You will need a permit to cut down trees greater than 10 feet. A permit costs only $60-$150, and you can get it before you start any work. But, failing to have one in time could mean a bigger fine.
A homeowner will usually remove trees as part or a larger landscaping project. This is where you might want to explore the other services offered by tree-removal companies. If you hire a company for the whole project, instead of splitting it up into separate jobs, you can save money.
The price of tree removal typically includes the removal and disposal costs of large branches and the trunk. There will be a lot more debris than you expected, so you might not want it to be thrown away. To make matters worse, hauling away debris is expensive and time-consuming if you aren't equipped to do it. Professional tree removal services can offer different ways to dispose of your debris, but they will charge an extra fee.
The price for tree removal does not always include the stump. Some homeowners may enjoy the stump's look and want to include it as part of their landscaping. But most people don't want it there. This job is best left to a professional as the stump's residual root system may not be visible from above the ground.
You can expect to spend between $150-500 to remove the stump, roots, and surrounding structures depending on the length of time and complexity of the root system. Stump grinding, whereby a hydraulic machinery mulches the stump along with some roots, costs around $100 to $400. A stump grinder that you rent from a hardware or home store can also be hired to help you remove the stump. These machines can only be used for stumps with small diameters.
Common methods for stump removal are burning, which costs about $250 per stump and chemical treatment which costs about $75.
Tree transplanting is an option if you want to save a tree or move it from one place to another. The easiest trees to move and cost $300 to $800 less than larger ones. Transplanting large- and medium-sized trees may cost thousands. Note: This service requires special equipment that isn't available from every tree removal company.