If a tree falls in your yard, the first thing you think about usually isn’t cost. It’s “Is anyone hurt?” and “How bad is the damage?” But once the dust settles and nobody’s injured, the cost hits you. That’s where this starts.
Removing a downed tree isn’t cheap, but it also doesn’t have to be a wallet-buster if you handle it right. Prices vary like crazy depending on the situation, and I’ve been in this business long enough, 30 years in Kansas City, to tell you that no two jobs are the same. But here’s the straight talk about what down tree removal costs and why.
What Does It Cost to Remove a Downed Tree?
Let’s skip the runaround. Here’s the basic range you can expect in Kansas City:
- Small downed tree (under 20 feet): $150–$400
- Medium-sized tree (20–40 feet): $400–$900
- Large tree (40–80 feet): $900–$2,500+
- Massive tree or emergency storm removal: $2,500–$5,000+
These are real ballpark numbers. I’ve done some simple jobs for a couple of hundred bucks. I’ve also had calls where we needed cranes, extra crew, traffic control; those aren’t cheap.
The bigger the mess, the bigger the cost. I know, but people still get surprised when a 70-foot oak tree that crushed a fence and took down a power line isn’t a $300 job.
What Affects the Cost?
A lot. Here’s what we look at when quoting down tree removal:
1. Size of the Tree
This one’s obvious. Bigger tree, heavier wood, more cleanup. Also more dangerous.
2. Location
If the tree’s lying in an open yard, great. That’s easy. But if it fell on your garage? Wrapped around power lines? Wedged between your house and your neighbour’s shed? That’s when the cost climbs.
3. Accessibility
Can we drive the chipper and truck right up to the site? Or are we dragging everything out through a tight gate and across a garden bed your wife just planted?
4. Equipment Needed
Some jobs need nothing more than chainsaws and manpower. Others? We’re talking cranes, skid steers, climbing gear, and rigging systems. The more gear, the higher the cost.
5. Disposal
What do you want us to do with the debris? Some folks want the wood chipped and hauled. Others want it left in logs for firewood. The less work we have to do, the less it costs.
6. Emergency Timing
If it’s 7 PM on a Saturday and the tree is blocking your only way out of the driveway? That’s emergency service. It’s going to cost more than a scheduled job during the week. That’s not gouging. That’s covering the cost of having a crew on-call and ready to go.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Fallen Tree
Some folks try to put it off. They say, “It’s not in the way,” or “I’ll handle it next weekend.” Not a great idea. Here’s why:
- Rot sets in fast. Once a tree’s down, moisture and insects get into it right away. Rotting wood is heavier, messier, and harder to deal with.
- It attracts pests. Termites, ants, snakes. Not the good kind of wildlife.
- It can shift. A tree that looks stable can roll or collapse more when the ground settles or it rains. That can be dangerous.
- City codes. In some parts of Kansas City, if a downed tree is obstructing sidewalks, streets, or neighbouring property, you could get cited.
- Insurance problems. Waiting too long can hurt your insurance claim. They might argue you didn’t act fast enough.
How It’s Done (The Real Process)
People think we just show up, cut the thing into pieces, and toss it in the truck. Not always. Here’s a rundown of what happens:
- We assess it. The first step is always safety. We check for tension in the limbs, electrical hazards, and whether the tree is stable.
- Plan the cut-up. Some trees are under pressure. One bad cut and the log could snap or roll. You’ve got to know where to cut and how to work the weight down.
- Section it out. We start cutting from the limbs down to the trunk, working in manageable sections.
- Cleanup. Wood gets hauled, chipped, or stacked depending on what you want and what we agreed on.
- Final grade. If the ground was torn up or rutted, we can level things back out. That’s usually extra, but we can do it.
Common Mistakes People Make
❌ Trying to DIY a Big Tree
Look, I get it. You’ve got a chainsaw and YouTube. But if it’s a large tree, especially under tension or near a structure, it’s not worth the risk. People get hurt this way all the time.
❌ Hiring Cheap Uninsured Labor
They might be cheaper upfront, but if they drop a log through your roof or someone gets injured? You’re paying for it, not them. We’re licensed and insured. That matters.
❌ Waiting Too Long
Every week you wait adds complications. Weather, rot, animals, they all make it harder. Get on it fast, even if you’re just calling to get quotes.
Final Thought
Down tree removal is one of those things you hope you never have to deal with, but when it happens, it needs to be done right. Not rushed. Not cheaped out. Just handled by people who know what they’re doing.
At Omar Tree Service LLC, we’ve been doing this in Kansas City for three decades. We know the neighbourhoods, we know the tree species around here, and we know what it takes to get your property safe again.
If you’ve got a tree down, call me, Jose Maldonado, at (816) 694-6352. I’ll come out and take a real look. No pressure, no upsell. Just straight talk and honest work.
