If you’ve got a tree down on your property, don’t wait around. Whether it’s leaning on a fence, blocking your driveway, or just lying out across your yard, this isn’t something to ignore. The average cost to remove a fallen tree depends on a bunch of things, but the short answer is this: most jobs in Kansas City run between $150 and $1,500. Sometimes more, depending on the situation.
What Affects the Price of Fallen Tree Removal?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. The cost depends on a few real factors that matter:
- Size of the tree – Bigger trees mean more weight, more cutting, more hauling. A small ornamental tree might run a couple of hundred bucks. A large oak that crashed down across a roof? You’re looking at $1,000 or more.
- Location – Is the tree out in the open? That’s easier (and cheaper). But if it fell between two houses or landed in a tough spot, that’s going to raise the price. Tight spaces take more time, special equipment, and care.
- Access for equipment – If we can get a truck or crane close, the job’s faster. If everything has to be done by hand and dragged out piece by piece, that adds labor time, which adds cost.
- Hazards – Power lines, leaning fences, a tree resting on your house, these all make the job riskier, and that affects the price. Safety comes first.
- Cleanup and hauling – Some people want everything gone, logs, limbs, sawdust, all of it. Others just want the tree off the structure,e and they’ll handle the rest. Full cleanup and hauling will raise the total cost.
When Should You Remove a Fallen Tree?
Immediately. Or as soon as it’s safe to do so. Fallen trees cause all kinds of problems:
- Damage to structures – A tree leaning on your roof can lead to water leaks fast. Same with fences, decks, or sheds.
- Injury risk – Kids, pets, neighbours, if a tree’s unstable or half-fallen, someone could get hurt.
- City codes & insurance – In Kansas City, if a fallen tree is on your property, it’s your responsibility. Waiting too long can lead to fines or denied insurance claims.
- Pest problems – Fallen wood attracts termites, carpenter ants, and rodents. Not great to have that right next to your house.
How Tree Removal Is Done (Step-by-Step)
Every job’s a little different, but here’s how we usually handle fallen trees:
- Assess the site – We check for safety issues, electrical hazards, and the best way to tackle the removal.
- Stabilize the area – If the tree’s leaning on something or split in half, we make it safe before cutting anything.
- Section cutting – We remove the tree in pieces, starting with limbs and working down to the trunk.
- Hauling & cleanup – If requested, we load everything up, grind down branches, and sweep the area.
- Stump grinding (optional) – If the root ball popped out or you just want a clean lawn again, we can grind the stump.
Some jobs take an hour. Some take all day. We’ve even done emergency storm cleanups at 2 a.m. It depends.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let’s be real for a second. Here’s what we see a lot:
- Waiting too long – People hope the tree will somehow fix itself. It won’t. And it usually gets worse (or more expensive).
- Hiring someone unlicensed – We hear horror stories. Someone with a chainsaw and a Craigslist ad shows up, does half the job, takes off, and leaves a mess. Or damages your property.
- Trying to DIY a big job – We’ve had to finish jobs after homeowners got in over their heads. It’s not worth getting hurt or breaking something just to save a few bucks.
- Skipping cleanup – Some companies charge low prices but leave everything behind. Then you’re stuck with a huge mess and another bill.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove It?
If the tree is just lying out in your yard and isn’t causing damage, it might not seem urgent. But here’s what can happen:
- The wood rots – This attracts bugs and fungi. Not great next to a home.
- Lawn damage – Grass underneath starts to die quickly. If it rains, the area turns into a soggy mess.
- Neighbour complaints – If the tree crosses property lines or blocks sidewalks, someone will say something. And they’re not wrong.
And if the tree is sitting on a fence, structure, or vehicle, don’t wait. Time makes the damage worse.
Final Word (from someone who’s been doing this 30 years)
I’ve removed fallen trees from every situation you can think of: roofs, cars, pools, garages. I’ve seen trees crash through attics during storms, and I’ve seen people try to save money by waiting and end up with insurance issues and bigger damage.
Here’s the bottom line:
If you’ve got a tree removal down, call someone licensed, insured, and experienced. Even better, local. We know the layout of Kansas City. We know how the clay soil shifts. We know how Midwest storms drop trees like clockwork in spring and fall.
At Omar Tree Services, we’re not here to sell you something you don’t need. We’ll show up, tell you what’s going on, give you a fair price, and do the job right. No fluff, no weird upsells. Just clean, safe work by people who’ve been doing it a long time.
If you’re not sure what to do next, give me a call. I’ll talk you through it.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Services LLC
Licensed & Insured in Kansas City
📞 (816) 694-6352
