Alright, let’s skip the fancy intros. You’re probably here because you’ve got a tree limb hanging too low, looking dead, cracked from a storm, or it’s just in the way. Happens all the time. And now you’re wondering, “How much is this going to cost me?”
Here’s the short answer: The Average Cost of Tree Limb Removal is between $75 and $400 per limb. That’s a wide range, I know, but it depends on a few things. I’ll walk you through what drives the price up, when it’s time to remove a limb, how it should be done, and why it matters more than people think.
So, Why Does Tree Limb Removal Cost That Much?
We get this a lot. Folks see us come out with a crew, climb a tree, take down a limb in 30 minutes, and wonder why it costs more than a basic lawn job. But here’s the deal.
Tree limb removal isn’t just about cutting a branch. It’s about doing it safely, without dropping a heavy limb on your roof, fence, car, or neighbour’s house. Or hurting someone.
Here’s what affects cost:
- Size of the limb – A small limb over a fence is one thing. A massive one over your house is another.
- Height – The higher up the limb is, the more gear, climbing, and setup we need.
- Location – If it’s over a driveway, power lines, or your roof, we have to rope it down carefully. That takes more time and skill.
- Tree type – Some woods are heavier or harder to work with. Oak vs. maple vs. Bradford pear it matters.
- Disposal – You want the limb gone, right? We chip it, haul it, and dump it. That adds to the cost.
You might pay $100 for a low, light limb that’s easy to reach. But for something up high, over your roof, with power lines nearby? That could run $300 or more, especially if we need a lift.
When Should You Remove a Tree Limb?
Don’t wait until it falls.
Here’s when you should think seriously about cutting that limb:
- It’s dead or dying – Dead limbs get brittle and fall unpredictably. Big liability.
- It’s touching your roof – That’s bad news for shingles. It could lead to water damage and pest issues.
- It’s too low – Blocking your driveway, sidewalk, or just in the way.
- It’s cracked or storm-damaged – High winds can rip it right off, especially if it’s already weak.
- It’s over your house, power lines, or cars – That’s a risk. If it comes down to something, you’ve got a problem bigger than just limb removal.
How Is Tree Limb Removal Done?
Here’s how we do it at Omar Tree Services LLC, and how it should be done in general. Safely and cleanly.
- Inspection first. We figure out what we’re working with. Size, angle, weight, tension, and nearby hazards.
- Climbing or lift setup. Sometimes we climb with saddles and ropes. Other times, we bring in a bucket truck or lift, depending on access.
- Cut in sections. Never just drop the whole limb. We rope it down piece by piece. That’s how we avoid damage.
- Clean-up. We chip it, rake up the yard, haul everything away, and make sure your place looks decent when we leave.
If someone shows up with just a chainsaw and a pickup truck and says they’ll do it for $50, be careful. Cutting a heavy limb without ropes or knowledge is how accidents happen.
Mistakes People Make
Here’s some real talk. We’ve seen homeowners make these mistakes all the time:
- Waiting too long. A cracked limb after a storm won’t hold forever. It’s cheaper to remove it before it causes damage.
- DIY attempts. We get it, YouTube makes it look easy. But we’ve had to clean up after some close calls. A bad cut or wrong angle, and the limb swings back toward you.
- Hiring uninsured “cheap” labor. If they drop a limb on your neighbour’s shed and don’t have insurance, guess who’s paying? You are.
- Not removing the whole problem. Some folks cut a piece off and leave the rest hanging. That leftover stub can rot or attract pests.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It?
You ignore a dangerous limb, and here’s what could happen:
- It falls. In your car. Your roof. Your kid’s playset.
- It causes water damage after rubbing your shingles or gutters raw.
- It breaks in a storm and hits power lines, now you’re out of power, and the city’s mad.
- Worst case, someone gets hurt.
It’s always cheaper to remove a limb on your schedule than to deal with the mess after it comes down on its own.
Final Thought
The average Cost of tree limb removal isn’t just yard work, it’s hazard management. And like most things, you get what you pay for. We’ve been doing this in Kansas City for over 30 years, and we’ve seen every kind of tree problem you can imagine.
If you’re not sure what a limb removal will cost for your situation, just call us. We’ll come take a look, give you a straight answer, no pressure. It’s better to know than to guess.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Services LLC
Licensed & Insured in Kansas City
📞 (816) 694-6352
