Whether you need a dangerous tree removed, branches trimmed away from your roof, or emergency storm damage cleanup, IwannaWork connects you with licensed and insured tree service professionals in your area — fast and free.
No obligation. No credit card. Licensed contractors respond in under 5 minutes.
Trees can become dangerous without obvious warning. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a professional tree service company right away to assess the risk before someone gets hurt or property is damaged.
Dead branches in the crown of the tree can fall without warning, especially during wind or storms. They're called 'widow makers' in the industry for a reason. Even a small dead branch falling from 40 feet can cause serious injury or damage your car, roof, or fence.
A tree that has recently started leaning is a major red flag. This often indicates root failure or soil erosion, meaning the entire tree could topple. If you notice a tree leaning that wasn't before — especially after heavy rain — call a professional immediately.
Vertical cracks, deep splits, or cavities in the trunk compromise the tree's structural integrity. A cracked trunk can split apart during a storm, sending massive sections crashing onto your home, car, or power lines.
Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree or on the trunk indicate internal decay and rot. The tree may look healthy on the outside but be hollow inside, making it extremely unpredictable and dangerous.
Exposed or heaving roots mean the tree is losing its anchor in the soil. This is especially dangerous for large trees near your home. Root damage from construction, landscaping, or soil compaction can destabilize even healthy-looking trees.
Branches rubbing against your roof cause shingle damage and create entry points for water. Branches near power lines are an electrocution and fire hazard. Both situations require professional trimming — never attempt to cut branches near power lines yourself.
While some trees naturally shed bark, large sections of missing bark can indicate disease, pest infestation, or the tree is dying. A certified arborist can determine if the tree can be saved or needs to be removed.
If a deciduous tree fails to produce leaves in spring, or drops its leaves much earlier than surrounding trees, it's likely dead or severely stressed. Dead trees become brittle and unpredictable — they should be removed before they fall on their own.
Noticed any of these signs? Don't wait until it's too late.
Our network of local tree service professionals offers every type of residential and commercial tree care. Whatever your situation, we'll match you with the right specialist.
Complete tree removal for dead, diseased, hazardous, or unwanted trees. Our contractors handle trees of all sizes — from small ornamentals to massive oaks over 100 feet tall. Service includes cutting, sectioning, hauling debris, and full site cleanup so your yard looks like the tree was never there.
Professional crown trimming, canopy thinning, and structural pruning to maintain tree health, improve appearance, and eliminate hazards. Regular pruning extends your tree's lifespan by decades, prevents storm damage, and keeps branches away from your roof, power lines, and walkways.
Remove unsightly stumps left behind after tree removal. Professional stump grinding goes 6-12 inches below ground level, eliminating trip hazards, preventing regrowth, and freeing up space for new landscaping, patios, or construction projects.
24/7 emergency response for fallen trees, broken limbs, and storm damage. When a tree falls on your house, car, or blocks your driveway, every minute counts. Our emergency contractors arrive fast to secure the area, remove the hazard, and prevent further damage to your property.
ISA-certified arborists evaluate tree health, diagnose diseases like oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and emerald ash borer infestations, and recommend treatment plans. Save valuable trees with professional care before it's too late — mature trees add $10,000-$20,000 to your property value.
Professional clearing of trees, brush, and undergrowth for new construction, landscaping projects, or property development. Includes selective clearing (keep specific trees), complete clearing, debris removal, stump grinding, and rough grading to prepare your site.
Getting a professional tree service estimate has never been easier. No phone calls, no waiting, no hassle. Here's how it works:
Select your tree service type — removal, trimming, stump grinding, or emergency cleanup. Answer a few quick questions about your situation, property ownership, and location. Our smart form takes less than 60 seconds to complete.
The moment you submit your request, we notify licensed and insured tree service professionals in your area who specialize in exactly what you need. No searching Google, no calling 10 companies, no leaving voicemails — we handle the matching for you.
A local tree service professional contacts you directly — usually within 5 minutes — with a free, no-obligation estimate. They'll discuss your specific situation, answer your questions, and schedule a time to assess the job in person if needed.
Thousands of homeowners have used IwannaWork to find reliable tree service professionals.
"Had a huge dead oak leaning toward my house. Within 10 minutes of submitting my request, I had a licensed crew on the phone. They came out the next morning and removed it safely. Couldn't believe how fast and professional the whole process was."
Sarah M.
