Need a tree removed from your yard? Calgary Tree Works assists homeowners and property owners in finding a professional tree removal service in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Whether it is a small tree in your backyard or a big tree near your home, garage, fence or other structure, you can provide information about your project and receive a quote from a local tree company.
When Is It Time for a Tree Removal?
It is not always necessary to remove an unhealthy or overly grown tree. Sometimes it may be enough to trim or perform other operations with the tree.
Tree removal is typically required in cases of:
- A dead or declining tree
- A trunk having cracks, decay, and other problems
- Major limbs broken during a storm
- A tree leaning in the direction of a house, driveway, or other structure
- Damage caused by root growth
- Obstacle for the construction or landscaping work
- Species became unstable
- Diseases or decay preventing from saving the tree
- An unwanted tree should be removed from the property
In cases where it is unclear whether or not the tree should be removed, an assessment from a tree specialist may be helpful in deciding whether the tree should be removed or if it is possible for the tree to remain.
Tree Emergency and Hazardous Tree Removal
Certain trees will have issues that require them to be attended to more urgently than regular removal.
The following are situations where the tree will need immediate evaluation by a tree specialist:
- The tree has suddenly begun to lean
- The trunk has been split apart or cracked
- There is a large branch overhanging the home, driveway or walkway
- The tree has become unstable due to storm damage
- The root plate has moved
- The tree has fallen on a structure
- The tree or its branches are obstructing electricity equipment
Never try to remove a tree or cut it down when it is touching or extremely close to an electricity line. If there are electricity lines involved, maintain your distance and contact the relevant company.
Cost of Tree Removal in Calgary
The cost of tree removal in Calgary will vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the tree, the condition of the tree, the difficulty of removing it and access to it.
Estimated cost ranges may include the following:
| Tree Size or Service | Typical Price Range |
| Small tree under 20 ft | $350–$700 |
| Medium tree, 20–40 ft | $700–$1,400 |
| Large tree, 40–70 ft | $1,400–$2,800 |
| Very large or complex tree | $2,800–$6,000+ |
| Stump grinding with removal | $100–$400+ |
The above estimated costs will not apply to every situation.
What Determines the Cost of Tree Removal?
The height of the tree is just one of the elements that go into determining the cost of the removal service.
There are many other elements to consider such as:
- Tree trunk diameter
- Size and number of tree branches
- State of the tree itself
- The ease of access to the location
- Whether the tree is near houses, garages and fences
- Proximity to utility wires
- Needed equipment for the job
- Size of the wood and debris to be cleared away
- The need for stump grinding
- Can the tree be felled in one fell swoop or will it need to be cut down section by section
For instance, a tree growing in an open space would not be that hard to cut down. The same tree located between a house, a garage and a fence could cause more difficulties.
Is a Permit Required for Tree Removal in Calgary?
The need for a permit or other conditions will depend on various considerations, including who owns the tree, where the tree is located and whether the removal is related to any development or construction project.
A tree on private property is not the same as a tree owned by the City of Calgary.
There are certain restrictions on the removal of a public tree without the proper authorization. In some cases, there will also be tree protection conditions if the removal is done in conjunction with development or construction near a public tree.
If there is doubt as to whether the tree belongs to you or to the City of Calgary, it is advisable to confirm this with the City of Calgary prior to the removal of the tree.
Can Elm Trees Be Removed in Calgary?
Elms trees are governed by certain laws of Alberta that have been formulated in an attempt to limit the spread of Dutch elm disease.
Elm pruning is forbidden from April 1 to September 30. But this does not automatically mean that during this time an elm tree cannot be cut down at all.
When an elm is required to be cut down, the wood should be disposed of properly, as elm materials can serve as a home for beetles that cause Dutch elm disease.
If you own an elm, inform the tree specialist about the type of elm you think you have when asking for an estimate.
Tree Removal Close to Power Lines
Trees located near overhead electrical lines need extra caution.
It should never be attempted to cut down a tree or remove any branches that are in contact with electrical lines. Electricity will pass through trees and equipment, posing a great danger of getting hurt.
Should a tree fall on an electrical line or if a branch is touching the electrical utility, stay away from the area and notify the right utility company.
When it comes to planned tree removal near electrical lines, the tree removal company will evaluate the site and see what further action needs to be taken.
Tree Removal Process
Though specific procedures depend upon the size, location and condition of the tree, the general steps in tree removal process are:
- Tree Evaluation
The tree removal company evaluates the tree with regard to its size, condition, lean, nearby structures and available space for work.
- Formulating the Removal Strategy
The contractor decides the method of safe tree removal. If there is sufficient space around the tree, then the tree may sometimes be cut down directly; otherwise, it may be taken apart in pieces.
- Preparation of the Worksite
The worksite is prepared and proper safety measures are taken prior to any cutting operations.
- Cutting of Branches and Trunk
First, branches may be cut down and then the trunk will be removed in pieces.
For large trees, the contractor may use climbing and rigging equipment.
- Tree Branches and Wood Disposal
Tree branches can be chipped and logs broken into smaller sections. Disposal will depend on what is covered in your quote.
- Stump Grinding
Not all parts of a tree get removed just by cutting it down. Stump grinding may be quoted separately or incorporated in your total quote.
Always make sure what is being quoted, especially stump grinding, debris disposal, and cleanup.
Do You Want the Stump Ground?
Once the tree gets taken down, you will still have the stump to deal with.
Here are some situations where stump grinding might come into play:
- You wish to landscape the site
- Plant new grass or sod
- Build or re-install a fence
- Establish garden beds
- Avoid future trip hazards
- Ease lawn care activities
- Prevent regrowth for some tree species
If you are interested in stump grinding in addition to having the tree removed, let your contractor know when requesting a quote.
Tree Removal in Calgary and Surrounding Areas
Through Calgary Tree Works, homeowners, landlords, property managers and other property owners will be assisted in finding tree service providers who can help in removing trees in Calgary and vicinity.
Regardless of whether you require a small tree to be removed from a residential yard or a big tree that is dead, damaged or potentially dangerous, you can provide the details of your tree removal project and make an inquiry for quotes.
Inquire About Tree Removal Quotes in Calgary
For your dead, damaged, unwanted or potentially hazardous tree, provide information about your tree removal project and make an inquiry about quotes.
Inform the tree removal experts about the size of the tree and its location on your property. Let them know if the tree is near your house, garage, fence, driveway or any utility line. You can even add photos of your project to help them get an idea about your project even before contacting them.