There are many reasons that you might be looking for free tree removal.
Your tree could be diseased, dead, or maybe it’s creeping too close to your power lines and could cause a fire. These types of tree problems, if not addressed quickly, can lead to serious consequences.
So, taking care of the tree immediately is crucial…but some removal services can get pricey.
Fortunately, there are some free tree removal programs available, some of which are used by actual logging companies.
Is There a Free Tree Removal Program for Seniors?
While there isn’t a federal program for free tree removal for seniors, there are several cities that have free tree removal programs.
In Escambia County, Florida, you can get free tree removal or trimming if you, the tree, and your property, meet certain qualifications.
- You can’t make more than 80 percent of the Escambia County Median Income.
- The tree needs to have obvious signs of rot or damage.
- Your property can’t have any judgment liens, code violations, or delinquent taxes outstanding
There are also a number of free home maintenance services available in Alabama.2 This includes free tree removal. You can request assistance from the providers in the Care Alabama services database.
In El Dorado County, California, the Department of Forestry has a free tree removal program for seniors above 60 years old. The tree needs to meet certain requirements, it must be dead or dying, bigger than 10 inches in diameter, more than 20 feet tall, within 300 feet of the residence, and it must pose a structural threat.
In California, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has a fire prevention grant to remove dead trees, but it isn’t available all year round.3
Free Tree Removal by Type
Some companies might offer free tree removal if you have a particular type of tree.
This is because some trees are very valuable and the debris can, in turn, be sold by the tree removal company.
| Free Tree Removal By Type | Tree Removal Service Contact |
| Free Magnolia Tree Removal | Depending on the variety of Magnolia you have, it might be illegal to cut down. You need to check to see if it’s protected on the state or federal level.7 |
| Free Banyan Tree Removal | Banyan Tree Landscape Construction Address: 303 Mowetza Drive, Ashland, OR 97520 Office: (541) 944-0943 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Dogwood Tree Removal | Mr. Tree, Inc. Address: 8560 SE 172nd Ave Portland OR 97086 Office: (503) 665-3917 |
| Free Oak Tree Removal | K&B Lumber Address: 4865 County Road 19 Millersburg, OH 44654 Forestry Consultant: Marion Yoder Cell: (330) 204-9511 Office: (855) 897-2299 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Willow Tree Removal | J & S Tree Service Inc. Address: 430 E Fay Ave. Addison, IL 60101 Office: (630) 273-7204 |
| Free Sycamore Tree Removal | Good’s Tree and Lawn Care Address: 4401 Chambers Hill Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 Office: (717) 564-1995 |
| Free Mulberry Tree Removal | Fox Valley Tree Care & Landscape Address: 8889 Oakwood Ave. Suite A, Neenah, WI 54956 Office: (920) 243-8389 |
| Free Lemon Tree Removal | Phoenix Trim-A-Tree, LLC Address: 3722 E Superior Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040 East Valley Office: (480) 962-0701 West Valley Office: (602) 718-8493 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Birch Tree Removal | Birch Tree Care Address: 3100 Spruce Street St. Paul, MN 55117 Office: (651) 401-8749 |
| Free Cherry Tree Removal | James Cherry Tree Service, Inc. Address: North Wales, PA 19454 North Wales Office: (215) 699-2858 Horsham Office: (215) 672-6777 Email: [email protected] |
| Free Cypress Tree Removal | Cypress Tree Care Address: 33529 Fox Run Road, Frankford, DE 19945 Office: (302) 732-3227 |
| Free Ash Tree Removal | Timbermen Tree Service Address: 14742 IL RT 64 Rochelle, IL 61068 Office: (815) 561-4200 Email: [email protected] |
| Free Maple Tree Removal | Maple Tree Services Address: 83 Ash St Spencer, MA, US 01562 Office: (978) 310-6681 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Pink Magnolia Tree Removal | Depending on the variety of Magnolia you have, it might be illegal to cut down. You need to check to see if it’s protected on the state or federal level. |
| Free Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree Removal | Depending on the variety of Magnolia you have, it might be illegal to cut down. You need to check to see if it’s protected on the state or federal level. |
| Free Southern Magnolia Tree Removal | Depending on the variety of Magnolia you have, it might be illegal to cut down. You need to check to see if it’s protected on the state or federal level. |
| Free Chocolate Mimosa Tree Removal | Evergreen Tree Trimming and Removal Service Address: Pleasanton, CA Office: (925) 905-8563 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Pink Mimosa Tree Removal | Evergreen Tree Trimming and Removal Service Address: Pleasanton, CA Office: (925) 905-8563 E-mail: [email protected] |
| Free Desert Willow Tree Removal | A.B.C. Scapes Inc. Address: 1720 Grand Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Office: (602) 404-0568 |
| Free Hazelnut Tree Removal | Mr. Tree, Inc. Address: 8560 SE 172nd Ave. Portland OR 97086 Office: (503) 665-3917 Landscape Office: (503) 665-7343 |
Is There a Free Tree Removal Program In Exchange for Wood?
