Tree removal is an essential component of landscaping whether you are concerned about the health of your lawn or wish to plant a new tree in its place. For some people, tree removal is an annual practice they plan if looming trees pose safety hazards to their property.
If you have been taking the service of a professional in this field, you know the cost of cutting down a tree is enormous. The good news is that these costs are variable and one of the main factors that determines these charges is the time of the year you choose.
This article will explore the factors that influence the cost of cutting down a tree, the cheapest time of year for tree removal, and why that time of year is optimal for obtaining tree removal services.
Understanding The Factors That Influence Tree Removal Costs
Several factors influence tree removal costs which include the size of the tree, the location, and the season you are opting for. You may also need to factor in the condition of the tree and any extra work that is needed to be put in.
If you are hiring an arborist with professional training and the price is low, it is probably too good to be true and you need to investigate their background further. Sometimes companies can skip costs by using poor equipment or ineffectively cutting the tree.
Seasonal Variations in Tree Removal Pricing
Companies offer lower rates to remove trees in winter compared to summer ones. It’s a simple demand-and-supply rule. People expect more storms in the summers and so need to remove hazardous trees so that they don’t spill over their property or damage surrounding areas.
On the other hand, colder months are generally a dry spell for such companies because of the minimal demand and ease of cutting.
Why is Winter the Cheapest Time for Tree Removal?
The cheapest time of year to remove a tree is the winter season for a myriad of reasons. One of the reasons for this dip in prices is that during the winter months, companies specializing in the removal of trees experience a decrease in demand due to adverse weather conditions.
Since companies struggle with work during these months, they tend to offer discounted rates and special promotions to encourage people to avail of their tree services.
Benefits of Off-Season Tree Removal
Off-season tree removal refers to cutting down trees in the month of Winter instead of Summer and Spring since most people prefer to do it in the latter seasons.
During winter and early spring, most deciduous trees begin to shed their leaves and lay the branches bare. ‘It is a common misconception that trees are harder to remove from solid, frozen ground but the fact is that frozen earth preserves vegetation and landscape, making it favorable for your lawn.
On the other hand, warm earth can be easily disturbed and might end up causing drastic effects on the surroundings when a tree is extracted.
Once the trees have shed their trees and the dead branches have fallen off, it is easier for tree removal professionals to analyze the tree’s structure and figure out the best plan to extract it from the frozen ground.
Moreover, since there are fewer leaves and foliage, professionals can easily operate around the tree and manipulate the earth. This minimizes the time and effort required to remove the tree, making service charges of professional tree cutters minimal.
Another benefit of cutting down trees in these seasons is that you will have several time slots to choose from because there is less competition for acquiring the services of a professional. Tree care professionals and arborists have more flexible schedules during these months, making it easier to fit into your schedule.
Winter and Tree Dormancy
If you know the basics of how plants function and adapt to the shifting seasons, you would know that in adverse weather conditions, trees enter a period of dormancy to minimize their activity and preserve their resources to survive.
Changes in day length and temperature trigger the trees to conserve their energy and shed their leaves. Once these leaves are shed, the branches become more visible and there is easy access to prune a tree at its core. Bare branches are also lighter than those laden with foliage which reduces the chances of damage and makes them easier to handle.
Late Winter and Early Spring: The Optimal Time for Tree Removal
Analyzing the Best Months for Tree Removal
The best time for tree removal is February and March owing to the late winter and early spring seasons. Tree companies have less demand during these months because most people have their trees cut down in busy seasons such as summer and spring when storms are more likely.
In the late winter and early spring seasons, trees have shed their leaves, the branches are more visible, and the limbs can be easily manipulated to extract the tree. In summer and spring, more people are looking for the same services which significantly increases the competition for time slots and raises the service charges.
Preparing for Tree Removal in the Off-Season
- It’s crucial to prepare for tree removal beforehand rather than waiting for the week before you want to get a tree cut down. Schedule a session before the season arrives to get the best price and to ensure the availability of the best tree care professional.
- Get price quotes from multiple companies and professionals before deciding on one that offers the most effective service at the cheapest rate.
- Make sure you get the opinion of a trained arborist because only these professionals can clear your trees for a safe cut-down. Otherwise, hazards to your house, neighborhood, and power lines are highly probable.
FAQs
When Should You Remove Trees to Save Money?
The cheapest time of the year to cut trees is late winter to early spring. February and March are the ideal months for tree removal because companies have fewer clients during this season and the job is easier to perform.
How Much Can You Save by Timing Your Tree Removal?
By scheduling your tree removal during the fall or winter, you can save as much as 10% of what it would cost in the peak seasons. Plus you can avail of discounted rates and special offers that many companies offer.
Can You Cut Trees Down Any Time of the Year?
Yes, trees can be cut down any time of the year but the costs and efforts will vary according to the season. The perfect time for you to cut down your tree depends on the kind of tree it is, the problem it is causing, and the budget you can afford.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Tree in Washington State?
The average cost of cutting down a tree in Washington State is $550 to $800. However, you can get cheaper rates in the colder months and if the company is offering discounts.
Baxter’s Tree Services: Your Year-Round Partner for Affordable Tree Removal
Nestled in the plethora of trees in Mount Vernon, Baxter’s Tree Services is a team of arborists and tree removal professionals who are dedicated to helping you maintain the flora around your house by removing unnecessary or hazardous trees and stumps.
Our team is focused on making this process as smooth as possible while taking into account your safety and that of your property. We come equipped with the most updated equipment and do our best to maintain the functionality of your house.
If you are looking for tree removal by a team of licensed professionals, look no further. We offer free estimates and discounted rates to our customers, especially in the cold months.
Learn more about the services we offer and book your appointment now!
