Removal of Pine Tree

[Devin Duval]

Hello Bigger Pockets Family!

I recently purchased a duplex and had a foundation inspection. There is a wrap around porch that is a slab. The foundation specialist said the roots of a pine tree about five feet was the culprit of a crack on the corner. This pine tree also leaves a lot of pinestraw on the roof as well. I was debating removing the tree to prevent further damage to porch and to prevent maintenance periodically. The porch could use some piers installed which were quoted at $4500. I figured since that it is just the porch and not affecting the actual foundation I would just hold off on the porch work and just remove the tree so the roots won't further damage anything. I got a couple quotes for the removal. $2300, $1900, $1900, and $1250. I figured I should remove it, but does anyone think this should be done sooner rather than later? I thought $1250 was high, but it turned out to be the lowest price.

Any input on this situation would be great! Thanks!

[John Teachout]

Price for tree removal is completely dependent on the difficulty of the removal. The size of the tree plays into it but the "where" is a much larger factor. Make sure the quotes are all the same. ie, does one include stump grinding but the other not? Do they all include removal of all the debris or just putting it on the ground and leaving everything behind?

If the tree requires sectioning vs cutting it and letting it fall, then your prices are probably typical.

At any rate, make sure whoever does it has a clue. Just because someone can buy a chainsaw from the local hardware store doesn't indicate they have the knowledge to get this down safely.