There is no official program that allows free tree removal in exchange for wood. However, you should check to see if your tree is part of a city, state, or federal program. The state or city will likely remove the tree if it belongs to them.
You might also have luck posting ads for someone to cut down your tree in exchange for the wood.
Is There a Logging Company Free Tree Removal?
Logging companies want trees that are valuable. If you have a valuable species or a number of trees that’s worth it to them, they are much more likely to remove the trees for free. Depending on how valuable your trees are, they might even pay you.
Some species that are valuable are maple, oak, ash, beech, sycamore, alder, and cherry. Here’s a calculator to check your timber prices.13
The tree’s wood needs to be in good shape, taller trees with a larger diameter are ideal. The trunk should be straight with no or few branches on the lower portion. The fewer blemishes on the trunk, the better, knots, crooks, and sweeps lower the value of your tree.
How To Remove Tree Stump by Hand (Without a Grinder or Tractor)
If you need to know how to remove a tree stump by hand, there are several simple ways to get rid of tree stumps. Removal isn’t always necessary. Allowing the stump to rot has benefits for your lawn and garden.12
Stump Removal By Hand
First, remove the dirt around the stump. You want to have access to the more extensive roots. Make sure the circle is big enough for tools.
Second, start cutting the roots. You only need to be able to pry or pull the stump out. Likely, you won’t need to cut every single root.
Third, you can attempt to pull the stump out manually. It would help if you had a digging bar; even a long 2×4 will work.
(Image: Markus Spiske16)
Fourth, you can also attach the stump to a vehicle; something with four-wheel drive will be best. You need a chain or tow strap to secure the stump firmly. Drive forward slowly until the stump is out of the ground.
Fifth, the only thing left is to fill the hole and cover the dirt with sod or seeds.
Rotting The Stump
The first method to rot a stump is similar to removing the stump; start by removing the dirt. For this method, you only need to dig a few inches down.
Step two, cut the stump a few inches below the dirt. You can use a hand or a chainsaw/reciprocal saw, whatever you can safely use.
Step three is identical to the final step of removing the stump. Fill the hole with dirt and cover it with either sod or seeds.
You can also rot a stump by covering it in compost. The compost will help speed up natural rotting.
(Image: Frank Dohl17)
You might consider burying the stump if you’re already thinking about planting a garden. The wood will help the plants regulate the amount of water they receive. Also, the rotting wood will act as a natural fertilizer.
Does a Copper Nail Kill a Tree?
Does a copper nail kill a tree? Short answer, no.4 Long answer, maybe, though in small doses, copper is apt to help plant growth. A tiny tree, like a sapling, might be stunted or killed by 1 or 2 nails.
An enormous tree is just going to grow around them. You might need 20-30 nails for a large tree. It’s also a slow process, even if you manage to kill it.
Can I Learn How To Negotiate Tree Removal?
You can negotiate a lower price, potentially, by offering to keep the logs for firewood. You could sell them or keep them for heating your own house.6
You could remove the green waste yourself. If you compost, throw the waste in it. Leaving the tree stump is another way to lower your cost. Methods for removing or getting rid of the stump are mentioned above.
