Let’s not waste time. You’ve got a tree down, and you want to know what it’s going to cost to get it out of your yard. Fair question. Here’s the truth: fallen tree removal cost isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on a bunch of things, and if someone throws you a number without asking questions first, be careful.
The Price Range (Ballpark, But Real)
In Kansas City, where I’ve been doing this work for 30 years, fallen tree removal typically runs anywhere from $250 to $1,800 or more. That’s a big spread, I know. But here’s why:
- Small tree, easy access, no damage to nearby stuff? You’re looking at the lower end.
- Big tree, tangled in power lines, crashed into your garage, or blocked the street? That’s going to be much higher.
Averages don’t mean much if your tree’s in a tough spot. Every job’s different. I’ve removed 40-foot oaks that cost less than a 20-foot maple just because of where they landed and how cleanly they fell.
Why the Cost Matters
This isn’t just about cleaning up your yard. A fallen tree can mess up your roof, your car, your neighbor’s fence, or worse power lines. Leaving it there too long can lead to other problems: rot, pests, mold, or fines from the city if it’s a hazard. I’ve seen people try to wait it out or DIY it, and the results are ugly. Broken limbs, chainsaws kicking back, stuff getting worse.
Also, your insurance might cover some or all of it if you act fast and do it right. But if they think you delayed or made it worse? Good luck.
When to Remove a Fallen Tree (Hint: ASAP)
There’s no benefit to waiting. Even if it seems stable now, moisture gets in, the wood starts breaking down, and things can shift. A tree that’s down today might be sliding into your foundation by next week. Especially after rain. I always tell people: Call as soon as you can. Not in three days. Not next week. Now.
And if it’s blocking a public road or leaning near live wires? That’s an emergency. You need a pro, not a guy with a pickup and a chainsaw from Craigslist.
How Fallen Tree Removal Works (Real Steps)
Here’s what happens when we show up to a job:
- We assess the situation. That means figuring out what the tree hit, what it could still hit, and how safe it is to start cutting.
- We clear a safe work zone. Sometimes that means roping off parts of the yard. Sometimes we need to coordinate with the city or utility companies.
- We break it down piece by piece. This isn’t about hacking at it randomly. It’s controlled cuts, top to bottom, section by section. We don’t just “chop it up.”
- We haul it away unless you want to keep the wood. (Some people do. That’s fine. Just let us know.)
- We clean up the mess. Fallen trees usually leave a lot of debris. We don’t just grab the trunk and leave you with a war zone.
We’ve done this hundreds of times, especially after storms. Every crew member knows what to do, and we show up with the right tools: bucket trucks, chainsaws, ropes, safety gear, a chipper, not just a ladder and a prayer.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Let’s be real. We’ve seen some stuff.
- Trying to cut it yourself without knowing what you’re doing. I get it. You want to save money. But I’ve seen people nearly lose limbs because they didn’t understand tension in a bent branch or the weight shift after one cut.
- Calling the cheapest guy. If someone says they’ll do it for $75? Ask what kind of insurance they have. Ask how many jobs like this they’ve done. If they get hurt or damage something, you might be on the hook.
- Waiting for the city to handle it. If it’s not on public property or blocking the road, they’re probably not coming. You’re responsible for your yard.
- Ignoring what’s underground. Roots can shift sidewalks, driveways, and plumbing lines. Removal isn’t always just about the part you can see.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It Right
Best-case scenario? You waste time and money. Worst case? Someone gets hurt or sued. We had a guy in Kansas City who left a tree lying across his driveway, and said he’d get to it later. Then it rolled, took out his neighbor’s fence and part of their shed. Now he’s in a lawsuit and his insurance won’t touch it because he “failed to mitigate damage.”
Final Word (From Me, Jose)
Look, I’ve been running Omar Tree Services LLC for three decades. We’re licensed, insured, and we show up. My team knows Kansas City trees, and we don’t play games. If you’ve got a fallen tree, give us a call. We’ll give you a real quote, not a guessing game, and handle it the right way.
Call me at (816) 694-6352, or visit us at 3020 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO 64129. We’re local. We care. And we don’t leave a mess behind.
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