Should I cut down a tree myself or hire a removal service?

You are standing at the base of a large tree with a chainsaw, wondering if you should start cutting.

No, you should not cut down a large tree yourself. Hire a tree removal service for any tree taller than about 20 feet, any tree leaning toward a structure, or any tree with dead or broken branches overhead. The risk of serious injury or property damage is too high for a non-professional to manage.

Short version: What to do before you decide

• Measure the tree's height and lean. If it is taller than your house or leans more than 15 degrees, call a professional.
• Look for dead wood, cracks, or hanging branches. Any of these make the job dangerous for a homeowner.
• Check the drop zone. If the tree could hit a house, car, power line, or fence, do not cut it yourself.
• Ask yourself if you have the right equipment. A chainsaw, ropes, and a ladder are not enough for a big tree.

What makes a tree dangerous to cut yourself?

A tree is dangerous to cut yourself when its size, condition, or location makes the fall unpredictable. A straight, healthy tree under 20 feet tall with plenty of open space might be manageable for a skilled homeowner. But most trees near a house are not that simple.

The main risks are the tree splitting, kicking back, or falling the wrong way. A tree that is leaning, has a double trunk, or has rot inside can behave unexpectedly. Even a straight tree can twist as it falls if the crown is uneven. When you cut a notch and a hinge, you control the direction only if the tree is sound and the cut is precise. A mistake can send the tree onto your roof or through a window.

Another danger is the chainsaw itself. Cutting above your shoulders, cutting while on a ladder, or cutting a branch under tension can cause a kickback that pulls the saw toward your body. Professionals use techniques like bore cutting and wedges to control the fall, and they have training to read the tree's stress points.

When can a homeowner safely remove a small tree?

You can safely remove a small tree yourself if it is under 20 feet tall, has a trunk diameter under 8 inches, stands straight, and has no dead or damaged branches. You also need a clear drop zone that is at least twice the tree's height in all directions, with no structures, power lines, or people nearby.

Even for a small tree, you need the right equipment and technique. Use a sharp chainsaw or handsaw, wear chaps, eye protection, and a hard hat, and plan an escape route away from the fall direction. Make a horizontal notch cut on the side you want the tree to fall, then cut from the opposite side slightly above the notch. The tree should hinge and fall forward. If the tree is leaning or has any visible defect, stop and call a professional.

Removing a small tree also means dealing with the stump and the debris. Cutting the trunk into manageable logs and hauling them away is labor you can do yourself. But if the tree is close to a building or a fence, even a small tree can cause damage. When in doubt, get a quote from a removal service.

How do I know if a tree is hazardous?

Look for these warning signs that make a tree too risky for a DIY removal. If you see any of them, do not cut the tree yourself. Call a professional who can assess the tree and take it down safely.

• Cracks or splits in the trunk or major branches.
• Mushrooms or fungal growth at the base, which indicate internal rot.
• Dead or leafless branches in the crown.
• Leaning trunk, especially if the lean has increased recently.
• Roots heaving or soil lifting around the base.
• Hollow sounds when you tap the trunk.
• Multiple trunks that form a V shape, which can split under stress.

What does a professional tree removal service do differently?

A professional tree removal service brings equipment and training that make the job safe, even for trees that are large, leaning, or close to structures. We use ropes, rigging, and sometimes cranes to lower branches and trunk sections instead of letting them fall freely. This protects your property and lets us remove a tree in pieces when there is no open drop zone.

We also have the experience to read a tree's condition and plan the cut sequence. We know how to handle a tree that is hung up in another tree, a trunk that is rotten inside, or a branch that is under tension. We can remove a tree that is touching a power line, though the utility company may need to be involved first.

After the tree is down, we handle the cleanup. That includes cutting the trunk into manageable pieces, removing branches, and grinding the stump if you choose that service. You do not have to haul heavy logs or dispose of debris yourself. The cost of a professional removal depends on the tree's height, diameter, location, and condition. Ask for a written estimate that lists what is included, such as stump grinding and debris removal.

How much does it cost to hire a tree removal service?

The cost of professional tree removal varies widely based on the tree's size, location, and difficulty. A small, easy tree might cost a few hundred dollars, while a large tree near a house could cost over a thousand. Because every tree is different, you need an on-site estimate to get an accurate price.

What drives the price? The height and trunk diameter are the biggest factors. Trees over 60 feet tall or with trunks wider than 24 inches require more labor and equipment. The location matters too. A tree in an open yard is cheaper to remove than one that is close to a house, a fence, or power lines, because the crew has to rig and lower sections carefully. Condition also affects the price. A dead or rotten tree may be more dangerous to climb, so the crew may need a crane or special techniques.

When you call for an estimate, ask what the price includes. Does it cover cutting the trunk into pieces, removing all branches, and cleaning up the site? Is stump grinding extra? Is there a charge for travel or disposal? A written estimate should list every service and any potential extra costs, such as if the tree is taller than expected or if the crew needs to use a crane.

Severity triage: watch, soon, or now?

Not every tree problem needs immediate action. Use this guide to decide how soon to act.

• Watch: A small branch that is dead but not over a structure. You can wait a few months, but monitor it for growth of the dead area.
• Soon: A tree with a visible crack or a lean that has increased. Schedule a professional assessment within a few weeks. Do not park under it or let children play near it.
• Now: A tree that is leaning heavily, has a large split, or has branches over a house that could fall at any time. Call a removal service immediately. If there is a power line involved, contact the utility company first.

FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about DIY tree removal vs. hiring a service.