You can try smaller companies near you. They’ll have less overhead and be more likely to charge less.
What’s the Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit?
The penalty differs from state to state, even county to county. Always check the laws in your area before cutting down a tree.
Related Reading: 8 Endangered Tree Species Helping Fight Climate Change
Penalties for Cutting Down Trees Without a Permit by State
Be sure to check the regulations in your actual county before cutting down a tree.
The following table contains links to each state’s forestry department, for checking penalties for cutting down trees without a permit (on public and private lands).
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit by State | Penalty for Illegal Cutting of Trees |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Alabama | Alabama’s Forestry Department |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Alaska | Alaska’s Forestry Department |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Arizona | Arizona’s Urban Forestry |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Arkansas | Arkansas Urban Forestry |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit California | California Urban Forestry |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Colorado | Colorado Division of Forestry |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Connecticut | Connecticut Forestry Service |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Delaware | Delaware Forestry Service |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Florida | Florida Urban Forestry |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Georgia | Georgia Forestry Commission |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Forestry and Wildlife |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Idaho | Idaho Forestry Department |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Illinois | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Indiana | Indiana Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Iowa | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty For Cutting Tree Without Permit Kansas | Kansas Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Kentucky | Kentucky Department of Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Maine | Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Maryland | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Michigan | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Minnesota | Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Mississippi | Mississippi Forestry Commission |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Missouri | Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Montana | Montana Urban and Community Forestry Program |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Nebraska | Nebraska Forest Service |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Nevada | Nevada Forestry Department |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit New Hampshire | New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit New Mexico | New Mexico Urban and Community Forestry Program |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit New York | New York Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit North Carolina | North Carolina Forest Service |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit North Dakota | North Dakota Forestry Division |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Ohio | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Oklahoma | Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Oregon | Oregon Department of Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of State |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit South Carolina | South Carolina Forestry Commission |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Agriculture |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Texas | Texas Forest Service |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Utah | Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Vermont | Vermont Department of Forests – Parks and Recreation |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Virginia | Virginia Department of Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Washington | Washington Urban and Community Forestry Program |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit West Virginia | West Virginia Division of Forestry |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Penalty for Cutting Tree Without Permit Wyoming | Wyoming Forestry Conversation Program |
Is There a Free Tree Removal for Veterans? (Tree Removal Assistance Program)
RTEC tree care offers a program for veterans, At Ease Military & Veteran Family Assistance Program.10 They provide extra tree care to military/veteran families.
The program includes tree pruning and removal of hazardous trees.
Hansen’s Tree Service has a program called, Operation S.O.S., that serves veterans.8 This includes tree trimming, tree maintenance, and tree removal. Active duty, retired, and even military families are eligible.
Project Evergreen serves military veterans, as well as, the disabled, under-resourced individuals/families, and people over 65.1 They provide lawn, landscape, and snow removal services for the entire length of deployment.
Related Reading: 13 Awesome And Interesting Facts About The Amazon Rainforest
Are There Companies That Cut Trees for Free?
There are, technically, companies that will cut down your tree for no charge. Utility companies will cut down or trim a tree that’s too close to power lines.
The city will remove a tree if it belongs to them or, sometimes, if the tree has a disease or pest that can spread to other trees. A logging company might also cut down your trees if there are enough or if the trees are valuable.
Related Reading: 7 Weird Trees With 2 Strange Enough To Be From Mars
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal, the Land Owner or the City?
Most of the time, a tree on your property is your responsibility, including trees that fall on your land. Call your homeowners insurance, and if there was damage, they might cover the costs, giving you a free tree removal.
If the tree was neglected, for example, if you didn’t remove a dead tree and it fell over onto your shed, your insurance probably won’t cover the damage.
Will the City Cut Down a Tree on My Property? (Will the City Cut My Tree for Free?)
There are only a few reasons the city will cut down a tree. Likely, the only way they’ll cut down a tree on your property is if it’s a public danger. For instance, if a tree is too close to power lines, even then, they’re apt to trim the tree before they cut it down.
