Determining tree removal cost in Rio Rancho is not an exact science. Prices are always determined by a number of factors and each job comes with its own set of special circumstances. If there are a higher number of risks involved in removing the tree, the cost understandably will be higher. Each extra task that must be taken on is a labor cost and the workers must be compensated for time and sweat.
What to Expect From the Usual Estimate
When you contact tree services in Rio Rancho to get an estimate, the basic prices cover cutting the tree down and hauling it with all its limbs and debris to the local landfill. The labor breakdown covers climbing the tree to do the cutting, roping limbs and cutting fallen limbs into smaller pieces that can more easily be hauled away.
In some markets, tree removal cost only includes cutting the tree down. If the company hauls away trunks and limbs, they can sometimes charge as much as $400. This is a question that should be asked up front so that there are no misunderstandings when it is time for payment.
Treating stumps is an add-on service for this business. Most companies have to subcontract a specialist to do stump grinding and removal. The cost can range anywhere from $60 to $400, depending on the size of the stump.
Another cost consideration is sawdust that remains after the tree has been removed. Remember the company has been chopping and breaking the tree down into smaller pieces so there is a lot of lumber dust that will remain. A tree removal service does not usually clean up sawdust.
Some homeowners who have saws and other equipment used to chop up the trunk for firewood will need to pay only to have the tree company drop the tree for them. This can save a lot of hassle and added on services that drive the prices up.
Height Matters
Some of the initial estimates for tree removal cost are based on the height of the tree. Trees that are less than 25 feet tall can cost $150 to $500 a piece. Trees in the 25- to 75-foot range cost $200 to $1,000. Trees over 75 feet can cost at lest $1,500 each. These estimates are base prices that have not factored in any other difficulties with the removal. It usually does not matter if the tree is standing or leaning; the price is the same.
Complexities
The complications that can come with removing a tree often depend on what caused the need for tree removal. For example, a tree that has grown or is leaning too close to a power line is a liability for the company. Not only is the company putting its own workers in jeopardy, but it is also taking a risk with damaging existing electrical frameworks for the local utility company. The outcome could affect more people that the tree removal company’s customer. For this reason, the company has to charge an extra cost to cover that liability.
Damaged trees also pose a liability. Hurricanes, ice storms and other natural disasters can place a tree on or through a rooftop. The primary aim of any tree service will not be limited to removing the tree. The company must remove the tree without creating any additional damage to the customer’s property. This may require the use of special equipment like cranes, which typically rent for about $1,200 an hour. Tree removal companies can charge about $10,000 to remove a tree with this kind of damage.
Checklist
It is important to get quotes from several reputable companies before settling on which will be the one to do the job. After you decide on a company, check local coupon books, newspapers and online sites for coupons. Also ask if the company has package deals for more than one tree or more than one service.
In some places, a permit is required in order to do the tree removal. Some companies expect the homeowner to take care of this and pay the appropriate fees. Ask upfront if the company applies for its own permits or leaves that to the customer.
Check out the company’s reputation with the local Better Business Bureau and make sure the company is insured. If something goes wrong on the job, you want to be sure the damage can be covered adequately.
Finally, consider planting another tree somewhere else on your property if you must take a tree down. Although this is beyond the scope of tree removal cost, it is an environmentally responsible act and, in some cases, a neighborhood requirement.
