How to Estimate Tree Removal Jobs

Tree removal is one of the most dreaded tasks of a homeowner. Because of the enormity of the job and their lack of tools, most homeowners call a specialist to remove the tree. As a tree removal specialist, when you recieve that call, how do you calculate how much the job will cost?

There are three main factors to take into account when estimating tree removal. By adding the costs of these three categories, you will be able to give the customer a fair estimate for your work.

Labor Costs

You must decide how many people you will need to cut down the tree. This will be largely dependent on the height and girth of the tree. Basic tree removal jobs will take two people. However, as trees grow over 25 feet, you will need more workers. As a general rule, you can use two workers for the first 25 feet, and one more worker for every additional 25 feet of tree. After you know how many workers you need on the job, decide how much you will pay each worker per hour.

Hauling Costs

After determining the height and girth of the tree, you will need to figure out how you will haul the limbs and trunk. Decide how you will dispose of the tree. If you are in a rural area, can you burn the tree parts? This will save time and gas money since you will not need to haul to the dump. Most times however, you will need to haul the limbs and trunk pieces to the local dump. Estimate how many trips you will need to take and figure out how much fuel it will take you to get back and forth. Also, will the dump charge you per load that you haul? These cost must be passed to the customer.

Equipment Costs

For total tree removal, you will need a stump grinder as well as your saws. These machines cost money.  You will also need ladders, harnesses and heavy-duty rope. The cost of all of your equipment should be figured into the total price, especially if you need to rent any special equipment for the job.