What is the Cheapest Time of the Year for Tree Removal?

Last Modified

March 2, 2023 by Hirah Ehsan

You often feel like your trees are part of the family. However, there are times when you need to remove your tree. It can be quite expensive to have a tree removed, but it is still necessary. The question is, what is the cheapest time of the year for tree removal?

In terms of tree removal, February and March are the most economical months of the year. During this period, trees are in their dormant state and have no leaves, bare branches, and frozen ground.

This time of year is considered ideal for removing trees, and it’s also good for the environment. Due to the frozen ground surrounding the stump and roots, there will be less disruption to the surrounding flora.

Furthermore, tree companies are currently short of work so they’re offering discounts to keep things going.

Different Seasons of Tree Removal

Tree removal companies have slow and busy seasons, too! There is a greater demand for tree removal during the summer months. Warmer temperatures allow for more productive workdays and severe weather requires more emergency services.

Spring and Summer

In most areas, storms begin to occur during the spring and summer months. It can break branches and scatter limbs all over your yard. During this time, many tree removal companies are called for emergency services.

Since more calls come in in the late spring and summer, prices often increase. It’s hard to get the routine trimming done during this season because tree removal companies are booked up.

It’s likely you’ll be on a waitlist or pay a heavy price if you need a tree removed as a matter of course. In the event that you need to remove trees not related to an emergency in these months, you should schedule them when it is more convenient for you.

Fall and Winter

Short days make it hard to do tree removal during the day. For tree removal companies, this is a time of declining business, which is why they’re offering discounts.

In most areas of the country, it’s the cheapest and easiest to get rid of trees in February and March! At this time of year, most of the trees have lost their leaves, making tree removal easier.

This period is not only cheaper for companies, but also better for the ground. Most of the country is frozen, making it much easier to lift trees or drop them on the ground.

Why is Winter The Cheapest and The Best Time For Tree Removal?

Tree removal is considered to be best during late winter or early spring for a number of reasons. As trees are in their “dormant season” during February and March, tree removal is statistically cheaper during these months.

It is easier for a tree service to cut down the tree safely and quickly during the winter since the leaves have fallen from the trees.

Also, it is considered to be the best time of year to cut a tree down during these months. Colder ground reduces the impact on the surrounding earth.

During the process of removing a tree from the ground, frozen ground prevents nearby vegetation from damage.

The stormy or windy months can be a busy time for top tree companies. During this time, there might be an emergency tree removal, which could affect the price.

What Are the Expected Tree Removal Prices?

In addition to the time of year, tree removal costs vary based on the tree’s quality. For example, large trees are more expensive to remove. Besides tree size, you’ll find that tree removal companies charge different prices, and they pose different risks.

Trees with low risk mean lower prices since they’re less likely to cause damage to anything around them.

Below are the estimated costs of tree removal based on tree size:

  • Small trees (30-60 feet) $250 to $700
  • Medium trees (70- 80 ft) $900 to $1,000
  • Large trees (80 feet and up) $1,100 to $2,000

Again, the number can vary a lot depending on the area, the tree, and the companies you choose to do the tree removal.

Recognizing when your tree needs to be Removed

The removal of a tree that is located under power lines is not always necessary. Instead, cut the branches off the tree since trees under power lines shouldn’t grow taller than 25 feet. Keep an eye out if any of your trees are in this situation.

The most common problem that trees face is internal decay. An internal decay tree has vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs, and large, older wounds. In other words, call a tree company and start removing your tree if it has any of this damage.

When a tree is damaged by 50%, it is more advantageous to remove it than to cure it. It’s more likely that a diseased or damaged tree will damage the soil for future trees or will pass its illness to them.

  1. To conclude, here are some tips to consider when removing trees.
  2. Ensure that the removal of the tree will not harm other trees nearby. There is no interference with traffic flow, stoplights, or any other traffic signal by the tree.
  3. In the case of a tree with historic or sentimental value, consider whether to remove it. However, if this is not the case and the tree continues to suffer damage, it would be more appropriate to remove it and replace it.

When is the most expensive time to remove trees?

Throughout the year, there are highs and lows, pros and cons. Still, late Spring and Summer are the most expensive times to remove trees because tree companies get a lot of calls then.

In part, this is due to the trees coming out of dormancy and starting to grow again after a long period of dormancy.

In most cases, the cheapest trees to cut down are those that are small and medium in size. However, large trees and those that are “very large” are the ones whose price increases the most.

However, the location of the tree is equally important when it comes to price. Generally, areas with high living costs will be more expensive and will be at the higher end of the scale.

Moreover, the heat and temperature changes during the summer pose a greater threat to trees. It is important to note, however, that everything depends on the kind of tree you have and the degree to which it is difficult to cut down.

Does it always cost less to remove a tree in winter?

Answering this question will vary depending on your geographic location as well as the type of tree you are trying to remove.

Many companies will offer discounts during winter in the northeastern United States because of lower demand during this time period.

Yet, in other parts of the country that have milder winters than northern areas, removing a tree in winter won’t yield significant savings. Sometimes, removing a tree in Winter can be more expensive, especially following a severe storm.

A high wind storm can damage trees. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, there may be a higher need for tree services, as many homeowners may need emergency services such as tree removal or tree trimming.

As the demand for products and services increases, it is also expected that costs will temporarily increase as well.

How much money can you save by removing trees in winter?

The removal of trees in winter can save you a great deal of money. During colder months, when there is less demand, you will likely find prices to be 30-40% lower.

If you need a tree cut down during the off-season, you may be able to obtain better rates from arborists since they are not fully booked.

The colder months (November – March) tend to have lower prices for certified arborists since they can handle more work.

Conclusion

When you know a few tips and tricks, you can get the best price for your tree removal. Tree removal is a seasonal practice, and winter and early spring are usually quiet periods, which results in lower prices, especially during February and March.

During these times, tree removal is at its most affordable. Additionally, you can reduce costs by removing trees in advance of an emergency and getting them removed before they become a problem. Find out what works best for you by asking around for the best services and prices.

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