FAQ
How much does it cost?
Good question! TreeWise always provides an upfront, in-writing estimate for free. You will never be billed for something you have not agreed to. We will never perform any work without your expressed permission. Each tree has unique factors that can make it more or less difficult to remove. If you just want trees dropped and then left in place, it is much less expensive than meticulously lowering every part of the tree. In the end it is a question of time. Let's cut to the chase;
Example 1: An average tree (about 18 inches thick) next to your house that needs some branches lowered and everything hauled away, will take about 2 hours and cost $600.
Example 2: A big tree (30 inch thick) sprawling over your house, will take more time and equipment to remove. A larger more technical removal could take a full day to complete, remove all debris, and cost $2350.
Example 3: Just a couple of branches over the roof or intruding over a fence. A small job can take as little as an hour, and cost $300 or less.
Give us a call if you are considering having some tree work done. If we can't do the work for you we can at least provide you with an idea of what a fair price should be.
Permitting?
The city of Atlanta views the canopy of trees within it's city limits as a resource, even if those trees are on private property. If you live in the city of Atlanta or one of the many surrounding cities you may be required to apply for a permit to have a tree removed and pay a fee. There is no permit or required fee to have a tree pruned. Fees may be waived in the case of removing a hazardous tree, a dead tree, or one that is dying. Once the paperwork is filled out properly, it takes approximately 2 weeks for a city arborist to come inspect and then approve or deny your permit, at which time you may pay your fee. The fee is calculated at the "breast height diameter" of the tree (how thick the trunk is at about 4' 6 inches high). The permit costs $30 per inch of trunk thickness, plus a $100 fee per tree.
An average sized tree 18 inches thick
18 inches * $30 = $540
plus $100 per tree
= $640 for the permit to remove an average sized tree in the city of Atlanta
There are many exceptions and credits that can change these numbers that we would be happy to speak with you about, as well as assist you in completing and filing the documents. If you would like to see more about the permitting process check out the Atlanta Arborist Division.
Is my tree sick, should I be worried?
There are many indicators that can help you determine if your tree may be distressed, diseased, or dying. At TreeWise we understand that trees are living things and that after many years all trees will eventually die no matter how well we have cared for them. The good news is that trees have some amazing defense mechanisms and are sturdy by nature. Remember that even though a tree maybe distressed, it may not be an immediate danger to you or your property yet. Not every sign means a tree is doomed, and many indicators can simply let us know that a tree needs some additional kind of care to recover and thrive. However, if you notice a tree on your property that has begun to display any of the symptoms mentioned below, it is always best to give us a call to come take a look. While trees are resilient, problems left unattended over time can grow much worse.
Trunk Damage
Are there vertical cracks on the tree? Severe damage to the trunk of a tree can greatly decrease your tree’s survival. Take a look at the bark on the tree or lack thereof, this can be an indicator that your tree’s health is on the decline.
Bare Branches
One easy to identify warning sign is if the branches of a tree are bare or discolored during a time of the year when they should be covered in leaves. Dead branches isolated to one side of a tree can also indicate serious trunk and root damage.
Damaged Roots
Has there been recent digging for construction? Does your tree have a shallow root system? Is there poor soil compaction? Is there a sudden lean to the tree? All of these things can affect the health of a tree’s roots. Are small branches sprouting from the trunk at the base of the tree. This type of branching is known as epicormic shoots and it can mean the tree is distressed.
Fungus
Large fungus on the trunk or branches of a tree can be a warning that your tree is experiencing internal rot and any part of the tree extending beyond the fungus may be dead or dying.
Pests
Has a pine tree in your yard begun looking discolored and does it have pitch tubes around the trunk? Do large silk webs filled with worms eat your leaves in late summer and early fall? Can you find piles of what looks like saw dust in and around your trees? Does the tree look sickly and are there are tiny orange bumps under the leaves? Any of the above mentioned symptoms are indications you have some kind of tree pest. These pests range from pesky to devastating.
