trimming an evergreen tree, depending on size.
• Fruit trees: fruit trees are generally shorter and less dense, if they’ve been maintained properly, which makes them less expensive to trim. You can expect to pay between $100-200 for trimming a fruit tree, depending on size.

Accessibility and nearby obstacles:

Trees that are difficult to access may cost more to trim. This includes trees located near power lines, buildings, fences, sheds, or other obstacles. This requires more complex rigging to ensure limbs don’t get dropped and damage the structures.

When the tree is located in a difficult to reach or remote area that can’t be reached with a lift, then it must be climbed, which adds to the cost.

 Additionally, if the tree is tucked in a spot that can’t have a truck or trailer parked nearby, requiring the debris to be hauled further, that also adds to the cost.

Tree health:

The health of your trees affects the tree trimming costs. Diseased or damaged trees are usually more complex to trim than healthy trees. They may require more extensive tree pruning and more expert knowledge to know how to preserve the health of the tree.

Extra services:

The number of trees will affect the cost, of course. If you have multiple trees you can ask about a volume discount.If you need additional services, such as tree stump grinding or stump removal, this is usually a separate, additional cost. The cleanup is almost always included in the price of tree trimming – however some homeowners may wish to keep the branches or wood chips on their property instead of having them hauled away, which can reduce the overall cost.

Trimming versus removal:

Tree removal is a much more expensive proposition than trimming that requires another article entirely. If your tree is healthy, trimming is almost always the more cost-effective option.

Geographic location:

How much does it cost to trim a tree based on geographic location? This can vary; more remote or rural areas generally cost more to account for travel time.

BranchWorks offers tree services in Utah County, in the following cities:

• Orem
• Provo
• Lindon
• Pleasant Grove
• Springville
• Mapleton
• American Fork
• Highland
• Alpine
• Lehi
• Saratoga Springs

DIY Tree Trimming vs. Hiring Professional Tree Trimming Services 

For small, healthy trees with easy access, DIY tree trimming may be an option. If your job is a smaller tree and you can reach the lower branches without a ladder and without climbing, and it is not near a structure that is in danger of getting limbs dropped on it, then it is more feasible to do it yourself.

Read more here: Can I Cut The Tree In My Backyard? When To DIY & When To Call A Pro

Can I DIY my tree trimming?

If you answer “yes” to the following questions, you may be able to do your tree trimming yourself:

• Smaller tree (less than 15 feet)
• Can reach the lowest branches without a ladder and without climbing the tree
• Not near a home or structure that could be damaged if limbs were dropped on it
• Small branches that are narrow enough to trim with a hand saw or pole saw
• You own the proper special equipment needed (e.g., pruners or pole pruners, handsaw, ladder, chainsaw, hard hat or helmet, etc.)

However, for larger trees, difficult jobs, or if you have any doubts about your ability to do the job safely, it’s always best to hire a certified arborist. They have the expertise, safety equipment, and insurance to handle the job safely and effectively. They know where, and how, to make the proper cuts to keep the tree healthy and growing properly, and how to lower large branches and limbs without damaging property, structures, or your lawn or landscaping.

The biggest safety hazard with tree trimming is limbs dropping in unintended directions, damaging property or causing injury. If you DIY your tree trimming and damage your home or other structures, your homeowners insurance generally does not cover this.

If you don’t have experience or the necessary tools and equipment, it’s a good idea call a tree professional. That way, you can trust that your tree and your property are in safe hands. You can reach out to BranchWorks and ask how much does it cost to trim your tree with an easy, free quote here.

Conclusion

By considering the factors listed above, you can get a better idea of how much tree service will cost for your specific situation. Remember, a healthy tree is a valuable asset to your property, so regular trimming is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Give us a call today and we will give you a free, no-pressure estimate, and the best advice on how to take care of your tree.

The post How much does tree trimming cost in Utah County? (2024) appeared first on BranchWorks | Tree Services in Utah County.

Can I cut a tree on my private property?

In general, yes, as property owners you can remove trees on your own property. But there are always a few caveats.

