Can You Get A Tree Cut Down and Removed For Free? Not Usually

No, it is rarely possible to get a tree cut down for free

Man in safety harnesses and helmet cuts down large tree
Photo: Benjamin Clapp / Adobe Stock
Man in safety harnesses and helmet cuts down large tree
Photo: Benjamin Clapp / Adobe Stock
Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
Updated November 10, 2023

Highlights

  • Free tree removal services are rarely, if ever, possible.

  • The average cost for tree removal is $750 but can range from $200 to $2,000.

  • DIY tree removal saves money but can be very unsafe or illegal—it is not recommended.

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Whether there's an old maple leaning ominously over your roof or if you're simply tired of an oak raining acorns down on your car, investing in tree removal can be an important task to take on as a homeowner. The cost to remove a tree can range anywhere from $200 to $2,000, and since, well, money doesn't grow on trees, it's understandable to seek out other wallet-friendly options. 

Tree removal is tricky and, in most cases, can be extremely dangerous. There are many things to consider, including your safety and the safety of the person removing your tree, so hiring a qualified tree removal company near you or a local certified arborist will ensure the job is done correctly and without harm. In some very specific situations, you might be able to get a rotting tree or a tree that is causing a safety concern removed for free. Here's what to consider if you hope to find professional yet free tree removal.

When to Consider Free Tree Removal

Worker cutting and removing trees from yard
Photo: ChuckS / Adobe Stock

The long list of reasons to remove a tree in the first place—it's impeding your sewer line, it's developed a common tree fungus, or it's structurally unsound—can bump this costly task to the top of your to-do list. 

But first things first: we do not recommend breaking out the chainsaw and taking down a tree without looking into local laws and safety precautions first. As we mentioned, tree removal is not a simple DIY—so while self-removal may seem like your best free bet, it's not ideal.

It’s always best to hire a professional tree removal service to assess your tree and remove it appropriately. Even though it might be more costly upfront, hiring a pro is the better, safer, and more cost-effective long-term option, as you have a lower risk of the tree growing back and no risk of property damage.

All this aside, free tree removal by a professional may be a viable option if:

  • The tree sits on town property

  • Local laws provide assistance for dead or sick tree removal

  • The tree poses a threat to the road, sidewalks, or public area

Keep in mind this is entirely dependent on your area and local laws. Also, since free tree removal is an infrequent occurrence in itself, it’s unwise to expect that your tree will be removed for free unless a circumstance arises in which it needs to be.

Angi Tip
A certified tree company will rarely remove a tree for free (and you should be suspicious of any pro that offers it outright).
Heather Ayer
Staff Writer, Angi

While it may sound surprising, removing a tree from your property is not always legal. Country and local city ordinances may protect the removal of certain species or removal or trees without the help of a licensed professional. 

Take a look at Orlando's tree ordinances, for example. You must either receive a professional recommendation from a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect or apply for a permit to remove the tree. You may even need to plant a tree in its place.

DIY Tree Removal

If your local laws give you the green light and you feel confident with a chainsaw, there are steps to cut down a tree yourself for free—plus the cost of supplies of course. 

However, this is not recommended for larger trees that could pose a risk to you, your home, or any surrounding property. Knowing how to remove a tree safely—and when to hire a pro instead—is crucial to avoid injuries or damage to your home. Hiring a pro tree removal service can give you the peace of mind that you’re not risking property damage or injury and is more cost-effective in the long term. 

How to Get a Tree Cut Down for Free

Let's put the DIY route aside for a second and look at free tree removal options with the help of a pro. There are several instances when it is financially beneficial for a utility company, the town, or even a neighbor to take on the cost themselves. Remember that in these cases, your local government will likely select and manage the pro for you (vs. having the homeowner hire pros). Again, it is not viable to expect a tree removal company you hire to remove your tree for free—your town, utility company, or another entity will manage this uncommon practice.

Speak With Your Utility Company

The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) designated a plan to regulate vegetation—including trees—that poses a threat to power lines or private right-of-way easements. These are areas that allow the utility company to pass utility lines through your private property. 

If you suspect your tree could interfere with your town's electricity to do its health or reach its branches, give your local power company a call. They may send an arborist and an energy professional to determine if the tree needs trimming or removal on their dime.

Similarly, tree roots can do a number on sewer lines, particularly on older trees with large root systems. Check with your local public water and sewer service for an inspection—they’ll be able to let you know if your tree needs to be removed.

Reach Out to the Town

Your town may also lay out procedures for trees threatening public spaces such as roads and walkways—areas often referred to as public right-of-way areas. If you have a tree leaning toward the road or roots that break through the sidewalk, your town may prefer to have the tree removed, even if it's on your property. 

However, these laws vary from town to town. For example, many jurisdictions will only offer free tree removal if the tree in question is dead or causing significant damage—such as lifting the sidewalk.

If the town does not agree to remove the tree for you, remember that you may still need to get the okay to remove it yourself, depending on local laws.

Apply for a Grant

Local counties and city governments may also offer grants for tree removal or vegetation management, especially if you live in an area prone to extreme weather or wildfires. There are even some non-profit organizations dedicated to managing safe vegetation in specific regions. Keep in mind that these grants are often very specific, but they’re useful if you live in an area where it would be beneficial to reduce dangerous trees and brush.

Check Your Homeowners Insurance

This tip typically pertains to the free removal of trees that have already fallen over. Check your homeowner's insurance plan for tree coverage to see if they will foot the bill for local tree removal and stump grinding services. 

In some cases, the tree must have fallen on your house or caused damage on its way down to qualify. The plan may also specify coverage eligibility depending on why the tree fell. Weather-related damage may apply, whereas trying to cut the tree down yourself and damaging your home in the process likely will not.

While it’s not always possible, you might be able to get your tree cut down for free in certain situations. As a last-ditch effort, consider advertising free firewood or lumber to those willing to pay for the cost of the tree removal. Local neighbors looking for dry, quality firewood may be willing to cover the bill, but again, remember to check with local laws about who they must hire.

In some cases, local lumber supply companies will look for a specific species of wood, especially if it's a large healthy tree or a series of several trees. You may not be allowed to sell the wood in some areas, but this may be an option if the tree poses a threat to your home or a right-of-way area. Watch out for non-certified "pros" offering to remove the tree for you, as this poses an insurance risk if someone gets injured on your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Counties and local municipalities may offer low-cost tree removal programs for seniors. In most cases, the free services apply to dead or dying trees that pose a threat to their home or local utilities, but it's worth reaching out to your local government for more details. Without local approval, most trees cannot be removed free of charge.

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Learn more about our contributor
Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
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