Tree-work cost worksheet

What this worksheet is for

Tree work can get expensive fast. Prices can change a lot based on the size and species of the tree, location and access, hazards, debris haul-away, and your area. A small backyard pruning job is very different from a large removal over a roof.

This worksheet gives you one place to write down what each company includes, what they exclude, and what questions still need answers. It is not a quote, bid, contract, or arborist report. It is a homeowner tool to help you compare estimates side by side.

Use it when you are getting prices for:
- tree removal
- trimming or pruning
- stump grinding
- storm cleanup
- other related cleanup or haul-away

If you want a quick sense of normal price ranges before you start, see typical tree-work costs.

How to use it step by step

1. Describe the job clearly. Write down what you think you need done. Example: remove 1 dead pine near fence, trim limbs over driveway, grind stump if included.
2. Ask for written estimates. Get the scope and price in writing from each company before any work starts.
3. Check what is included. Look for haul-away, stump grinding, traffic control, crane use, cleanup, and whether permits are included if needed.
4. Verify credentials yourself. Hire licensed and insured tree companies. Ask to see liability insurance and workers' compensation. If the job involves tree health or risk assessment, prefer an ISA-certified arborist for that evaluation.
5. Compare apples to apples. One low price may leave out cleanup, stump work, or debris hauling. The worksheet helps you spot that.
6. Review payment terms. Do not pay the full amount up front. Hold final payment until the agreed work is done.

If you need help screening companies, read how to vet a tree company.

What to compare on every estimate

When homeowners get burned, it is often because the price looked simple but the scope was not. Use the worksheet to compare details like these:

• Exact work scope: which trees, how many limbs, what height, what clearance
• Access issues: backyard access, fences, narrow gates, steep slopes, roof proximity
• Hazards: dead wood, lean, decay, nearby structures, traffic, utility lines
• Cleanup: rake and blow-off, log removal, chip removal, haul-away or leave on site
• Stump work: included, optional, or not included
• Timing: regular scheduling or emergency pricing
• Permit questions: some cities or HOAs restrict removal of protected or heritage trees

Typical ranges only: tree removal often runs about $400-$2,000+, trimming/pruning about $250-$1,200, stump grinding about $100-$500, and emergency/storm cleanup about $500-$5,000+. Large or complex jobs can cost more. These are estimates, not guarantees.

For service-specific background, see tree removal or trimming and pruning.

Important safety notes before you hire

Safety comes first. Tree work is dangerous, high-liability work. It is not a casual handyman job.

• If a tree is down, leaning, or hanging on or near a power line, stay back, keep others away, and call the utility company and 911 first.
• Never touch a limb, fence, puddle, or branch that may be energized.
• After storms, be careful with door-knockers who push for cash or full payment up front.
• Ask whether the company will handle local permit requirements if a protected tree may be involved.

If the damage is storm-related, read storm-damage tree safety.

Download the free worksheet

Download tree-work-cost-worksheet.pdf and use it while you call companies or review estimates at your kitchen table. It is free for homeowners.

TreelineLocal does not do tree work. We are a free matching service that helps you connect with licensed, insured tree-care companies so you can compare estimates and you choose who to hire.

If you want to start getting estimates now, use our free matching form.