How much does tree pruning cost?

If you want to keep your yard or garden looking nice, you should have its trees pruned regularly. Aside from making your tree look beautiful, pruning removes dead or broken branches that pose serious hazards. Booking other garden maintenance services can make your outdoor space better than ever.

The cost of tree pruning in the US usually ranges from $150 to $2,200, depending on various factors. This guide will help you set a budget for tree pruning and trimming work.

Average cost of pruning a tree

Tree pruning cost estimates depend on the method used. After all, pruning involves more than getting rid of dead branches or pests. When you hire a tree surgeon, their work can also involve cleaning, lowering, and thinning branches to ensure that the lower layers receive adequate sunlight.

Tree crown cleaning

On average, tree crown cleaning costs $150 to $650. The tree’s crown is cleaned, and dead, dying, or sick branches are cut. This service prevents dead branches from falling onto cars, houses, or fences and only needs to be done every few years.

Tree crown raising

This costs $250 to $850. Raising is the process of removing lower tree limbs to make room for moving vehicles or persons. It helps prevent roof damage by keeping low branches away from buildings. As a result of the canopy being raised off the ground, grass growing underneath the tree will receive more light.

Tree thinning

For those who require tree thinning, the cost ranges from $250 to $1,000. To improve light and air distribution across the tree’s crown, particular branches might be pruned or removed. It helps the tree maintain its shape and reduces the weight of some branches to prevent breakage. You can prevent roof or car damage by booking a service for tree thinning.

Tree crown reduction

The average cost of tree crown reduction ranges from $250 to $2,200. Reduction focuses on shrinking the size of the tree, usually to create room for utility lines. Since some trees are difficult or risky to access, tree crown reduction is one of the priciest pruning services. After the job, tree debris needs to be removed as well.

Factors affecting tree pruning costs

Tree size

The bigger the tree is, the more expensive it is to prune. Small trees like Japanese maple, lollipop crabapple, Henry anise, and crape myrtle are generally the cheapest trees to prune, usually ranging from $250 to $525, while large tree pruning costs $500 to $1,200. This is because more hours of labor are required to prune big trees. The process also produces more branches that need to be disposed of, increasing the cost even more.

Tree type

Not every tree has straight, easy-to-reach branches, making some challenging to prune. Cypress trees are usually the cheapest to prune, followed by palm trees, spruce, pine, and sequoias. 

Tree location

Tree pruning costs depend on where you are in the country. Some states, like California and New York, have higher tree pruning rates than others. On top of that, your tree’s position in the yard can affect the total cost. Trees near power lines, buildings, or other structures require more care than those in open fields. The use of bucket trucks and the effort of climbing a tree raises the cost of pruning to $1,500 and $2,000 on average.

Tree health

Pruning and pricing are affected by the overall health of the tree. Trees that are pest-infested or diseased require additional attention and are more challenging to prune. On the other hand, healthy trees require less pruning unless the branches interfere with power lines or threaten to damage your home.

Post a task for tree pruning

Overall, proper tree pruning requires skills resulting from extensive training and years of experience. Now that you know the cost of the service, it’s time to post a task! When looking for a Tasker, include essential details, such as your budget, your location, and your tree’s size, to get precise quotes. Then, to find the best professional for your needs, look at their profiles, ratings, and reviews.