What To Do if the Tree Is on Your Neighbor’s Property

Make sure the entire base of the trunk sits on your land. If it straddles the property line, you’ll need your neighbor’s permission before cutting it down. (Utah state laws allow them to claim up to three times the value of the tree if removed without consent!)

On the property line:

If the tree base is on the property line, both you and your neighbor share ownership for the tree. In this case, it’s a good idea to consult with your neighbor before making a big change to the tree! 

If you have a good relationship with your neighbor, it’s common to split the cost of tree removal.

On your neighbor’s side:

If the tree base sits on the opposite side of the fence, the tree is your neighbor’s property. 

However, Utah law says that your property rights extend up into the sky and down into the earth. So if your neighbor’s tree branch passes over your fence, you may prune it – but only up to the property line. This includes the roots of the tree as well. 

As always, best practice would be to consult with your neighbor before doing anything, even if a limb or a root is on your side. If the tree is causing problems on your land, talk to your neighbor and see if they’d be open to trimming or removing it together.

What to Do if a Tree Is a Safety Hazard:

If the tree is near or touching power lines, see below in “When do I need to call the utility company?”

Depending on the type of tree, you may be able to cut your tree in your backyard yourself. However, larger trees are much more complicated than small trees and you should consider hiring a professional. See more below in “When to call a professional tree service”

What are local laws around cutting my trees in Utah?

While Utah doesn’t have statewide tree protection laws, many cities and counties do. These regulations might dictate needing a tree removal permit or other local laws or local ordinances.

Do I need a tree removal permit?

In Utah, no; to cut a tree in your own backyard, you do not need a tree removal permit in general. You can always contact your city’s or local governments planning department for advice.

Where to find your local regulations in Utah

Most Utah city and county websites have information on tree removal permits and any local ordinances.  In addition, you can check out the Utah Division of Forestry for information on state laws around tree maintenance, tree planting, and public land.

What about street trees?

Depending on your city ordinance, maintaining street trees in park strips is your responsibility, (even if they were planted by the city or are technically city property). 

However, if the tree is becoming a safety hazard (e.g., roots buckling the sidewalk, curb, or gutter), the city might be responsible for removing the tree. 

You should contact your local government and see if they have a city arborist or forester for more information.

What about protected trees or a heritage tree?

This is a very rare occurrence, but certain tree species and mature trees are protected by the state of Utah. (You’d probably already know if you had one of these in your yard!)

Utah state law protects heritage trees. These are “rare, threatened, or vanishing” trees that are native species or well-adapted to Utah climate AND they also have historical significance or are exceptionally large or old trees.

When do I need to call the utility company?

If your tree is anywhere near power lines or utility lines, calling the utility company before any cutting is crucial.

Utility companies can assess the situation. They will be able to safely remove any branches that pose a risk, or recommend how to proceed with a tree trimming company. The power company can usually turn off power to your house before doing any trimming as well.

When to Call a Professional Tree Service: Dead Tree, Large trees, and Other Safety Risks

While some small, healthy trees might be manageable as a DIY project, consider calling a professional for:

• Dead tree or diseased trees: These dangerous trees pose a significant falling hazard and require proper removal techniques.
• Large trees: Cutting down larger trees is a dangerous undertaking that requires expertise and specialized equipment. If you’re just pruning or trimming lower branches, you may try it yourself, but removing a whole tree is best left to a licensed tree expert.
• Poorly placed trees: Trees near power lines or structures can be tricky to remove safely. Large branches hanging over structures such as fences, sheds, or homes can cause a lot more property damage than you’d expect. (It’s usually safer and cheaper to pay for a tree service than to pay to repair for a hole poked in your roof!)

Ultimately, when dealing with trees, safety comes first. If you’re unsure about your ability to handle the job safely and legally, call a professional arborist. They can assess the situation, obtain any necessary permits, and ensure the job is done right.

Get a free tree work estimate in Utah County

If you’re in Utah County, feel free to call or text BranchWorks for a free, no-pressure consultation for your tree. We would be happy to help you assess the best course of action for you and your tree care needs.

The post Can I Cut The Tree In My Backyard? When to DIY & When to Call A Pro appeared first on BranchWorks | Tree Services in Utah County.