What Trees Can Be Cut Down Without Permission?
There are several types of trees that can be cut down without permission. Dead trees, as well as fallen trees, dangerous trees, pest trees, and non-significant local trees.
(Image: Jimmy Chan15)
For the dangerous trees, you will need confirmation that it’s dangerous from a certified arborist. Pest trees are ones the state is trying to get rid of, so check with your state to see which trees are on their list. Non-significant local trees are large trees, and the sizes vary by state, so be sure to check before cutting a tree down.
How Do I Find a Certified Arborist?
Here is a list of certified Arborists, one for each state.5 To find one near you, search for ‘Find An Arborist’, and use the site Trees Are Good. A certified arborist might be able to help you find a company that will help you with free tree removal.
| Certified Arborist in Each State | Contact Information for the Arborist | Important Laws Against Cutting Down trees |
| Certified Arborist in Alabama | Don Cafaro City of Mountain Brook Address: Mountain Brook, AL 35243 Office: (205) 802-3874 E-mail: [email protected] | Birmingham, AL, has no rules about removing trees from your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in Alaska | Nicklette LaFleur LaFleur Gardening Address: 3675 E Serendipity Loop, Wasilla, AK 99654 Office: (907)-373-8475 E-mail: [email protected] | Juneau, AK has no rules about removing trees on your own property, but in Anchorage, the city can remove the trees if they’re too close to city property, and causing a problem. |
| Certified Arborist in Arizona | Andrew Young The Tree Amigos Address: 6820 E. Flossmoor Ave., Mesa, AZ 85208 Office: (480) 214 – 0058 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.thetreeamigos.com | Phoenix, AZ, has no rules for removing trees from your own property.11 |
| Certified Arborist in Arkansas | Daniel Hurst Daniel’s Tree Service 10011 State Highway 293-N, Dumas, AR 71639 Office: (870) 918-0609 E-mail: [email protected] | Little Rock, AR has no rules for tree removal on your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in California | Scott A. Carothers Bartlett Tree Experts Address: Petaluma, CA 94952 Office: (707) 935-3220 E-mail: [email protected] | Sacramento, CA only requires a permit for removal if it’s a heritage tree or an oak. Oakland, CA requires a permit if you want to remove a protected tree. Fresno, CA requires a permit for the majority of work done to trees. Los Angeles, CA only requires a permit for oak trees. |
| Certified Arborist in Colorado | Todd Thrasher Sol Solutions LLC Address: P.O. Box 775468, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 Office: (970) 871-1338 Email: [email protected] Website: www.solsolutionsllc.com | Denver, CO places the responsibility on the owner, unless the tree belongs to the city or if it is in a public right of way. |
| Certified Arborist in Connecticut | Kevin Byam Distinctive Tree Care Address: 48 Patria Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074 Phone: (860) 528-8733 Mobile: (860) 214-8549 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.distinctivetreecare.com | The owner of the private property is entirely responsible for tree removal in Hartford, CT. |
| Certified Arborist in Delaware | Peter Kingshill Bartlett Tree Experts Address: 466 B&O Lane, Wilmington, DE 19804 Phone: (302) 995-7562 Mobile: (302) 530-2044 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.bartlett.com | Dover, DE has no specific rules for tree removal on private property. |
| Certified Arborist in Florida | Michael Lindsey North Florida Arborist Solutions Address: 2822 VANN CIR, Tallahassee, FL 32312 Office: (850) 694-9604 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.northfloridaarboristsolutions.com | You might need a permit in Tallahassee, FL if your tree is more than 36 inches in diameter. Miami, FL is more interested in the amount of trees, more than 25%, and you’ll need a permit. It’s height and circumference in Jacksonville, FL, more than 4 feet tall or 3 1/2 feet around, and you’ll need a permit. |
| Certified Arborist in Georgia | Scott Hall Outdoor Spaces Address: 1740 Watercrest Dr. Cumming, GA 30041 Office: (404) 328-6561 E-mail: [email protected] | In Atlanta, GA, if your tree is hardwood anything over 6 inches in diameter will need a permit, and for pine anything 12 inches or more in diameter needs a permit. |
