Small tree trimming costs as much as cutting down a huge oak hanging over your house, but it’s still not free, and it’s not something to guess at. If you’ve got smaller trees on your property in Kansas City and you’re wondering what it’s gonna run you to trim them properly, let’s break it down.
There’s a lot of bad info out there, people saying $50 or $500 like it’s one-size-fits-all. It’s not. So here’s what you need to know.
Why Small Tree Trimming Cost Matters
Let’s get this straight: trimming a small tree might not seem like a big deal, but if you do it wrong, the tree can die or become a problem. And then your “small cost” becomes a much bigger one.
Trimming helps shape the tree, remove weak or dead branches, and keep it from getting tangled up in utility lines, your roof, or your fence. It also helps the tree grow the right way.
If you ignore trimming because the tree is “still small,” that’s a mistake. Smaller trees need structure early on. A 12-foot maple or crepe myrtle trimmed the right way today won’t cost you thousands in removal later.
Also, price-wise, small tree trimming is where you can save. The bigger the tree, the higher the ladder, the greater the risk, the more labor. So, staying ahead saves money.
What’s the Average Cost to Trim a Small Tree?
Around here in Kansas City, we see small tree trimming jobs (trees under 15 feet tall) run anywhere from $100 to $350 per tree. That’s a normal, fair range.
Here’s what affects the cost:
- Tree height – Taller = more work.
- Access – Is it in the backyard with no gate access? Or next to the street?
- Amount of trimming needed – Light shaping vs. clearing out dead limbs vs. heavy pruning.
- Tree type – Some trees grow faster or denser. That affects how often and how much we cut.
So if someone tells you “we trim all small trees for $50,” either they’re guessing, rushing, or cutting corners. Or worse, they don’t carry insurance.
When Should You Trim a Small Tree?
Here’s the honest answer: It depends on the tree. But generally:
- Late winter to early spring is ideal for most trees. The tree is dormant and heals faster.
- Summer is okay if you’re doing light shaping.
- Fall? Not great. Can stress the tree before winter.
For flowering trees, trim right after they bloom. If you wait too long, you’ll cut off next year’s flowers. That’s a common mistake we see.
Another thing: don’t wait until the branches are scraping your siding or hanging over the neighbour’s fence. If it’s already a problem, you waited too long.
How Small Tree Trimming Is Done (The Right Way)
We show up with pole saws, hand pruners, ladders, ropes, and sometimes a small chainsaw. Not everything needs a big gear. The goal is to cut back what’s overgrown, dead, or rubbing against other limbs.
We focus on:
- Cleaning out deadwood
- Removing crossed or inward-growing branches
- Shaping it without over-pruning
- Keeping the natural growth habit
We don’t just hack it up to make it “look” trimmed. Bad cuts can invite rot, disease, or make the tree grow in a weird, unstable way.
Everything gets cleaned up after. No mess left in your yard.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
This part matters. A lot of people try to trim small trees themselves and end up with:
- Stub cuts – Leaving big stubs behind that don’t heal right.
- Topping – Chopping the top of the tree to “make it smaller.” This kills the structure and makes it grow back wild and weak.
- Over-pruning – Cutting off too much at once. That shocks the tree.
- Wrong timing – Trimming in fall or mid-freeze. Or right before a heatwave.
Also, trimming with dull blades or using dirty tools spreads disease. That’s another thing folks don’t think about. Trees can catch infections just like people; it’s biology.
What Happens If You Don’t Trim Small Trees?
Short answer? They don’t stay small.
They grow into problems. Branches get too heavy and break. The tree leans weirdly. It gets lopsided. Sheds more, tangled up in power lines. And if it’s near your home, it starts causing damage to your siding, gutters, or roof.
Also, once it gets too big or neglected, the only option is major pruning or even removal. And that’s hundreds more.
A lot of our big removal jobs could’ve been avoided with $200 worth of trimming three years earlier. No joke.
Final Thoughts from a Guy Who Does This Every Day
Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either. Small trees need care, especially early on and the cost isn’t crazy if you’re proactive.
Here at Omar Tree Service, we’ve trimmed thousands of small trees in Kansas City over the years. We do it right, we’re licensed and insured, and we always give you a straight price with no surprises.
If you’ve got a small tree that needs trimming, don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem. Call us at (816) 694-6352, or visit Omar Tree Services LLC. We’ll come out, take a look, and give you a fair price.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service LLC
Located: 3020 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO
