When you need help with tree removal, a professional arborist will safely complete the job. How long does it take to remove a tree, and how long will your property be disrupted? The timeline depends on several factors, including tree size, accessibility to the site, and whether you want stump grinding.
Learn more about the time required for cutting down trees on your property.
Average Time Required for Tree Removal
When you hire a professional, it can require two to three hours to take down an average-sized tree. Larger trees close to a house may take several hours to remove because they must be taken down in sections. Small trees in an open space might only require an hour for removal.
When an arborist inspects the tree to give you a cost estimate for removal, this professional can provide a time estimate for the work, too.
Factors That Affect the Tree Removal Timeline
How long does it take to remove a tree, and what factors affect the timeline? Tree size plays a significant role in the amount of time required to remove a tree, but other factors are also important.
Larger Trees Take Longer To Remove
A smaller tree, up to 20 feet in height, may only require an hour or two to remove. Larger trees 60 feet in height or more could take several hours to cut down.
The larger trees have wider diameter trunks, which take longer to cut through. Larger trees also have more branches and a wider canopy, meaning it will take longer to clean up afterward.
Professionals must accurately measure the height of the tree, allowing them to drop it to the ground safely. If they make an error in this estimate, the top of the tree might fall on the roof of the house. If the tree is too tall to cut down in one piece, the arborist might need to remove it in sections, which increases the time required.
Hardwood Trees Are More Difficult To Cut
If you have a hardwood species of tree, it will take longer to cut down than a softwood species. The chainsaw will need more time to pass through the hardwood in oak and maple trees, while the chainsaw will cut softwood (like pine) faster.
When giving you a cost estimate, the arborist can inspect the tree and determine whether it’s a hardwood or softwood species.
Removal of Dead or Rotting Trees Goes Faster
If the tree you’re removing is already dead, removal should go faster. Dead trees won’t have leaves, meaning they should be easier to cut down. The chainsaw won’t pass through a live, green tree as quickly as a dead trunk that has some insect damage or rot.
Accessibility of the Site Plays a Role
How long does it take to remove a tree in a remote location? If the tree is in a spot that’s difficult to reach by vehicle, professionals must manually haul the equipment to the site, which takes longer.
A tree that’s growing near other trees or buildings will take longer to remove than average. The arborists will have to proceed slowly and exercise more caution when other items are nearby the tree.
Stump Grinding Lengthens the Process
If you want to do stump grinding after removing the tree, the job will take an additional 30 to 60 minutes. Professionals will have a machine that chews up the visible wood in the stump, as well as roots and wood several inches underground. Stump grinding is essential when you want to use the area to plant grass or a garden right away.
Using the Proper Equipment Shortens the Time Needed
A professional tree removal service will have the right equipment to cut down the tree. Professionals have experience with the equipment, allowing them to use it efficiently. Homeowners won’t have the same level of experience with tree-cutting equipment.
You must pay tree removal costs when you hire a professional, but this expert will have the right equipment to speed up the job while following safety precautions.
Call Earthworks Tree Services Today for a Free Price Quote
How long does it take to remove a tree? When you rely on professionals instead of trying to use a chainsaw yourself, the work goes faster because they have the right equipment and experience. They can also reduce the dead tree removal risks by protecting your property.
For a free cost estimate for the tree removal process or any of our other tree care services, call Earthworks Tree Services today at (828) 519-0886.