When it comes to estimating the cost of tree removal in Canterbury, no professional arborist can, unfortunately, have a magic number that applies to each and every tree in the same way. Instead, the cost of removing a tree varies depending on the size of the tree, the species of tree, the location, and the condition of the tree. There are also additional expenses that are related to safety concerns, regulations imposed by the council, and the time of year.
In this blog post, we’ve gathered a list of the common elements that can influence the price of tree removal, but if you want a precise quote and timeline for your tree removal, a qualified arborist in Canterbury will need to assess your tree.
The Determining Factors
The cost of removing your tree will depend on a number of different things, including those listed here. These factors include the size of the tree, the terrain, and the season.
Species, Size, and Condition of Trees
Species
The tree’s type will determine how difficult it’ll be to climb up, cut it down, chip the wood, and transport it. Some plant species, like the date palm, have the additional risk of being more dangerous to remove due to the spikes present on their leaves, and therefore, it’ll be costlier to remove such plants.
Size
The difficulty level of tree felling is directly proportional to its size, and it’s regardless of the tree’s species/type. The removal of smaller trees (those with a height of up to 10 metres) and medium-sized trees (those with a height of 10 to 20 metres) is significantly faster and less expensive than the removal of larger trees (those with a height of more than 20 metres) – this is because there is less timber to cut and fewer branches to throw away.
Large trees pose a greater risk when it comes to removing them and may require the use of additional services such as managing traffic, turning off the electricity, and using cranes.
Condition
Most trees that are being cut down are usually decaying, infected or dead. Therefore, climbing the tree or removing specific branches may be dangerous for some of our members.
For safer removal of trees that have been damaged by storms, have been infested by pests, or have dead branches, specialised equipment may be required. Before a team member can give a time and cost estimate for the removal of the tree, they will need to conduct a thorough inspection.
Site
Due to safety, location, and terrain requirements, the removal of your tree may incur additional costs depending on its location.
Safety
At ProArb Canterbury, we never, ever make exceptions when it comes to safety. Just as we do with our tree assessment, we take the time to consider any safety concerns with respect to the location of your tree removal.
In the event that the tree is diseased or has died, we’ll have to take appropriate measures to ensure our own safety in order to cut it down. It is likely that this will call for additional personnel as well as specialised pieces of equipment.
Examples include:
- Pickers for cherries
- Traffic flow
- Extra safety lines
- Elevated platforms
The price of your tree removal will almost certainly go up if you include these extras, and the amount you pay will depend on the specific safety requirements.
Location
Location plays an important role in the safe and effective removal of trees. The most important thing is to have easy access to the tree. It’ll make the removal process more efficient to be able to park the machinery and equipment close to the tree because no time will be lost splitting the tree into small pieces and carrying them to the woodchipper.
Even a relatively short distance, such as 10 or 20 metres, can significantly increase the amount of time necessary to complete your removal and the associated cost.
Other factors that can make the removal more difficult and lead to an increase in cost include the following:
- Powerlines
- Buildings in close proximity
- Entry for motor vehicles
Terrain
The removal process can be made more difficult by difficult terrain. It is possible that the removal process will take longer if your tree is situated on sloping or uneven ground. This is because our crew will need to take additional safety precautions while transporting the tree materials to the wood chipper.
External
Sadly, there will always be outside variables that are beyond your control that can raise the cost of your tree removal.
Weather
Even though external factors (such as weather conditions) have less impact on the cost of tree removal, they can make the job more difficult.
There can be situations where the removal process cannot proceed, thanks to a few safety concerns, such as during strong wind or storms with lightning. Due to the need for hydrant breaks and the increased risk of fire, hot weather can lengthen the time needed for a removal.
Time of year
The supply and demand market has an effect on the business of tree removal, just as it does on every other industry. There is a rise in the number of tree removals performed during the warmer months; consequently, there is a possibility of cost savings if you choose to have your tree removed in the autumn.
Additionally, the time of year can have an effect on the life cycle of your tree. The cost of removing a tree in the fall when it has lost its leaves is significantly lower than the cost of removing a tree in the spring when it is in full leaf and bloom.
Additional Costs and Fees
When it comes to the removal of your tree, you’ll also have to budget for some extra costs.
Stump removal
Getting rid of a stump and its root system is no walk-in-a-garden. It requires great effort and careful planning. Therefore, it’s also time-consuming! However, leading arborists in Canterbury encourage stump removal as they can invite tripping hazards, take up unnecessary space, and hinder your garden’s health.
Having said that stump removal does come with additional expenses, such as:
Green waste disposal
When a tree is taken down, it leaves behind a good amount of waste. Some clients might prefer keeping the waste for home uses such as firewood or garden mulch, but if you want your waste to be disposed of, many professional arborists in Canterbury may offer a variety of waste solutions at varying prices.
Council permits
In order to cut down or remove your tree, you might need to submit an application for a permit to the council district where the tree is located. It’s so because different councils have different laws regarding tree protection, and these laws may only apply to certain tree species, sizes, or conditions depending on the council.
Get in touch with the local council or neighbourhood arborist in Canterbury to find out if there are any specific rules or regulations that apply, and make sure to factor this into your budget for tree removal.
Tree removal in Canterbury!
To get a quote from ProArb Canterbury, you can contact us by phone, email, or through their website. We will need some information about your job, such as the type of tree, the size of the tree, the location of the tree, and the specific services you require. Once we have this information, we will be able to give you a free quote.
It is important to note that the cost of tree care services can vary significantly from company to company. It is always a good idea to get quotes from several different companies before making a decision.