Skip to main content
[email protected] ⚡ Same-day emergency available
Help center

Frequently asked questions.

The questions homeowners ask us most, about pricing, permits, safety, and how we work. Don’t see yours? Call (833) 408-7333.

How much does tree work cost?+

It depends on the job, most tree removals range from about $300 to $2,500 based on the tree’s size, access, and complexity. Stump grinding, trimming, and emergency work are priced separately. You always get a flat-rate written quote up front, with no hidden fees.

Are your estimates really free?+

Yes. A certified arborist will assess the job on-site and give you an itemized written quote at no cost and with no obligation. We never charge for an estimate.

Are you licensed and insured?+

Yes, KD Tree Services is fully licensed and carries $2M liability insurance plus workers’ compensation. We’re happy to provide proof of coverage before any work begins.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?+

Yes. For fallen trees, storm damage, or hazardous limbs, our crews are on call around the clock with an average on-site arrival of 2–4 hours. Call (833) 408-7333 any time.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?+

It depends on your city and whether the tree is on private or public property. Many residential removals on your own property don’t require a permit, but some municipalities and HOAs do. We’ll tell you what’s needed for your address before we start.

How do I choose a good tree service?+

Look for ISA-certified arborists, proof of license and insurance, written (not verbal) estimates, and real reviews. Avoid anyone who pressures you, can’t show insurance, or only quotes over the phone without seeing the tree.

Do you remove the stump too?+

Stump grinding is a separate service from tree removal, we can grind the stump below grade and remove the grindings, or leave the stump if you prefer. We’ll include it as a clear line item on your quote.

Will you clean up afterward?+

Always. We haul all debris, blow off hard surfaces, and rake the lawn, we leave your property cleaner than we found it. Cleanup is included in every quote unless you ask us to leave wood chips or logs.

How soon can you start?+

For routine work we can usually schedule within a few days. Emergencies are handled same-day, 24/7. We’ll give you a realistic timeline when we quote the job.

What areas do you serve?+

We serve the Capital Region and 21+ cities across multiple states. Visit our Service Areas page to find your city, or call us and we’ll confirm we cover you in seconds.

Do you handle large or dangerous trees?+

Yes, including crane-assisted removals for tight access or oversized trees near homes and power lines. Every removal is planned with safety zones and the right equipment for your property.

How do I pay?+

Payment terms are listed on your written quote and are typically due when the work is complete. We’ll confirm accepted payment methods when we schedule your job.

When is the best time of year to trim or prune trees?+

Late winter through early spring is ideal for most species, the tree is dormant, the structure is easy to read without leaves, and cuts heal quickly as growth resumes. Dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs should be removed whenever you spot them, regardless of season. A few species are better pruned at other times, so ask us when we quote the job.

How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?+

Warning signs include large dead limbs, a trunk that is hollow, split, or has deep cracks, fungus or mushrooms at the base, sudden leaning, and soil lifting on one side of the root plate. Any of those means it is worth having someone look at it. Not every struggling tree needs to come down, an arborist can tell you whether it can be saved.

Can you save my tree instead of removing it?+

Often, yes. Pruning, cabling and bracing, or treating a pest or disease will save many trees that look beyond help. Removal is what we recommend when a tree is structurally unsound or poses a risk we cannot reduce another way. Our arborist consultation exists precisely so you get an honest answer rather than an automatic quote to remove.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?+

It usually depends on what happened. Most policies cover removal when a tree falls and damages a covered structure such as your house, garage, or fence, and some contribute toward debris removal even without damage. Taking down a healthy or declining tree that has not fallen is normally treated as maintenance and is not covered. Check your policy or ask your insurer, and we can provide written documentation for a claim.

What about trees near power lines?+

Do not attempt this yourself, and do not hire anyone who offers to work on energised lines casually. Lines running along the street to the pole are typically the utility company’s responsibility and they will usually clear them at no charge, so call them first. For everything else near your property we assess the situation and coordinate with the utility where the work requires it.

Will your equipment damage my lawn or driveway?+

We plan access before the crew arrives and use mats or plywood to spread the load where machinery has to cross soft ground. On tight sites we can rig and lower sections by rope instead of bringing equipment in. If there is any risk to a lawn, driveway, or septic field, we will raise it when we quote rather than after the fact.

What happens to the wood and branches, can I keep the firewood?+

That is entirely your call and it costs you nothing either way. We can haul everything away, cut the trunk into rounds and stack them for firewood, or leave wood chips for mulch. Just tell us before we start so the crew plans the day around it.

How long does a tree removal take?+

A straightforward removal in an open yard is often a few hours. Large trees, tight access, or anything that has to be dismantled in sections over a roof or fence can take a full day or more. We give you a realistic time frame with your written quote so you can plan parking and access.

Do you work in winter?+

Yes, all year. Winter is actually a good time for removals and structural pruning: trees are dormant, the ground is firmer so there is less lawn damage, and schedules are more open. Storm and emergency work runs 24/7 through the winter as well.

Do I need to be home while you work?+

Not usually. As long as we have access to the work area and have agreed the plan and the quote, most jobs go ahead without you there. We do like you present at the walkthrough so everyone agrees on exactly which trees and limbs are coming out, and we will call you if anything unexpected turns up.

Still have questions?

Talk to a certified arborist.

Free, no-obligation, we'll answer your questions and quote your job in writing.