Tree Pruning Cost

The cost of pruning a tree varies between $75 and $2000 in Dallas, Texas. Since most properties have medium-sized trees, most people pay $350 to $650, with $450 being the typical average tree pruning cost.

The tree pruning cost is affected by a range of factors. Understanding how each factor affects the tree pruning procedure – and therefore, the cost – can help you create an ideal budget for the tree maintenance procedure.

Factors Affecting the Tree Pruning Cost in Dallas, Texas

1. Tree Size

Pruning a 100-foot white pine is generally riskier and more complicated than pruning a 15-foot crape myrtle tree. In addition to needing more safety gear, working on the 100-foot tree will take more time – this drives the tree pruning cost up.

Most tall trees also tend to have a bigger crown spread. White oaks that grow to a height of 60 to 100 feet have a crown spread of 50 to 90 feet. When compared to a franklin tree which features a height of 10 to 25 feet and a crown spread of 10 to 15 feet, the white oak will require more effort and time to prune.

Below, we have outlined the costs to expect for trees of varying sizes:

• Very large trees – These trees have a height of above 80 feet. They include white pines which can grow to heights of over 150 feet. The pruning cost for these trees ranges from $1,500 to $2000.
• Large trees – Large trees have a height of between 60 and 80 feet. Compared to the very large trees, they are easier to prune, although they are more complicated than medium and small trees. Large tree pruning cost ranges from $800 to $1,500.
• Medium trees – These have a height of 30 to 60 feet. You will pay $150 to $800 to prune medium trees.
• Small trees – Small trees have a height of below 30 feet. They generally have the smallest crowns and are the easiest to prune. Small tree pruning cost ranges from $75 to $400.

2. Tree Species

Tree species is a determining factor when it comes to tree height, crown spread, and how complicated the tree pruning procedure will be. Some tree species will be tall, incredibly wide, and with huge branches. Others will be small, with medium-sized crowns, and thin branches. The large tree species will have a higher tree pruning cost.

Below, we have listed tree species common in Dallas, Texas and their pruning costs:

Olive Tree Pruning Cost

The productivity of olive trees depends on tree pruning. The tree’s branches need enough sunlight for the flowers to mature into fruits. Overcrowding on the tree crown often interferes with sunlight access.

Pruning the olive tree improves sunlight access. The procedure, however, costs $350 to $700 in Dallas, Texas.

Avocado Tree Pruning Cost

In Dallas, property owners generally plant both the dwarf and big varieties of the avocado tree. This results in trees of varying sizes. Depending on how big your avocado tree is, its tree pruning cost will vary from $350 to $700.

Pine Tree Pruning Cost

One of the largest tree species in Dallas, Texas, pine trees mature at a height of 80 to 150 feet. Pine trees, however, require pruning when they are as small as 40 feet. Depending on your pine’s current height, you may be charged $200 – $2000 by professional tree pruners.

Maple Tree Pruning Cost

Maple trees are available in both large and medium-sized subspecies. The tree reaches maturity at a height of 40 to 100 feet. Depending on the size of your maple tree, you should expect a quotation of $400 to $1000.

Palm Tree Pruning Cost

Although palm trees mature at a height of 80 feet, they need pruning when they are as small as 20 feet. Therefore, depending on palm tree height, you should expect a tree pruning cost of $100 to $1,500.

Crape Myrtle Tree Pruning Cost

One of the best ornamental trees in Dallas, Texas, crape myrtle also happens to be one of the smallest trees, generally maturing with a height of below 30 feet. Property owners in Dallas, TX, pay $75 to $400 to prune crape myrtles.

3. Accessibility

In the modern age, tree pruners no longer need to climb a tree to reach the tree crown. Instead, they use bucket trucks which enhance safety and reduce the tree pruning time. Bucket trucks, however, are not always usable – when a tree is in an enclosed area, the bucket truck will lack parking space.

Whenever a bucket truck is unusable, property owners have to pay a higher tree pruning cost to cater for the extra time needed to climb the tree manually. On average, manual tree climbing increases the tree pruning cost by about 30% to 40%.

If a tree would cost $1000 to prune with the bucket truck, you may need to pay $1,300 to $1,400 if the tree pruning experts have to climb up the tree manually.

4. Proximity to Utilities

Trees on open spaces – that is, away from powerlines, walls, houses, and other sensitive structures – are generally easier to prune. This is because the cut branches can be allowed to fall freely without risking property damage.

When a tree is next to utilities, extra caution must be taken to eliminate the possibility of the cut branches causing damage. Tree pruning professionals tie the branches with ropes before cutting them. These ropes are then used to slowly, lower the branches. This process takes extra time, which often forces the tree pruners to quote a higher tree pruning cost.

5. Tree Health

Pests and diseases weaken the tree’s wood structure. It makes the branches more susceptible to falling unexpectedly. When pruning these trees, extra care is often needed to minimize the chances of the branches falling in the wrong areas.

Unlike healthy trees which often need a few snips here and there to shape them, diseased trees need more work to remove all the affected branches. All this means a higher tree pruning cost for the unhealthy trees.

After tree pruning, pest-infested and diseased trees require the attention of a professional arborist. The arborist will diagnose the tree and determine the best treatment options. In most cases, the tree owners have to spend extra money on medications and pesticides. The total cost of treatment can add an extra $50 to $500 to the quoted tree pruning cost.

6. Additional Costs

In Dallas, Texas, property owners often find themselves paying more money than what is quoted for tree pruning. The extra costs often result from the extra services and/or extra costs the tree pruners have to take care of. Below, we have listed the most common sources of extra costs:

Cleanup Costs

The branches removed from the tree crown can turn into hazards, especially in situations where the pruned tree is standing next to a frequently used path. Sometimes, the branches are damaging to the visual appearance of a property. Tree pruners can help you with the cleanup. You will, however, have to spend an extra $25 to $100 on the service.

Travel Fees

Travel fee is a common additional cost for homeowners who prefer working with tree pruners who live too far from their properties. Working with tree pruners closest to your home puts you in their service zone – this means zero travel costs. However, when you decide to work with professionals who have to cover hundreds of miles to get to your home, you should expect a travel cost of $0.5 per mile or a fixed cost of $50 to $200.

Factors Affecting Tree Pruning Timing

For tree pruning to offer maximum benefits, it has to be timed correctly. Various factors often influence tree pruning timing:

• Safety – If a tree has branches that are threatening to fall, pruning has to be done immediately to avoid property damage and injuries.
• Tree health – If your tree has diseased branches, these need to be removed immediately to keep the disease from spreading.
• Property value – If you are thinking of selling a home or commercial property, improving the health and shape of the tree can give the property a higher value.
• Dormant stage – The best time to prune trees is when they are not growing actively. Trees stop growing actively in the dormant stage, which generally starts in the fall and may last through winter.

Saving Money on Tree Pruning

To reduce your tree pruning cost, you may want to do the following:

• Prune your small non-risky shrubs and trees instead of paying professionals.
• Let the power company handle pruning for trees standing next to powerlines.
• Compare quotations from multiple tree pruners and choose the company with the lowest prices.
• Maintain your tree’s health to avoid paying for treatment.
• Avoid the travel fee by inviting tree pruning professionals closest to your home.
• Wait for the off-season before hiring tree pruners – this will help you enjoy lower rates.
• Invest in regular pruning to keep your trees from getting out of shape and requiring extra actions to restore their natural shape.