When a tree gets very old and starts decaying, you should consider removing it with the help of a professional tree remover. Old and decaying trees can be a safety hazard to your property and your family. They can house pests, snakes and rodents while harming the local ecosystem. Removing a tree from its stumps can be an overwhelming task that requires special heavy equipment such as chainsaws and stump trimmers. You can hire a local tree removal company in Calgary to do the job for you without impairing your landscape. You can refer to this cost guide to understand the tree removal process, its costs and factors to consider. This cost guide is based on 257 reviews by Calgarians who got their trees or stumps removed before February 2021.
Tree Removal Costs in Calgary
| Task | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stump Grinding | $1,218 | $200 | $3,000 |
| Stump Removal | $1,094 | $120 | $2,900 |
| Tree Removal | $1,269 | $100 | $13,000 |
Costs as of February 2021*
Stump Grinding
- After a tree is successfully removed, you can make the decision to remove or keep its stump. Stumps can be very difficult to remove so if you decide to keep them, make sure that you grind them. Grinding will stop any extra growth, sprouting or branches coming from the roots. This process will save you a lot of time in regular garden maintenance.
- Professional stump grinders in Calgary will bring a specific grinding machine based on the size, type, location and number of stumps you want to remove. Based on the same parameters, the time and budget for the project can be determined. This job can cost you $1,218 on average in Calgary.
Stump Removal
- Tree stumps in your yard can be hazardous and won’t add any value to your landscape. By removing them you will also highly reduce the chances of attracting pests, rodents, mold and harmful bacteria. You can hire a local stump removal company to help you with this task.
- After carefully assessing the condition of your stumps, their size, location and density of the soil around it, the professionals will proceed with special heavy equipment and chemicals to remove the stump. This project can cost you up to $2,900 in Calgary.
Tree Removal
- Tree removal in Calgary requires a special permit from the city officials. Based on the type and size of the tree you have on your property, the process and documents required for this permit may differ. A majority of trees in Calgary are standing on private property, which makes them private-owned or citizen-owned trees. That’s why the city has put forth strong Tree-protection by-laws to maintain, protect and preserve its greenery. Removing a tree without a permit can cost you up to $10,000 in penalty.
- The city of Calgary has presented you with two options if you want a tree removed from your property: you can hire a city contractor who will complete the permit process on your behalf or you can do it yourself. Along with a completed application form, you will have to submit various documents and reports in favour of tree removal. The City of Calgary treats tree removals as a last resort so make sure you have considered different options such as pruning or rerooting the tree elsewhere.
- If you have an elm tree in your yard that requires removal, cutting or pruning, you will require a permit as well. Alberta is the last geographical area in North America that has been able to protect its elm trees from the deadly Dutch Elm Disease (DED) for nearly a century. The city has designated timelines to alter the elm trees with their permission.
- Tree removal in Calgary is a complicated process that requires a lot of time, paperwork and patience. You can hire a professional tree removal company to help you with this mammoth task. Based on the number, size and type of tree you want to remove, this project can cost you up to $13,000.
Factors Impacting Tree Removal in Calgary
Size of the Tree
- Tree removal professionals in Calgary use the size of a tree as a primary cost determining factor. They have divided the trees into 4 broad categories for sizing purposes:
| Small | Up to 30 feet |
| Medium | 30-60 feet |
| Large | 60-80 feet |
| Huge | 80-100 feet or more |
- These sizes help them calculate the time it may require to finish the project, the number of workers they might need to hire and the type of equipment they may need. Make sure you discuss the extra labour and material costs with your contractor before signing them up.
Type of Tree
- Calgary is the house of a variety of trees. Each type of tree requires different methods and unique strategies for its removal. If you have an elm tree in your yard, the contractor will have to be more careful when bringing it down to avoid nuisance and damage to surrounding trees. Based on the thickness of the trunk, linearity of the branches and size of the foliage, the cost to remove a tree in Calgary will change significantly.
Condition of the Tree
- The city of Calgary has very strong rules and regulations for removing live and healthy trees. If you have a decaying, diseased or fallen tree on your property, you will have to make sure that you have done everything to save the tree. If there are chances of the tree’s survival then you may consider re-rooting the tree elsewhere or else you may have to face heavy penalties to remove a good-conditioned tree in Calgary.
Location
- The tree removal process is very complex, to begin with. If your tree is located in your backyard, if there is no easy access for a crane or a ladder, if the tree is standing in a dangerous position that can damage your or your neighbour’s property, then it can cost you even more to remove it securely. Trees with difficult-to-access locations can result in expensive removal.
Season
- In Calgary, the best time to remove a tree is the months of February and March when the tree is dormant and has minimal chances of new growth. You can hire a tree professional a few weeks prior to help you with the permit application process and to plan the tree removal procedure. Local tree removers can be busy during this season so we recommend you book them well in advance.
Tree removal in Vancouver requires the assistance of a professional and experienced company as it can be a complex job. The company can help you with the permit application, submission, examining the tree, assessing the timeline, removing the tree and cleaning the area afterwards. Hire a local tree removal specialist by checking their Star Score, verification badge and homeowner reviews on HomeStars.