Tree removal in Tallahassee
Dead pines, leaning oaks and trees that have simply outgrown their spot, taken down safely, even when they're right next to the house.
When a tree should come out
- It's dead or dying. Brown needles on a pine, bare branches in summer on an oak, or bark falling off in sheets.
- It's leaning more than it used to, or the soil at the base has cracked or lifted.
- The trunk is damaged. Large cracks, hollow sections, or mushrooms growing at the base can mean rot inside.
- It's too close to the house. Limbs over the roof and roots in the foundation or septic lines.
- It's in the way. A new pool, addition, driveway or fence.
How big trees near houses come down
Most removals in Tallahassee aren't open-field drops. When there's no room to fell a tree in one piece, a climber takes it down in sections, lowering each piece on a rope. When pieces are too heavy to lower, or there's no safe place to land them, a crane lifts them over the house to the street.
Tall pines are the most common removal around here. Laurel and water oaks are another; they grow fast and are shorter-lived than live oaks, so many neighborhood oaks planted decades ago are now reaching the end of their lives.
What's usually included
- Cutting the tree down safely, in sections if needed
- Hauling away the wood and brush, or leaving logs if you want them
- Raking and blowing off the work area
- Stump grinding, often quoted separately (see stump grinding)
Always confirm what's in the quote before work starts.
What it costs
Typical tree removals run about $400 to $2,000, depending on size, access and what the tree is near. The cost guide breaks down what moves the price.
Permits: inside Tallahassee city limits, removing some protected trees needs 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 zones have extra rules, and a tree a certified arborist documents as a safety hazard can be removed without a permit (Leon County FAQ). A local tree company can tell you what applies to your tree.
Hiring tips that apply to any tree job
- Ask for proof of insurance. General liability and workers' compensation protect you if something or someone gets hurt.
- Get the quote in writing. It should say whether cleanup, hauling and stump grinding are included.
- Be wary of door knockers after storms. Out-of-town crews show up after big storms; check reviews and insurance before you pay anything.
- Avoid paying everything up front. A deposit for big jobs can be normal; full payment before work starts is a red flag.
Areas we cover for tree removal
All of Tallahassee and Leon County, plus nearby towns.
Other services
Get a quote
Tell us what's going on with the tree. There's no cost to ask, and for urgent jobs a phone call is fastest.