If you’ve got a big oak tree on your property, you already know: it’s no small job. And when it comes time to prune it, the cost can surprise people. Here’s what you need to know upfront.
Why Large Oak Tree Pruning Matters
Oak trees grow big. And they grow slowly. But when they get out of shape, dead limbs, low branches hanging over the house, weak crotches, they need work.
Proper pruning keeps the tree strong, healthy, and less risky.
Letting it go? You’re setting yourself up for storm damage, dropped limbs, or even a full removal down the line, which costs a lot more.
When You Should Prune a Large Oak
Winter. That’s the short answer.
We do most of our big oak pruning in late winter, after the coldest part, but before new growth. Why? Because pruning oaks in the growing season can open the door to oak wilt disease. That stuff spreads fast and can kill a mature tree in one season. So no pruning April through July, period.
If it’s an emergency (like a cracked limb over your roof), we’ll do it. But we seal those cuts tight, and it still carries risk. Better to plan it right the first time.
How It’s Done: The Real Work Behind It
Here’s where most people misunderstand the cost. They see a crew for a few hours and wonder why it’s expensive. But big oak pruning isn’t like trimming a hedge.
- We bring licensed arborists, ropes, harnesses, pole saws, and possibly a bucket truck if the tree’s near power lines.
- A big oak might be 60 feet tall and 100 years old. You don’t climb it like a ladder. It’s surgical, slow, careful work.
- We have to know what to cut and what to leave. Bad cuts weaken the tree. Too much cut at once and you shock the system. It’s not guesswork.
And cleanup? Huge limbs don’t magically disappear. We haul, chip, and dispose of all that mess so you’re not staring at it for a week.
Common Mistakes People Make (Don’t Be That Guy)
- DIY pruning. Ladders and chainsaws don’t mix, especially 40 feet up. We’ve seen folks lose fingers or worse. And the tree doesn’t recover from random limb hacks.
- Hiring cheap labor. Not everyone with a truck and saw knows how to prune oaks. If they cut in summer or leave big tears in the bark, you’ll pay later.
- Topping the tree. This one’s just dumb. Topping weakens the whole structure and causes ugly, unstable growth. Never top an oak.
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What Happens If You Skip It
Let it go for 5–10 years, and it gets expensive fast. You’ll see:
- Heavy limbs cracking under their weight
- Deadwood falling in storms
- Suckers and messy growth around the base
- And eventually, full removal.
Oak removals in Kansas City? You’re looking at thousands. Not hundreds. Thousands. Especially if the tree’s over a house or near wires. Pruning is maintenance. Removal is emergency surgery.
So… What’s the Cost?
All right, here’s what you came for.
For a large oak tree, you’re looking at $450 to $1,200+ for pruning. That’s a real range, and here’s why it changes:
- Tree size. A 30-foot oak is not the same as a 70-footer.
- Access. Can we get the equipment close, or are we climbing everything?
- Health of the tree. Dead limbs take longer to remove safely.
- Cabling or bracing needed? That’s extra.
- Debris haul-off. Some folks want us to leave wood. Some want it clean as a whistle.
At Omar Tree Service, we don’t play guessing games. We look at it in person and give you a real number. There are no hidden fees or upcharges halfway through.
Final Word
You don’t prune a giant oak tree because it’s fun or pretty. You do it because it’s necessary. For safety. For long-term health. And for your property value. If you want it done right the first time, hire someone licensed, insured, and who knows what they’re doing.
We’ve been handling oak trees all over Kansas City for over 30 years. We’re not the cheapest. But we’re the ones folks call when the cheap guy messes it up.
Need a quote? Call us at (816) 694-6352 or visit Omar Tree Services LLC. Ask for Jose Maldonado. I’ll come out and take a look myself.
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