| Certified Arborist in Hawaii | Josh C. Spalding Address: P.O. Box 32, Kula, HI 96790 Office: (808) 265-2341 E-mail: [email protected] | Honolulu, HI doesn’t have any rules regarding trees on your property, unless they’re obstructing the street. The city will trim your tree for public safety, in that instance. |
| Certified Arborist in Idaho | Cory Emery Company: Cory Emery Address: 14226 Shelby St., Caldwell, ID 83607 Office: (208) 488-2371 E-mail: [email protected] | Boise, ID, for the most part, has no rules for tree removal. The exceptions are elm trees on your property; they require a permit. Also, any tree that counts as a public right of way tree, those are city property, not yours. |
| Certified Arborist in Illinois | John Mose Address: 1001 E. Michigan Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 | In Chicago, IL you need a permit. Depending on the circumstances, you might need more than one permit. For example, if you want to cut down an infected ash tree, you’ll need a compliance agreement. |
| Certifierd Arborist in Indiana | Michael G. Webster Xanderbuilt Tree Care Address: 820 E Main St., Westfield, IN 46074 Phone: (317) 848-8885 Mobile: (317) 514-4481 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.xanderbuilt.net | Indianapolis, IN has no rules for tree removal on your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in Iowa | Ryan R. Burlingame Wright Outdoor Solutions Address: West Des Moines, IA 50266 Office: (515) 987-6265 E-mail: [email protected] | You’re entirely responsible for the trees on your own property in Des Moines, IA. |
| Certified Arborist in Kansas | Tracey Galli G & S Tree Works LLC Address: 2491 County Road D.D., Gem, KS 67734 Office: (785) 462-0450 | In Kansas, the only way the city can remove trees on private property, is for you to prove that the tree is infected. |
| Certified Arborist in Kentucky | Steve Skaggs Address: 102 Delta Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075 Mobile: (859) 630-2162 E-mail: [email protected] | You might need a permit in Frankfurt, KY if your tree is a public right of way or street tree. |
| Certified Arborist in Louisiana | James H. Bourgeois James Bourgeois Contractor, Inc. Address: P.O. Box 1139, Raceland, LA 70394 Office: (985) 637-7920 E-mail: [email protected] | In Louisiana, needing a permit will depend on the circumstances. Certain land is protected, you won’t be able to cut down those trees, even if it’s your property. |
| Certified Arborist in Maine | Dennis P. Wilson Address: Town of Brunswick, 220 Neptune Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011 E-mail: [email protected] | Near the Maine shoreline, there are quite a few rules for removing trees, but in the Augusta city limits there aren’t any specific rules for removing trees on your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in Maryland | Jeff Schwartz Ashton Manor Environmental, LLC Address: 17701 New Hampshire Ave., Ashton, MD 20861 Office: (301) 774-8201 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ashtonmanor.com | In Baltimore, MD, if you have roadside trees on your private property, you need a permit from the Baltimore government to have them removed. |
| Certified Arborist in Massachusetts | Michael Colman Address: 214 Wareham Rd. Apt. 1204, Plymouth, MA 02360 Mobile: (508) 254-2271 E-mail: [email protected] | Be very sure that the tree you want removed actually belongs to you in Massachusetts. If you’re wrong and it belongs to your neighbor, you could be brought up on charges and end up paying a fine. |
| Certified Arborist in Michigan | April Lange Address: Silver Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328 E-mail: [email protected] | If you have an infected ash tree in Michigan, you should have it removed as soon as possible. Lansing, MI has no specific rules for removing trees from your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in Minnesota | Dave W. Weinhold Weinhold Family Tree Service LLC Address: Stewartville, MN 55976 Office: (507) 218-6627 E-mail: [email protected] | You must have a permit to remove your tree in Minnesota. |
| Certified Arborist in Mississippi | Gerald A. Miller Also Known As Tony Cambium Tree Care and Preservation, Inc. Address: 7613 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Phone: (228) 818-9900 Mobile: (228) 365-5705 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.cambiumtree.com | Jackson, MS has no specific rules for removing your own trees. |
| Certified Arborist in Missouri | William C. Freeman Lebanon ArborCare LLC Address: 24347 Pine Tree Dr., Lebanon, MO 65536 Office: (417) 532-5050 E-mail: [email protected] | You’re responsible for your own trees in St. Louis, MO, however, the city can remove trees on your property if they’re hazardous. |
| Certified Arborist in Montana | Sarah E. Eilers Wild Goose, LLC Address: 1403 S. Bozeman Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715 Office: (406)570-3711 | Montana has no specific rules for removing trees on your own property. |
| Certified Arborist in Nebraska | Lorri Grueber City of Lincoln Address: 3131 “O” Street, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68510 Phone: (402) 441-9461 Mobile: (402) 432-6644 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/ | You are responsible for taking care of and maintaining your trees in Nebraska. |
| Certified Arborist in Nevada | Randy Coleman Address: 3599 Driving Range St., Las Vegas, NV 89122 Office: (760) 403-3320 E-mail: [email protected] | Even though Nevada has programs to promote the general population of trees, you don’t need a permit to cut one down in your own yard. |
| Certified Arborist in New Hampshire | Timothy J. Bergquist TimBer Property Consulting LLC Address: 199 Holland Street, Moultonborough, NH 03253 Phone: (603) 476-7118 Mobile: (603) 707-6432 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.timberpropertyconsulting.com/ | As long as you are more than 150 feet from the shoreline, you don’t need a permit for tree removal in New Hampshire. |
| Certified Arborist in New Jersey | Lorianne Brunsch Address: 42 Sterling St., Franklin, NJ 07416 Mobile: (973) 570-4050 | Because of new ordinances created in New Jersey, to preserve more trees, you might not be able to remove your own trees even if you do apply for a permit. |
| Certified Arborist in New Mexico | Brett Kolander Address: P.O. Box 940, Chimayo, NM 87522 Phone: (505) 351-9965 E-mail: [email protected] | You’re responsible for your own trees in New Mexico. |
| Certified Arborist in New York | Stoddard S. Hill Hill Treekeepers Address: 56 North Plank Road, Suite 1, PMB 315, Newburgh, NY 12550 Office: (914) 214-7045 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hilltreekeepers.com | Depending on where you are in New York, you might need a permit. In Albany, for example, if your tree is 6 ½ feet, or larger, in circumference, you need a permit. |
| Certified Arborist in North Carolina | Brad R. Davis Bartlett Tree Experts Address: Raleigh, NC 27617 Office: (919) 782-7803 E-mail: [email protected] | In Raleigh, NC, check to make sure your tree isn’t a conservation or champion type, you can’t remove those. You need a permit to remove trees on your property in Charlotte, NC. |
| Certified Arborist in North Dakota | Samuel L. DeMarais Address: Fargo, ND 58102 Phone: (701) 212-0838 | North Dakota has no specific rules for removing your own trees. |
| Certified Arborist in Ohio | Jennifer Roberts Address: 6724 Velma Ave., Parma, OH 44129 Phone: (440) 843-9500 E-mail: [email protected] | Your trees are your own responsibility in Ohio. |
| Certified Arborist in Oklahoma | Damon T. McKissick Davey Tree Surgery Co. Address: 7721 NW 10th St. Suite C, Oklahoma City, OK 73127 Office: 1(405) 206-6817 E-mail: [email protected] | In Oklahoma, OK, you need tree professionals to cut down your tree properly. Other than that, neither city or state has specific rules on cutting down your own trees. |
| Certified Arborist in Oregon | Stephan Lilles Western States Arboriculture, LLC Address: Tualatin, OR 97062 Office: 503-320-5635 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.westernstatesarbor.com | If you’re in Salem, OR, you’ll need a permit to cut down a heritage tree, or some trees that are 12 inches or more in diameter. |
| Certified Arborist in Pennsylvania | Kathryn S. Belville Address: 774 Beatty View Lane, Springfield, PA 19064 Mobile: (610) 620-3330 E-mail: [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA has no specific rules about removing trees from your own property. They will, however, give you 30 days notice to trim or remove a tree that is encroaching or hanging in public spaces. |
| Certified Arborist in Rhode Island | Brian L. Hanson On the Green Side Address: 65 Crest Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 284-2934 Mobile: (401) 243-7826 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.goonthegreenside.com | There are a number of reasons you might need a permit or permission to remove your trees in Providence, RI. In particular, significant trees can’t be removed without permission, and one of the conditions it needs to meet is that the tree is hazardous. |
| Certified Arborist in South Carolina | Randall Rawson Rawson Services I.N.C. Address: Johns Island, SC 29455 Office: (843) 860-1117 E-mail: [email protected] | Grand trees are protected in South Carolina. There are a lot of criteria that need to be met before you’ll get approval. The ordinance also outlines the necessary replacement criteria. |
| Certified Arborist in South Dakota | Tony Seidl South Dakota Resource Conservation and Forestry Address: 3305 W. South St., Rapid City, SD 57701 Office: (605) 280-7502 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sd.gov/cs | South Dakota has no particular rules about removing trees from your own property. However, in Sioux Falls, if you’re tree is infected, or covered in pests that might spread to other trees, the director of forestry has the right to keep it under control. |
| Certified Arborist in Tennessee | Bryon Smith Address: 555 New Salem Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: (615) 801-0130 E-mail: [email protected] | While state law, in Tennessee, doesn’t say anything about tree removal on private property, Nashville has a city tree removal ordinance. Among other things, the list mentions what trees are protected,9 if you need a replacement tree, and that the company removing the tree has to have permits before they do anything. |
| Certified Arborist in Texas | Vern Autrey Address: 521 Isabella Dr., El Paso, TX 79912 Phone: (915) 740-5453 E-mail: [email protected] | In Texas, it depends on where you are, in Austin, if your tree is 60 inches or more around, you need a permit. Even then, you still need to prove the tree is a hazard. In Dallas, you’re entirely responsible for your own trees. |
| Certified Arborist in Utah | Chaz Addis Arbor Culture Address: 1722 North 390 East, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062 Office: (801) 735-3315 E-mail: [email protected] | Heritage trees are protected under Utah state law, but that seems to be the only law for trees on private property. |
| Certified Arborist in Vermont | Adam Whitney Whitney Tree Service Address: Warren, VT 05674 Office: (802) 496-9975 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.whitneytreeservice.com/ | Vermont has tree wardens and if you have an infestation, they are allowed to control that so it doesn’t get out of hand. |
| Certified Arborist in Virginia | Jonathan Sledge Above Ground Tree and Landscape Services Address: Lynchburg, VA 24503 Office: (434) 221-9525 E-mail: [email protected] | Your trees are your own responsibility in Virginia. |
| Certified Arborist in Washington | David M. Bayard Seattle City Light Address: 3613 4th Ave., South Seattle, WA 98134 Office: (206) 386-1902 E-mail: [email protected] | Washington state has no particular laws for removing trees on private property. Washington, D.C. has certain regulations, such as needing a permit to remove a tree over 55 inches in circumference. |
| Certified Arborist in West Virginia | Matthew Cummons Address: 1313 Montrose Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone: (304) 545-9859 E-mail: [email protected] | Your trees are your responsibility in West Virginia. |
| Certified Arborist in Wisconsin | William Torgeson Capital City Tree Experts Address: 4702, Ellestad Dr., Madison, WI 53716 Office: (608) 220-4867 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.capcitytree.com | There are no specific laws for tree removal on private property in Wisconsin. |
| Certified Arborist in Wyoming | Chris Hackett Big Horn Tree and Shrub Care Address: 2921 E Ave., Unit B, Cody, WY 82414 Office: (307) 899-5381 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bighorntreeandshrub.com | Your trees are your responsibility in Wyoming. |
No matter why you’re looking, maybe you’re a veteran, maybe you’re elderly, or maybe you just have a dead tree in your yard, you should be able to find assistance with tree removal or free tree removal programs that are used by actual companies around the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Tree Removal
Do I Need a Permit To Cut Down Trees on My Property?
