Tree removal questions

Most single-tree removals land somewhere between $400 and $2,000, with very large trees, crane jobs and trees over houses costing more. Size, access, what's underneath and whether hauling and stump grinding are included all move the price. See the cost guide for typical ranges by job.

Sometimes. Inside Tallahassee city limits, some protected trees need a City of Tallahassee tree permit. In unincorporated Leon County, trees on developed lots can often be removed without one, but canopy roads, wetlands and other protected areas have extra rules. Leon County also notes that a tree a certified arborist documents as a safety hazard can be removed without a permit. Outside Leon County, the local county or city sets the rules.

Get everyone out of the damaged area and stay away from any downed power lines. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or a line is down, and call your electric utility about lines. Take photos for your insurance company, then call for emergency tree removal to get the weight off the structure.

Lines running between utility poles belong to your electric provider, and they handle trees touching them. Never trim near those lines yourself. A tree company can handle trees near the service line running from the pole to your house, depending on the situation.

We connect homeowners with independent local tree companies. When a partner company is available for your area, your call or request goes straight to them, and they quote and do the work. At times no partner is available; if so, the phone message will tell you, and you may want to contact a local company directly.

No. There's no fee to call or send a request. Many tree companies give free estimates, but terms vary, so the company that handles your request will confirm theirs before any work starts.

Late winter and early spring are often the cheapest times for heavy pruning, since demand is lower. Dead or dangerous trees should come down before hurricane season starts on June 1, when storms bring a rush of emergency calls.

It depends on your policy and what happened. Policies often help when a tree falls on a covered structure, and often don't cover removing a healthy tree you simply want gone. Check with your insurer, and take photos before any work.