Let’s get right to it. The average cost of tree branch removal can range from $150 to $500 per branch, sometimes more, depending on the size, height, and risk involved. That’s not a random number. It depends on a bunch of real-world factors that matter more than people think.
Here’s what affects the price:
- Height of the tree – The higher the branch, the harder it is to reach. Anything above 15 feet usually needs climbing gear, lifts, or ropes. That adds labor and equipment time.
- Thickness and size – A small limb, the width of your arm, is one thing. A 20-foot heavy branch hanging over a roof? That’s a different job.
- Location – Is the branch hanging over your garage? Above a power line? Over a fence? Every obstacle adds risk, which adds to the cost.
- Clean-up and haul-off – Don’t forget about this. Some companies charge extra to haul off the debris. Others include it. We always make sure folks know what’s included.
Why Removing Tree Branches Matters
A lot of homeowners in Kansas City wait too long. I’ve seen branches snap off in storms and crash through roofs, fences, and even cars. A dead or weak limb is a hazard. And not just during storms, dry, brittle branches can drop without warning.
Removing branches isn’t just about avoiding damage. It’s also about:
- Keeping trees healthy (so they don’t waste energy on dying limbs)
- Preventing disease spread (fungus and pests start in bad branches)
- Clearing out sunlight and airflow (especially around your home or garden)
Sometimes it’s just about making the yard safer for your kids or giving your roof a break from overhanging limbs, dropping leaves and sap everywhere.
When to Do It
Here’s what I tell customers: if you have to ask if a branch should go, it probably should. But generally:
- Late winter or early spring is ideal, before leaves come in.
- If it’s cracked, dead, or hanging low, get it handled ASAP.
- After storms, always do a quick inspection. Some breaks aren’t obvious from the ground.
You don’t always need a full tree trimming. Sometimes, just one or two problem branches make a big difference.
How It’s Done
There’s a right and wrong way to cut a branch. And believe me, I’ve seen the wrong way too many times. If you don’t know how to make a proper cut, you can:
- Tear the bark and damage the trunk
- Leave a stub that doesn’t heal right
- Make a flush cut that opens the tree up to infection
We use a three-cut method. It’s not fancy, it’s just correct. Undercut first to prevent tearing, then the top cut to take the weight off, then the final clean cut near the collar. That’s how you do it without hurting the tree.
Also, big branches need to be tied off and lowered carefully, especially near structures. That’s where experience (and insurance) matter.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let me be blunt:
- Climbing without training – I’ve seen homeowners fall. It’s not worth it.
- Improper cuts – Wound the tree, and it might not recover.
- Removing too much – A tree needs its branches. Over-pruning can shock or even kill it.
- Ignoring the cleanup – Branches are heavy. Sawdust piles up. Leaving a mess attracts pests and mould.
- Not checking for power lines – This one’s not just a mistake. It’s a death sentence if you’re not careful.
If you’re not sure what you’re doing, hire someone who is. Make sure they’re licensed and insured, like we are at Omar Tree Services. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years. We know Kansas City trees, the weather patterns, the soil, and what local trees need to thrive.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It Right
Simple: you could kill the tree. Or hurt yourself. Or damage your property. Or all three.
A bad branch cut won’t show the damage right away. Sometimes it takes a year or two before rot sets in and the tree starts to hollow out. Then you’re not just paying for branch removal, you’re paying for full tree removal, possibly stump grinding, maybe even roof or fence repairs.
We’ve had clients call us too late. At that point, it’s not a $200 job anymore. It’s $2,000+.
Bottom Line
If you’ve got a tree with a questionable branch, don’t wait. Branch removal isn’t about looks, it’s about safety, health, and protecting your property. And you want it done right. That’s what we do.
If you’re in Kansas City and you need tree branch removal, call Omar Tree Services. We’ve been around a long time, we’re fully insured, and we give honest prices with no runaround. We don’t do fluff, and we don’t mess around.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Services LLC
Licensed & Insured in Kansas City
📞 (816) 694-6352
