Trees are an ideal way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal. Although they are low maintenance, trees need some care to retain their visual appeal. When the tree branches become too long or the trees start growing old, trimming becomes necessary.

As a homeowner, you can trim your trees. However, it is always a good idea to leave the trimming task to professionals who are well trained and are already equipped with the necessary tools. When you use a professional tree trimming service, you reduce your chances of getting injured to zero. When trimming damaged and/or large trees, if you do not have experience or the right tools, chances of getting injured are always high.

Maybe you have been planning to trim your trees. The problem is that you do not know the tree trimming cost to expect. In this article, we will focus on showing you the Tucson tree trimming cost to expect.

Tucson Tree Trimming Cost Factors

On average, the Tucson tree trimming cost will range between $75 and $1000. This tree trimming cost will depend on various factors. If you have a healthy, medium-sized tree, you may have to pay $150. However, if the same tree has pests, diseases, or presents a potential hazard to your home, the tree trimming cost may be over $200. Below, we take a deeper look at all the major factors that affect Tucson tree trimming cost.

Size and Location

Size

If you own larger trees, you should expect to spend more on the trimming. When compared to smaller trees, larger trees often have more branches that need trimming. Also, the larger trees may need more trimming equipment depending on how tall they are. Below, we have listed the prices to expect for different tree sizes:

  • Up to 30 feet tall – The tree trimming cost for trees whose height does not exceed 30 feet ranges between $75 and $450. Examples of such trees include dogwood and Russian olive.
  • 30 feet to 60 feet – The tree trimming cost for the trees in this range is approximately $150 to $875. A good example of a tree in this range is crab apple trees.
  • Over 60 feet – Professionals will charge you approximately $200 to $1000 to trim exceptionally tall trees. Examples of trees whose height exceeds 60 feet include pine and red oak.

Location

If your trees are close to power lines or buildings, they may need extra effort and time. This is because the trimming crew cannot simply toss the tree branches down. The trimmers will be forced to rope down each piece after trimming it. To rope a piece down successfully, the trimmer will have to tie a rope around the section/branch that he intends to cut off. After cutting the section off, he will have to lower it slowly to the ground. When compared to simply allowing the branches to fall down freely, roping down takes more effort and time. This raises the tree trimming cost.

The Number of Trees

The tree trimming cost will vary depending on the number of trees you want the professionals to trim. When requesting a quote, it is always a good idea that you include both the types of trees and their total number. This will allow you to make a decision based on the realistic cost estimate.

Health

Trees that have already endured a trauma, for example, a lightning strike, are weaker when compared to healthy trees. They can become less stable as time progresses. Unhealthy trees often need more than just a minor trim. For example, if the tree may fall on your property or your house, the tree trimming professionals may have to cable it. Trimming and maintaining an unhealthy tree will obviously cost you more. However, this cost is worth it. Trimming and maintenance will make the tree healthier and safer.

Other health problems can also affect the amount of work that has to be done. The health issues will drive the tree trimming cost up.

Diseases and Illnesses

There are numerous illnesses and diseases which can decrease the tree’s overall health. Below, we have examples of some of the diseases which could increase the tree trimming cost:

  • Abiotic Damage – Some of the signs of abiotic damage include broken/cracked limbs and dried leaves. The damage is usually a result of hail, strong winds, dry spells, or frost. Since parasites may attack the damaged tree areas, solving the damage is extremely important.
  • Fungi /Mushrooms – Fungi can deplete the tree’s vital nutrients. It can also destroy its structural stability.
  • Moist Crack – Moist cracks often signals internal decay. The crack has to be investigated in order to determine whether the life of the tree is in danger.

Pests

Pests can endanger and even damage your trees. Pest infestation can cause tree illnesses. Examples of illnesses caused by pests include fungal growth and rotting. Below, we have examples of the pests which can affect the tree’s health:

  • Emerald ash borer – This beetle species is currently killing numerous ash trees in the US. This makes it a serious hazard to both landscapes and homes. Emerald ash borers have to be treated using the specific treatment methods developed by researchers. The treatments are often best applied by the arborists.
  • Ants – Often, the presence of ants on a tree indicates foothold damage or rotting. You should call an expert if you notice ants on your tree and sawdust coming out of the tree trunk.
  • Mites – Although Mites are extremely small, they are capable of weakening the tree buds and leaves.
  • Shield-lice – Shield-lice is also extremely small. You will notice their damage when they form what appears to be a shield-like spot on your tree‘s back with the waxy secretions they produce. In some instances, shield-lice does attack tree leaves. Extreme shield-lice cases require the attention of an expert.
  • Wood-destroying insects – Some insect species breed in the wood. This causes damage to the back of the tree and the wood core. This makes it easier for the fungi to invade the tree.
  • Woodpeckers – Woodpeckers are common on rotting trees. The rotting is usually a result of fungal decay. If you notice woodpeckers on your tree, it is crucial that you have an expert check out your tree.

Travel

Tree trimming professionals may charge you for the drive-time. The drive-time cost increases as the travel distances increases. To avoid paying high travel costs, use a local tree service company.

Accessibility

Tree trimming professionals often have a bucket truck. This allows them to reach the highest trees easily. If the tree does not have enough surrounding space for the bucket truck, a trimmer may need to climb the tree. This will raise the tree trimming cost. For example, if you want the trimmer to cut a dead wood from your 80-foot oak, you will pay $1050 if the trimmer can use the bucket truck. However, if the trimmer has to climb the tree, the cost increases to $1400.

