If you own a home, you likely have at least one tree in your yard. Trees add a nice look to your property and provide shade. But you can’t just ignore them, they require care including the occasional trim. Trimming a tree is easy, inexpensive and takes only minutes if you do it every year. Keep reading to learn how to trim your own tree, saving yourself hundreds of dollars.
Why Trim Your Own Tree?
Trees are trimmed for their health as well as for your convenience. Some of the most important reasons are:
- Stimulates growth
- Gives your tree a nice shape, allowing you to walk under it
- Removes branches that pose a threat to power lines or your home
- Helps fight diseases
- Improves root health
How Much Does A Professional Tree Trimming Cost?
The cost to trim a tree depends on several things:
- Type of tree
- Size of tree
- Emergency work
- Hazards
- Amount of trimming needed
To give you an idea of how much it may cost to have a tree professionally trimmed, here’s the average cost by tree size:
- 30ft or less: $50 – $400
- 30ft to 60ft: $150 – $800
- Over 60ft: $200 – $1000 or more
How Do You Trim Your Tree?
Ignoring your tree for years almost guarantees you’ll need a professional to trim your tree. However, if you spend a few minutes each year trimming your tree you’ll save yourself that expense.
Equipment Needed (Prices found at HomeDepot.com):
- Branch Lopper – This is what you’ll use to actually cut the branches. Cost: $39.59
- Safety goggles – Safety first! A trip to the ER is even more expensive than trimming a tree professionally. Cost: $3.27
Method:
- Cut Low Hanging Branches: Cut off any low hanging branches that obstruct your ability to walk underneath it. If the tree is still small, keep what looks to be the main branches at the bottom of the tree, and remove the smaller ones below it and around them.
- Remove Branches Growing Towards House : Branches that scrape the house damage the siding or shingles. If a branch looks to be growing in that direction, cut it off.
- Remove Branches Growing Towards Power Lines : Branches can fall off during wind or storms and may damage power lines. Remove any branches that appear to be growing in that direction. If they’re already near power lines, you’ll want to have a professional do it for you.
EOD Nation, do you trim your own trees? Have you ever paid to have a tree trimmed? How much did it cost?
Read More
Check out more awesome DIY posts on EOD:
- 3 Ways To Prevent DIY Projects From Costing You Money
- DIY Money Saver: You Can Change ANY Light On Your Car Yourself!
- DIY Interior Painting: How It’s Done, and How Much You Can Save
- With A DIY Attitude and The Internet, I Can Be A Plumber
