I'm located in Northern California and recently got several quotes for removing trees and landscaping. I've received six in-person quotes, and I'm shocked at how drastically they vary. I need to take down 9 medium-sized trees, grind the stumps (so I can garden there later), and also remove 8 medium bushes, plus clear away weeds and dead leaves. The quotes range from a low of $1.5k to a high of $4.9k, with most around $3.3k to $4.3k. Surprisingly, some companies are willing to negotiate down quite a bit, with one even offering to go $1k lower than their initial price. I'm beginning to wonder if the $1.5k quote is too good to be true, especially since all companies have good reviews. Could this lower price mean they might cut corners on quality? What would a fair price range usually be?
4 Answers
Disposal costs really drive pricing, as I found out when I had my trees removed. My parents got a cheaper quote that didn't include stump grinding or cleanup, so keep that in mind. Sometimes the low price can lead to a 'gotcha' later on if they don't complete the work as promised!
It really depends on the situation. If there's no real risk of damage if the trees aren't cut correctly, then maybe go for the lower-priced, licensed and insured contractor. But if the job involves any tricky cuts, you should definitely check their qualifications thoroughly.
I've been through this too! My own quotes were all over the place—from $2k to $8k for just one tree! It was close to a main road and had a lot of complications, which is why the prices varied so much. Busy seasons, equipment, and the complexity of the job can all drive the prices up or down.
Don't stress too much! I've learned that getting at least three quotes helps detect the sketchy ones—whether overpriced or underpriced. I just removed two huge trees for a hefty $23k because they were massive and required special equipment. It's all about the scope of work!