Hire a Pro or Do It Yourself?

In some instances, it is both reasonable and safe to decide to trim your tree yourself. Without the right tree trimming equipment and proper precautions, the DIY project can turn into a deadly or hazardous venture. If the tree that needs trimming is over 60 feet tall, it is always a good idea that you let a professional handle the trimming. Before deciding to use a professional for shorter trees, consider the following:

Needed Materials

Any company offering tree trimming services will probably have all the necessary materials and equipment. If you have never trimmed trees before, you will probably have to purchase overly expensive tree trimming equipment before you can begin your tree trimming project.

Simple trimming and pruning jobs will require handheld loppers and pruners. These will cost you approximately $40 to $50. A gas pole pruner can do a better job than the hand-held options. The gas pole pruner will require you to pay the seller approximately $180. For bigger projects, you may have to rent a heavy-duty gas trimmer. For you to be safe, you may need to invest in a helmet and safety goggles. You may need gloves to keep your hands safe.

Risks

Tree trimming has significant safety hazards. The safety hazards become more significant if you are working on bigger trees. If you climb a tree without the right safety harness, you will be risking falling and hurting yourself. Pruners are often sharp. Hence, you need to be very careful when using them. This is for your own safety and the safety of the people around you.

When trimming trees, it is difficult to control where the limbs and branches fall. If the tree is near a power line, it is not a good idea to prune the tree yourself.

Tips and Techniques

If you decide to make the tree trimming a DIY project, we have some helpful tree trimming tips and techniques for you below:

Tree Trimming Tips

Wait for the Dormant Season Before Trimming Your Trees

It is always a good idea to trim the trees while they are dormant. This will make it easier for you to see what you are actually doing. Additionally, removing the currently dormant buds will invigorate the buds you leave on the tree. If your goal is to slow down the growth of a tree, you will need to trim it when it is actively growing.

Branch Size Matters

Before removing a tree branch, look at its size. You can remove branches whose diameter does not exceed 5 centimeters. It is less ideal to remove branches whose diameter ranges between 5 cm and 10 cm. You should remove branches whose diameter exceeds 10 centimeters only if it is absolutely necessary.

Check the Angle

Branches that form a weak V-angle can be removed. Avoid removing the branches which have strong u-shaped angles.

Ratio

The ratio of the living crown to the height of the tree should be 2/3. This is the ratio you should aim for after trimming your trees.

Trim Young Branches

Trimming your trees regularly can help ensure that you are trimming the branches when they are still young. As the tree branches grow older, the scarring risk increases. When compared to the older branches, managing younger branches is easier.

Avoid Trimming Too Long or Too Short

When trimming your trees, you should avoid leaving a big stub. Also, avoid removing the branch’s collar.

Tree Trimming Techniques

Look First

Before you initiate making the cut, you need to locate where the branch collar grows from the tissue of the stem. This should be available at the branch’s bottom base. Also, locate the branch ridge. The branch ridge should be present on the upper surface, parallel to the angle of the branch at the stem.

Make the Cut

The cut should be made outside the branch’s bark ridge. Ensure the cut is angled down and away from the tree stem. Also, ensure that you do not injure the branch collar. You can use this technique to prune both living and dead branches.

Long Stems

If you are dealing with an incredibly long stem, you can make use of the 3-cut technique. First, you will need to make a notch on the stem side that faces away from the branch you intend to retain. Next, your second cut should be above the ridge of the branch and inside the branch crotch. The third cut should remove the stub by cutting through its stem, parallel to the ridge of the branch bark.

Pruning Versus Trimming

The terms “trimming” and “pruning” refer to 2 different methods of ensuring that your trees stay healthy. Below, we take a deeper look at the 2 terms:

Trimming

This is generally done when there are no concerns of pests, diseases, overgrowth, or any other hazards. Its sole purpose is to increase the tree’s aesthetic appeal and convenience. Trimming helps remove long branches which may get in the way. In the case of large trees, trimming can be done by professionals. If the goal is to tidy up the tree’s look, trimming can be done by the homeowner.

Pruning

The major goal of pruning is to keep the tree healthy. It involves the selective removal of various parts of the plant or tree. The parts include branches, roots, and buds. Pruning involves targeted removal of the plant tissue that is damaged, unwanted, dead, structurally unsound, or diseased. It is recommended that you let professionals handle pruning. Professionals will ensure that only healthy branches, roots, and buds are left on the tree.

Saving Money on Trimming

Hiring professionals to trim your trees may cost more when compared to doing it yourself. Below, we have some tips which could help you save some money:

Power Lines

To maintain safety, utility companies often trim trees close to the power lines without charging you anything. Utility companies are basically more trained and better equipped to deal with the electrical lines when compared to tree trimming companies.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. Annual tree trimming, for example, can help you prevent pests, growth, and diseases that could force you to spend more money on the expensive repairs in the future.

Quick Action

Removing overhanging limbs and dead branches as quickly as possible instead of allowing further damage to occur can help you save cash in the long run. Avoid letting the problem to get worse before resolving it.

Water Trees

Ensuring that your trees have access to enough water will improve both their health and longevity. To preserve moisture, you can add mulch around the base of the tree.