Tree Trimming Cost

Tree trimming improves aesthetics, health, and safety. It is one of the most important maintenance works needed to keep a tree in its best shape as it grows. While you can do it yourself, a better alternative is to let the pros do it for you! Our team has skilled arborists and innovative tools to deliver the best tree trimming service.

In San Antonio, the tree trimming cost ranges from $200 to $760, with most people paying $460. It might seem expensive, but considering that it will be done by certified arborists with extensive knowledge and skills using the best equipment available, every dollar is worth it!

San Antonio Tree Trimming Cost Factors

1. Height

Trimming requires working on the crown of the tree. This is more difficult if the tree is taller. We will need special equipment to reach the top, including a crane. Special gear is also required to ensure the safety of our personnel if they have to climb a tall tree.

• Small Trees: For trees 30 feet and below, tree trimming cost ranges from $100 to $400. It is easy to work on these trees, making them cheap to trim. We often do not use a special lift or support equipment if our people can work on the ground.
• Medium Trees: These are trees that are 30 to 60 feet and will cost about $175 to $600 to trim. This will require a bit more work, including the use of climbing equipment so that we can work comfortably and safely.
• Tall Trees: These trees are more than 60 feet and the most difficult to trim. Many of them are old, so we need extreme caution since a lot of the branches are probably weak. Our team needs special equipment, including a crane. The cost will vary from$200 to $1,800.

2. Condition

The physical condition of the tree affects the complexity of the job, making it another crucial factor that determines tree trimming cost. Health is one of the most important indicators of a tree’s condition. A healthy tree is cheaper to trim. When it is unhealthy, the tree is less stable. The branches are weaker, representing a significant danger not just to our staff, but also to people and property around the tree. This is inevitably going to drive the cost up.

3. Accessibility

The more accessible the tree is, the cheaper the trimming cost will be. If it is in an open area, such as a park or a huge garden, then there is generous space for us to move. This makes the job a lot easier. On the other hand, when it is difficult to access, such as if the tree is between two houses with a narrow space or when there are power lines and other obstructions, tree trimming cost will be higher.

4. Number of Trees

Trimming a single tree is always more expensive compared to trimming multiple trees. For instance, if it costs $200 to trim one tree, if you need us to trim ten trees, the price can go as low as $1,000, which means that you will be paying only $100 for each tree. Costs like gas and insurance are reduced when we trim more trees, which is also why it is more affordable.

Hire a Pro or Do It Yourself?

Thinking if you should trim the tree yourself or trust the professionals to do it for you? Below, let’s quickly compare the two:

• Cost: If your main concern is tree trimming cost, then you should do it yourself, especially if you have the right tools. It is a great way to save money. As long as the tree is small and the trimming requirement is basic, you can do it easily.
• Safety: It is best to work with professionals to ensure safety in tree trimming. Especially in tall trees with large trunks, the pros have proper tools for the job.
• Knowledge and Skills: There are lots of online videos and guides available, but they do not suffice. Work with our team and enjoy top-notch service from knowledgeable and skilled staff.
• Efficiency: Tree trimming requires time and effort. If you are often busy, let the pros do it for you. You can focus on more important things as we take care of your tree trimming needs.
• Insurance: Your health insurance may be insufficient to cover injuries in tree trimming. Property damage resulting from tree trimming gone wrong can also be outside of your insurance coverage. Working with pros can give you peace of mind because our services are insured!
• Outcome: The best thing about working with professionals is that you are guaranteed exceptional outcomes. If you do it yourself, you may end up redoing it because you are unsatisfied with the results. If you let professionals like our tree service company do it, we assure your highest level of satisfaction.

Tips and Techniques

If you decide to trim the tree yourself, keep in mind the tips below so you can do it like a pro. Mistakes are costly, not just for the tree, but also for you, so proceed with caution.

• Start with a thorough assessment of the tree, especially health and overall condition. This will let you gauge the potential risks. For instance, if there are weak branches, you need to be more careful to prevent injury and property damage.
• Always sanitize your tools before working. Whether it is shears, loppers, or chainsaw, among others, use alcohol to disinfect your equipment, This will prevent the transmission of pests and diseases that can harm the tree.
• Choose the right timing. Similar to pruning, trimming is best done when the tree is dormant. For deciduous trees, this is from fall to spring. It lessens the vulnerability of the tree to damage. Meanwhile, for evergreen trees, trim them anytime.
• Do not over-trim. When the tree loses more branches than necessary, it affects its overall health. The tree will eventually die. It can put a tremendous strain on the tree and will inhibit its growth.
• Decide what to trim and what to leave. Get rid of weak and V-shaped branches. Meanwhile, retain U-shaped branches. Avoid trimming those that are just beginning to sprout or show a healthy sign of life.
• Stay safe and sound when trimming. Do not go without safety equipment when the tree is more than six feet. Use a ladder and make sure to work on stable ground. Ask for a helping hand, especially if the branches are heavy.
• After trimming, proper disposal is crucial. Do not let the branches sit in the yard. They can have pests and spread the infection to the healthy plants and trees within your property.

Pruning Versus Trimming

Pruning and trimming are two words often used interchangeably despite having different meanings. They are both essential for tree care and maintenance, but they have different purposes.

Trimming is more focused on maintaining the aesthetics of the tree. It thins out the branches of the tree to make it more compact and enhance its shape, making it a more beautiful feature of any landscape. On the other hand, pruning is more than maintenance. It removes unwanted growth, making sure that the tree does not become an obstruction. It is more focused on the health of the tree and not just its aesthetics.

In terms of the scope of work involved, pruning is more complicated. Unsurprisingly, it requires the expertise of a certified arborist. In contrast, trimming is a general work that can be done by almost anyone since no certification is necessary. Pruning is also more expensive because it is more difficult. More so, pruning requires more complicated equipment compared to those you will need in trimming. Lastly, trimming is done more frequently compared to pruning, the exact frequency of which will depend on the specific tree.

Saving Money on Trimming

There are different ways to lower tree trimming cost, including the following:

• If the tree is next to a power line, contact the power line company and they might handle the work for free. If the tree falls, there will be service disruptions. This is one thing that the company would like to avoid, so they might be more than willing to shoulder the cost of trimming.
• Trim trees twice a year. Doing it regularly will help maintain its shape, which means that the work needed will be easier. If you don’t trim regularly, it will grow bigger and will be more difficult to trim, making the job more expensive.
• Take care of the tree. Keep it healthy and well-maintained. Use pesticides and fertilizers depending on the requirements of the tree. This will improve its overall condition, making it easier and cheaper to trim.
• Trim the trees in bulk. Trimming one tree is more expensive compared to trimming several trees. If you only have one tree in your yard, you might want to ask your neighbors if they need trimming as well.
• Keep the wood and find a way to use it. The most common is for a fire pit or even for grilling. You can even repurpose the wood and transform it into furniture. This way, you don’t have to buy wood for whatever reason.