Often the answer will be, yes, however you should check your city’s ordinance to be certain.
Who Is Responsible for Trees Between Sidewalk and Street?
In general, the municipality or state is responsible for those trees. It does vary depending on ordinances, codes, or laws, so make sure to check.
Who Is Responsible for City Trees?
Usually, the city arborist, the urban forester, or staff within the public works and local government ordinances determine who takes care of them.14
Is There a Program for Free Tree Removal in Exchange for Wood?
There isn’t a specific program, no. Depending on the number of trees you have, the tree(s) species, or the size of your tree(s), a logging company might be willing to remove them for free or even pay you.
Is There a Free Tree Removal for Seniors in Every State?
No. Certain cities and counties will assist seniors with tree removal, but those programs are geared toward the dead, dying, or hazardous trees.
Where Can I Find a Tree Removal Cost Calculator?
Open your search engine and type in “tree removal cost calculator.”
Where Can I Find Free Palm Tree Removal Service?
Free tree removal service is challenging to find, but some people qualify for it or can apply to have it done based on several factors.
Read More About Free Tree Removal
References
1About the Program – Military Families. (2022). Project Evergreen. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://projectevergreen.org/about-the-program-military-families/>
2Alabama Home Maintenance & Handicap Remodeling. (2022). Alabama Care Planning Council. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.carealabama.net/list09_alabama_Seniors_Remodeling_Repair_Snow_Removal_Yard_Work_Chore_Services.htm>
3CA,gov. (2022). Wildfire Prevention Grants Program. Cal Fire. Retrieved September 08, 2022, from <https://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/wildfire-prevention/>
4Fact or Myth: Can You Use Copper Nails To Kill Trees? (2022, April 28). Our Garden Works. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://ourgardenworks.com/copper-nails-to-kill-trees/>
5Find an Arborist. (2022). Trees Are Good. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist>
6How to Negotiate Tree Removal: Expert Money Saving Tips. (2022, April 14). GoTreeQuotes. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.gotreequotes.com/how-to-negotiate-tree-removal/#How_to_negotiate_tree_removal_cost>
7Is it Illegal to Cut Down a Magnolia Tree? (2017, July 17). Garden Guides. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.gardenguides.com/13428995-is-it-illegal-to-cut-down-a-magnolia-tree.html>
8Operation S.O.S, Serving Our Soldiers. (2022). Hansen’s. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.hansenstree.com/operation-s-o-sserving-our-soldiers/>
9Property Standard Code Violation Types. (2022). Nashville.gov. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from <https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/property-standards/code-enforcement/codes-violation-types>
10Supporting Veterans & Service Members Through Tree Service. (2022). RTEC Tree Care. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.rtectreecare.com/military-veteran-support-tree-service/>
11Tree Removal Regulations by State. (2022). TreeRemoval.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://www.treeremoval.com/tree-removal-regulations-by-state/#.YxojST1BzIU>
1212 Ways To Remove A Tree Stump By Hand. (2022). Backyardables. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://backyardables.com/how-to-remove-a-tree-stump-by-hand/>
13U.S. Forest Service. (2022). Timber Price Information and Contacts. Southern Research Station. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from <https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/econ/timberprices/>
14Who Is Responsible for the Trees? A Citizen Guide to Trees in the Community. (2020, March 31). NC State Extension. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from <https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/who-is-responsible-for-the-trees-a-citizen-guide-to-trees-in-the-community>
15Jimmy Chan. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-blue-shirt-siting-on-tree-branch-wearing-safety-harness-holding-ropes-on-left-hand-and-chainsaw-in-right-hand-2310483/>
16Markus Spiske. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/photos/7CjegTgBPKc>
17Frank Dohl. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/photos/-Gr3DSmccp0>