Two quotes for the same tree can be hundreds of dollars apart, and both can be honest. The price comes down to how much time, gear and risk the job takes. Here is what actually moves the number.

Height and trunk size

A small tree under 20 ft can often be felled in one piece and cut up on the ground. A 70 ft oak has to be climbed and taken down in sections, which takes more people and more hours. Trunk width matters too, because it decides how heavy each piece is and how long the cleanup takes.

What is underneath it

This is the biggest factor most people miss. A tree in an open field is quick. The same tree leaning over a roof, a fence and a power line needs every piece roped and lowered by hand. That is slow, careful work, and it costs more because it is safer.

How we reach it

If a bucket truck or crane can park close, the job goes faster. If the tree is in a back yard behind a narrow gate, the crew carries everything out by hand. We always check access on the site visit so the price does not change on the day.

What is included

Ask every company the same three questions before you compare prices:

• Is cleanup and haul away included?

• Is stump grinding included, or extra?

• Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?

A very low price often leaves one of these out. Our quotes are written, fixed and list exactly what is included, so the number you sign is the number you pay.