What a removal job covers
Tree removal ranges from a single dead tree in an open yard to a large hardwood leaning toward a house, garage, or fence. Hazard trees, storm-damaged trees, and trees standing where a building, driveway, or addition is planned are all common reasons people call.
When there is room, a tree may come down in larger sections. When there is not, it is taken down piece by piece from a bucket truck or lowered in controlled sections so nothing lands on roofs, lines, or landscaping.
- Dead, dying, or storm-damaged trees
- Trees too close to houses, outbuildings, or driveways
- Trees in the way of construction, additions, or site work
- Brush and limb cleanup that goes with the removal
- Stump grinding, quoted as a separate line if you want it
What affects the price
No two removals cost the same, which is why the estimate happens in person. The biggest factors are size, how much room there is to work, and what is underneath or beside the tree.
- Height, trunk diameter, and canopy spread
- Distance to structures, fences, gardens, and overhead lines
- Whether a bucket truck or other equipment can reach the tree without crossing soft ground or septic areas
- Condition of the wood: dead or split trees can be less predictable to cut
- How much of the wood and brush is hauled off versus left for you
- Whether stump grinding is included
Overhead power lines and storm damage
If a tree or limb is on or touching a power line, stay well away from it and anything it is touching, and call your electric utility or 911. Do not try to move it, and do not let anyone else try. Line clearance near energized wires is handled through the utility.
Once the utility has made the area safe, the remaining tree work and debris cleanup on your property can be scheduled. Storm cleanup is one of the services Keystone offers; call to talk through what is down and where.
Cleanup you should expect
Before work starts, agree on what the finished site looks like. Ask whether logs will be cut to length and left, hauled away, or a mix; whether chips are removed or left as mulch; and how ruts or turf damage from equipment will be handled.
Keystone's process ends with a clean site handoff: brush and debris cleared so you are not left with a mess to deal with.
Getting ready for the estimate
Have a rough idea of which trees you want gone and what you want kept. Note anything buried nearby that you know of, such as septic tanks, drain lines, or irrigation. If the tree is close to a neighbor's property line, it helps to have talked with your neighbor first.
Common questions
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. Keystone offers free on-site estimates. Someone walks the job with you and gives you a clear price before any work is scheduled.
Is stump grinding included with removal?
Not automatically. It is usually listed separately so you can decide whether you want the stump ground below grade or left in place.
A tree fell on a power line. Can you come remove it?
Stay away from the tree and the line and call your electric utility or 911 first. After the utility has made the line safe, call us about removing the tree and cleaning up.
Do I need to be home during the work?
Not always, but you should be reachable, and the access route, work area, and cleanup expectations should be agreed on beforehand. Ask about this during the estimate.