Houston, TX — Tree Removal
"Storm knocked a massive branch onto my driveway at 2 AM. I submitted an emergency request and had someone there by 7 AM. They cleared everything, ground the stump, and cleaned up perfectly. My neighbors couldn't even tell where the tree had been."
James R.
Atlanta, GA — Emergency Storm Damage
"I needed 6 trees trimmed away from my roof and power lines. The contractor IwannaWork connected me with was incredibly thorough — they even spotted a diseased branch I hadn't noticed. Fair price and excellent work. Will definitely use again."
Maria L.
Dallas, TX — Tree Trimming
Tree service costs vary based on the type of work, tree size, location, and accessibility. Below are typical price ranges based on national averages to help you budget for your project.
Keep in mind that prices in urban areas tend to be higher due to access challenges and disposal costs. Rural properties with easy access may see lower prices. The only way to get an accurate quote is to request a free estimate from a local professional.
| Service | Average Cost | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Small Tree Removal (under 30 ft) | $300 - $800 | Size, species, accessibility, proximity to structures |
| Medium Tree Removal (30-60 ft) | $800 - $1,500 | Crane access, proximity to power lines, stump included? |
| Large Tree Removal (60-80 ft) | $1,500 - $3,000 | Specialized equipment, hazardous conditions, permits |
| Very Large Tree Removal (80+ ft) | $3,000 - $5,000+ | Crane required, multiple crew days, complex rigging |
| Tree Trimming / Pruning (per tree) | $250 - $700 | Tree height, number of branches, accessibility |
| Stump Grinding (per stump) | $150 - $500 | Stump diameter, root system, number of stumps |
| Emergency Tree Removal | $500 - $3,500+ | Urgency, after-hours, damage extent, accessibility |
| Land/Lot Clearing (per acre) | $1,500 - $6,000 | Tree density, terrain, debris disposal, grading |
Pro tip: Always get at least 2-3 estimates before choosing a contractor. Through IwannaWork, you can request a free estimate and compare options without any obligation or pressure.
Timing your tree work correctly can save you money and improve results. Here's a seasonal breakdown of when to schedule different tree services.
Best for: Tree removal, major pruning, structural trimming
Trees are dormant, so there's less stress on the tree and less mess from leaves. Frozen ground can also make it easier for heavy equipment to access your yard without damaging the lawn. Many tree companies offer lower rates in winter since it's their slow season.
Best time to save money — winter rates are typically 10-20% lower.
Best for: Health assessments, disease treatment, light pruning
Spring is ideal for identifying tree health issues as new growth appears. A certified arborist can spot diseases, pest infestations, and structural problems early. Light pruning of flowering trees should be done right after they bloom.
Schedule a health assessment to catch problems before summer storms.
Best for: Trimming, canopy thinning, storm preparation
Summer is peak season for tree trimming and canopy thinning. Reducing the canopy before hurricane and storm season reduces wind resistance and prevents storm damage. It's also the best time to trim branches away from your roof and power lines.
Get trimming done before storm season to prevent emergency costs later.
Best for: Tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing
Fall is an excellent time for tree removal and stump grinding. The cooler weather makes the work more comfortable, and removing trees before winter prevents ice and snow damage. It's also ideal for lot clearing before spring construction projects.
Remove dead or hazardous trees before winter ice storms.
No matter the season, dangerous trees should be addressed immediately.
Some tree work can be done yourself, but knowing when to call a professional can save you from injury, property damage, and costly mistakes. Here's a clear breakdown.
Important safety note: Tree work is consistently ranked among the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 36,000 chainsaw-related injuries per year, and many involve homeowners attempting DIY tree work. Professional tree service companies carry liability insurance and workers' compensation — protecting you from financial liability if something goes wrong.
Not all tree service companies are created equal. Here's a checklist to help you identify reputable professionals and avoid scams.
Valid State License
Verify their license number with your state's licensing board.
Liability Insurance + Workers' Comp
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Call their insurance company to verify it's current.
ISA Certified Arborist on Staff
The International Society of Arboriculture certifies professionals who meet education and experience requirements.
Written Estimate Before Work Begins
A professional company will inspect the job and provide a detailed written estimate — never a verbal-only quote.
Online Reviews and References
Check Google Reviews, Yelp, and BBB. Ask for references from recent jobs in your area.
Professional Equipment
Look for bucket trucks, chippers, stump grinders, and proper safety gear. Avoid anyone showing up with just a pickup truck and chainsaw.
Door-to-Door Soliciting
Legitimate companies don't go door-to-door. This is a common scam tactic, especially after storms.
Demands Full Payment Upfront
A reasonable deposit (10-30%) is normal. Demanding full payment before starting work is a major red flag.
No Written Contract
If they won't put the scope of work, price, and timeline in writing, walk away.
Significantly Lower Price Than Others
If one estimate is 50% less than others, they may be cutting corners on insurance, safety, or cleanup.
No Insurance or Won't Show Proof
If a worker is injured on your property and they don't have workers' comp, YOU could be liable.
Pressure to Decide Immediately
A reputable company will give you time to compare estimates. High-pressure tactics are a scam indicator.
Skip the research — IwannaWork only connects you with verified, licensed professionals.
Understanding your insurance coverage can save you thousands of dollars. Here's what most homeowner's policies cover — and what they don't.
Insurance tip: Most policies cover $500-$1,000 per tree for removal (with a total limit of $5,000-$10,000 per incident). Your tree service contractor can help document the damage and provide the paperwork your insurance company needs. Many contractors offer free insurance claim assistance — ask about this when you get your estimate.
Tree removal costs vary significantly by location, tree size, species, and complexity. Small trees (under 30 feet) typically cost $300-$800. Medium trees (30-60 feet) cost $800-$1,500. Large trees (60-80 feet) cost $1,500-$3,000. Very large trees (80+ feet) can cost $3,000-$5,000+. Emergency removal after storms typically costs 20-50% more due to urgency. Factors like proximity to structures, power lines, and access difficulty also affect pricing. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free estimate from local professionals.
Late winter to early spring (February-April) is generally the best time for most tree trimming, as trees are dormant and it's easier to see the branch structure. However, the best timing depends on the species: oak trees should only be pruned in winter to prevent oak wilt, flowering trees are best pruned right after blooming, and dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season. Summer trimming is ideal for canopy thinning before storm season.
Permit requirements vary significantly by city and county. Many municipalities require permits for removing trees above a certain diameter (often 6-12 inches DBH — diameter at breast height). Some cities have heritage or protected tree ordinances that restrict removal of certain species or sizes. HOA communities may have additional restrictions. Your local tree service contractor can advise you on local regulations and often handle the permit process for you.
Most residential tree removals take 3-8 hours depending on the tree's size, location, and accessibility. A small tree in an open yard might take 2-3 hours. A large tree near a house with limited access could take a full day. Emergency removals of fallen trees can often be completed in 2-4 hours. Stump grinding adds an additional 1-2 hours per stump. Very large or complex removals near power lines may require 2 days.
The most important things to verify are: (1) Valid state license — check with your state's licensing board. (2) Liability insurance AND workers' compensation — ask for a Certificate of Insurance and verify it's current. (3) ISA-certified arborist on staff — ensures professional knowledge. (4) Written estimates before work begins. (5) Positive online reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB. (6) Professional equipment (bucket trucks, chippers, proper safety gear). Avoid companies that go door-to-door, demand full payment upfront, or can't provide proof of insurance.
It depends on the situation. Insurance typically covers tree removal if the tree fell due to a covered peril (storm, wind, lightning, hail) AND damaged your home, fence, garage, or other structure. Most policies cover $500-$1,000 per tree with a total limit of $5,000-$10,000 per incident. Insurance usually does NOT cover: preventive removal of dead trees, routine maintenance, or trees that fall but don't damage anything. Your tree service contractor can help document the damage for your insurance claim.
Small trees under 10 feet with no nearby structures may be safe for experienced DIYers with proper equipment. However, any tree over 15 feet, near power lines, near structures, or that's dead/diseased should be handled by professionals. Tree removal is one of the most dangerous home improvement tasks — the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 36,000 chainsaw-related injuries per year. Professional companies have the training, equipment, and insurance to do the job safely.
Key warning signs include: dead branches in the crown (especially large ones), fungus or mushrooms growing at the base or on the trunk, the tree is leaning more than 15 degrees (especially if it recently started leaning), cracks or splits in the trunk, hollow trunk (knock on it — a hollow sound means internal decay), roots lifting out of the ground, bark peeling off in large sections, and failure to produce leaves in spring. If you notice any of these signs, get a professional assessment before the tree fails on its own.
Join thousands of homeowners who've found reliable tree service through IwannaWork.
It takes less than 2 minutes. Licensed contractors in your area respond within 5 minutes. No obligation, no credit card, 100% free.