Tree Pruning Cost

To prune a tree in Tampa, Florida, you will need $75 to $2000. The tree pruning cost is lower for people with small trees – the smallest trees will cost you about $75 to $400. The cost increases from $400 for the trees in the medium-size category to over $2000 for the largest trees. 

The tree pruning cost is affected by a wide range of factors. The size of a tree, the accessibility, stability, and health status can increase the tree pruning cost. Below we will take a deeper look at the factors that tree pruners consider when estimating the tree pruning cost. 

Tree pruning Cost Factors in Tampa, FL

1. Tree Size 

Tree size refers to the tree’s height and the size of its crown spread. For most of the tree species that do well in Tampa, Florida, the tree crown spread increases with the tree height – for this reason, the height of a tree features a bigger influence on the tree pruning cost. 

The time needed to reach the crown of a tree increases with tree height – when using manual climbing, the tree pruners will need more time to reach the crown on top of a 100-foot tree, compared to a 20-foot tree. Also, the higher you go up the tree trunk, the risks increase – for this reason, the tree pruners need to carry additional safety gear when pruning tall trees. 

Most tall trees will have bigger crown spreads. Your 100-foot white oak will carry a crown spread of 50 to 70 feet. Compared to a 30-foot California juniper with a crown width of about 20 feet, your white oak will be costlier to prune. 

• Small tree pruning cost – The height of these trees does not exceed 30 feet. Small trees are extremely easy to prune, with professionals charging $75 – $400 for the entire procedure. 
• Medium tree pruning cost – Your medium-sized trees will mature at a height of between 30 and 60 feet. To prune these trees, you will need $150 to $800. 
• Large tree pruning cost – Trees in this category have a height of 60 – 80 feet. You will be charged $800 to $1,500 to prune your large trees. 
• Extremely large tree pruning cost – Trees with a height above 80 feet are classified in the extremely large category. These trees have the highest tree pruning cost – professionals will expect you to pay $1,500 to $2,000. 

2. Tree Species 

Things like height, crown spread, and wood hardness are affected by the tree species. While some species have softwood structure, others – like oaks – will have hardwood structure. While crape myrtle’s height is limited to about 30 feet, white pines can mature at heights above 150 feet. 

Tall, hardwood tree species will always have a higher tree pruning cost compared to the small, softwood trees. Below, we will take a look at the tree pruning cost for different varieties of trees: 

Lemon Tree Pruning Cost 

While lemons do not need pruning to boost their productivity, the maintenance procedure is essential for the tree’s health. Most lemon trees will have a height of under 15 feet, making them extremely affordable to prune. You will need to pay $100 to $400 to prune your lemon trees. 

Cherry Tree Pruning Cost 

Cherry trees mature at a height between 12 and 15 feet. Professional cherry tree pruning will cost you $100 to $400. 

Palm Tree Pruning Cost 

While palm trees mature at a height of 80 feet, these trees may need pruning when they are as small as 20 feet. This puts palm tree pruning cost between $100 and $1,500. 

Pear and Fig Tree Pruning Cost 

Pear and fig trees reach maturity at a height slightly above 30 feet. However, it is still possible to come across figs and pears below 30 feet. Depending on the size of your fig or pear tree, the tree pruning cost will range between $250 and $550. 

Apple Tree Pruning Cost 

When it comes to pruning, apples are some of the most demanding trees. The tree requires regular pruning for maximum productivity – without pruning, your apple tree may fail to bear fruits. Although apple trees are not that tall, their crown spread is generally large. Professionals will charge you $300 to $600 to prune your apple trees. 

Plum Tree Pruning Cost 

Plum trees generally fit in the small tree category. However, some subspecies may grow slightly bigger than 30 feet. To prune your plum tree, you will need $200 to $500. 

Peach Tree Pruning Cost 

Unless pruned regularly, peach trees may suffer from infections. The cost of pruning peach trees ranges from $350 to $700. 

3. Proximity to Utilities 

The pruning procedure is simpler when working on trees standing on open ground, with no buildings or other utilities nearby. Since there are no structures that may suffer damage, the tree pruners can cut the branches and allow them to drop freely. 

When a tree is standing next to a house or utility lines, allowing the branches to fall freely puts the property owner at the risk of suffering significant property damage. To avoid damaging your home, the tree pruners tie the branches they intend to cut with ropes. 

A combination of these ropes and machines like cranes are used to bring the branches down safely, controlling their path to keep them away from utilities. This procedure takes more time than allowing the branches to fall freely and can increase the tree pruning cost. 

4. Accessibility to the Bucket Truck

Most tree service providers have replaced manual tree climbing with bucket trucks. In addition to making the tree pruning procedure easier, bucket trucks improve safety and reduce the amount of time spent on each tree. 

Bucket trucks, however, are only usable on trees with enough parking space. Also, the trees need a path that can be used by the bucket truck to get the parking. 

Trees standing in the backyard are generally too blocked such that the bucket truck cannot access them. If the bucket truck cannot be used, the tree pruners will have to climb to the crown manually – this can increase the tree pruning cost by 30% to 40%. If your 100-foot tree would cost $1,500 to prune with the bucket truck, the cost may increase to $1,950 – $2100 if the professionals have to climb up the tree manually. 

5. Tree Health 

Healthy trees are generally easier to prune. These trees generally need a couple of snips to improve their shape. 

However, trees with health problems need a lot of cutting to remove all the diseased branches. When removing these branches, the tree pruners have to be extra cautious to avoid stepping on branches weakened by the health problem. The extra caution and the time needed to remove the unhealthy branches leads to an increased tree pruning cost. 

6. Additional Costs 

In addition to the quoted tree pruning cost, property owners in Tampa, Florida often find themselves taking care of the extra costs outlined below: 

Travel Fees 

Homeowners in Tampa, Florida are charged a travel fee when they decide to work with a team living too far from their properties. The best way to avoid paying the travel fee is to work with a team that is closer to where the tree is located. 

The travel rate in Tampa is generally $0.5 per mile. Depending on the distance covered by the professionals, this cost can add up to $50 to $200. 

Cleanup and Dumping 

While some tree pruners may include the cleanup cost in the quotation, some prefer to charge for the service separately. You may need to pay an extra $25 to $100 for the tree pruners to get rid of the branches they removed from your tree’s crown. 

Treatment Costs 

If your tree is suffering from a health problem, an arborist may be needed to inspect it. The arborist will determine the health problem affecting your tree and recommend the best treatment option. 

While removing diseased branches through pruning does help improve the tree’s health, it is the medications that completely get rid of the health problem. Paying for the medications and the arborist service can set you back $50 to $500. 

Tree Pruning Timing in Florida, Tampa

The timing for tree pruning is affected by several factors. These include: 

• Growth stage – The best time to prune a tree is in its dormant stage. This is a period where trees stop growing actively. 
• Safety – When your tree has branches threatening to fall, tree pruning should be conducted immediately to improve safety. 
• Health – If your tree has diseased branches, tree pruning can help you get rid of the branches, keeping the disease from spreading. 

How to Save Money on Pruning 

To avoid spending a lot of money on tree pruning, you can use the tips below: 

• Use DIY tree pruning on small non-risky trees and shrubs. 
• Prune your trees in the off-season to enjoy a lower tree pruning cost. 
• Maintain your tree’s health to avoid treatment costs. 
• Plant small to medium-sized trees on your property. 
• If you have trees near powerlines, let the utility company prune them for free. 
• Get quotations from several companies. Select a company with the most competitive prices.