Tree Removal: Thoughts on Necessity

[Michael Cleary]

Hello folks! Have you ever had to budget tree removal into rehab expenses for properties your analyzing based on their proximity to the house? I had a sour gum tree barely miss my personal property after falling due to no distinguishable reason (didn't follow a storm, no fungus/rot, no significant signs of wood eating pests), so I'm more risk adverse than in the past. 

What type of trees, if any, would you not want near a prospective real estate property, and for your area, what is a reasonable amount to estimate for tree removal? I was quoted $1200 - $1400 for a ~30ft sour gum tree removal in SE Louisiana and thought that was high. 

[Robert Leonard]

Welcom to BP @michael 

@Michael Cleary! I think $1200-$1400 to remove any type of tree that is 30 ft tall is pretty cheap.  I have a real good tree specialist in the area who is licensed and insured.  He has the best prices I've found for anybody you can hire who is licensed and insured around here.  

Tree removal is high risk in every aspect from the guys doing the work to the house and other property in "the drop zone." Verified licensed and insured is the only way to go for this expense!

There are some trees, particularly, water oaks that often as "volunteers" grow fast and tall.  Like a bad weed that's 80-90 ft tall and they get so huge with massive branches that are prone to breaking in high winds.  I do get rid of those if they are close to the house.

There are a some that are gems, like live oaks, but they have to have room to grow as they spread around 50 feet from center.  I would be happy to take a little time to look at what trees you are talking about and offer some of my experience dealing with which ones are better than others to plan to keep.