As a tree service, we find that a lot of the large trees in Charlotte that have been living for 50+ years are getting toward the end of their life, especially in the South Charlotte wedge neighborhoods like Myers Park, Foxcroft, and Stonehaven.
Why Large Trees Cost More to Remove
Unfortunately, these trees are often very expensive to remove. Smaller trees can go for relatively cheap because just about any yahoo can do them. They don’t require as much large, expensive equipment or as much skill. But these super-large trees are a lot more technical to remove and come with a lot more risk.
Because of that, homeowners are always smart to get multiple quotes and vet companies to make sure they’ve done these types of jobs before.
We’ve removed many large trees: 25 inches DBH, 45 inches DBH, and the largest tree we’ve ever removed was a 64 inch DBH oak. You can read about that in a previous blog here.
The more of these large jobs a tree company does, the better they usually get at them and the more competitive they can get on price. That doesn’t mean they will always give you the lowest price, because companies that have a lot of demand for their work can charge a premium. So it still pays to shop around and talk to a few different tree guys.
When We Use a Crane for Large Tree Removal
We also often use a crane to remove these large trees. This can add about $2,000 to the price because we have to pay a crane operator for the day, but sometimes it gets our crew done a full day faster. In those cases, using a crane can actually cost less than removing the tree manually through climbing.
If you’re getting a large tree removed, you should always ask the tree company if they plan to use a crane. Sometimes we also use our lift and a crane on the same job, which can save even more time.
How to Hire a Company for a Large Tree Removal
All in all, make sure your tree guy has insurance and has done large tree removals before. You can vet a company through its Google Business Profile and its website. A legitimate tree company should have both, along with pictures and information showing the type of work they actually do.
Be very careful hiring a company that hasn’t done these large trees before.
I saw a homeowner one time who got 10 quotes on a large tree removal. It ended up being about a $6,000 tree. She sorted the quotes from lowest to highest and started vetting the companies starting with the cheapest. The guys quoting $2,000, $3,000, and $4,000 clearly weren’t equipped or experienced enough to safely do a job that big.
A lot of times these are landscaping guys trying to do tree work on the side. That might work for a small tree, but it’s probably not the best idea for a super large removal. The job might get done, but it’s likely to cause you more headaches and take a lot longer.
Getting 10 quotes was actually a pretty smart way to do it, although most of us don’t have time for 10 quotes. I certainly don’t. Usually I get one or two quotes and go with the person who feels like the best fit.
Large Tree Removal in Charlotte, NC
We tend to be competitive on large tree removal pricing, so please give us a call if you have a large tree you’re concerned about.
You can also visit our Tree Removal Service Page for more information. Thank you!
MTM Tree Services LLC is an owner / operator led tree service team in Charlotte NC. Text or call 704-965-3589 for a free quote. Licensed & insured. Certified arborist on staff.
