Removing a tree isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Despite all the beauty and other benefits they can bring, trees should be removed if they’re diseased, damaged, or infected. Leaving a tree up in circumstances such as these could be dangerous for the tree itself, the surrounding area, nearby structures, and even you and your family.
When tree removal services are necessary, one thing is for sure: Don’t do it yourself. Tree removal can be incredibly dangerous and must be performed by an experienced professional. This often brings up the question: Just how much does it cost to remove a tree?
This article explores the costs of tree removal in 2023, and explains why it varies so widely. For personalised advice, contact our team at Oz Tree Services today.
Breaking it Down: Tree Removal Cost
The cost of removing a tree can vary greatly depending on a wide range of factors. Qualified arborists need to assess the tree and its surroundings to determine its potential dangers and therefore the time, work, and cost of removing it.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Removing a Tree
1. Species
One of the first things an arborist will look at is the tree’s species. This will often determine how complex the job may be and any challenges that may be associated with felling, climbing, and cutting it.
For example, coniferous trees tend to have a higher density of branches than gum trees, which increases their level of difficulty and therefore level of risk, ultimately affecting the overall cost. Some species such as date palms and coral bean plants have spikes, meaning the removalist will need to take extra precautions which will then also affect the cost.
2. Size
As a general rule of thumb, small trees cost less to remove than large trees. The bigger the tree, the bigger the risk! This applies in terms of both occupational health and safety and financially. A guideline of tree size is:
- Small trees: Up to 10 metres
- Medium trees: 10 to 20 metres
- Large trees: 20 metres and above
3. Condition
The health and condition of the tree are also major factors. These dictate how dangerous it will likely be to climb and remove, as well as which approach may be best to bring it down safely and how difficult that may be.
A tree’s condition is generally composed of its structural integrity, the extent of any storm damage, rot, disease, and pest infestations. For example, older trees or trees with termites may be less stable to climb, possibly requiring extra equipment to remove which will often increase the cost.
4. Safety
Safety is always an arborist’s number one priority, so this is something we assess immediately. This refers to both the condition of the tree and the site it’s located in.
Climbing a tree known to be dangerous to climb means arborists need to take extra precautions to ensure everybody’s safety— this can include extra safety lines, extra crew members, elevated work platforms, and many other strategies that tend to come with added expenses.
5. Location
The location, or site, matters just as much as the tree itself. If the tree is in a hard-to-access area or has large obstructions surrounding it, this increases the job’s difficulty and, in turn, how long it may take to complete.
Essentially, the closer an arborist can bring the equipment needed to the tree, the faster the job may be and the less it tends to cost. If the tree is in a large, clear area, this is generally not a problem. If, however, the tree is in an area that’s hard to reach, it may need to be cut into smaller pieces to be fully removed which often adds more time— and costs— to the project.
6. Terrain
The type of land the tree is on within its location can be flat or uneven, even mountainous. A flat surface is one thing, but uneven or sloping ground can make a job much more difficult. This is because it impacts the crew’s safety throughout the entirety of the job, and increases challenges when it comes to transporting waste back down to the bottom. The crew may also need to take more breaks in order to complete the job safely, which also adds to the overall cost.
7. Weather
The weather anywhere can be unpredictable, as Melbournians know all too well! Whether it’s summer or winter, weather such as wind can quickly become an issue and make tree removal a safety hazard. In cases like these, the crew needs to wait for breaks in the wind, or even come back on another day when the weather conditions have improved.
As well as wind, there’s rain, lightning, and storms to contend with. And in the hot summer and even spring, the crew will typically need to take more water breaks to ensure safety, adding onto the tree removal cost.
8. Time of Year
The weather isn’t the only thing that varies depending on the time of year! Summer and spring tend to be the busiest periods for tree removal, while autumn may be quieter. Another factor is the leaves, as for deciduous trees, the number of leaves will also vary from autumn to spring. More leaves equal more weight, which tends to equal more of a cost.
Related Link: Will Pruning A Tree in Summer Kill It?
Your Go-To Team for Tree Removal in Melbourne
No matter the size, condition, or species of tree you need removed, our team is on hand to assist. We have over 30 years of experience in removing trees, and are qualified level 2 arborists with a dedicated passion for what we do. With over $10 million public liability insurance, we value safety over all else and are the trustworthy tree removal team to turn to. Whether you need help with a diseased tree or simply want to know your options, we’re happy to help!
