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Free Tree Removal: 7 Legit Ways (+Veterans and Seniors)

Want to get a free tree removal service? Yes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some legit ways to get a free tree removal service.

Why do you want to remove trees? There could be many reasons. Most of the time it’s a hazardous tree threatening your property or an unwanted tree in your yard.

As you might know, tree removal is expensive. The tree removal cost can range anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size and complexity.

As you might have heard, money doesn’t grow on trees. Fortunately, it’s possible to remove trees for free in certain cases.

Here we will discuss how to cut down trees for free and cheaply. Also, we’ll try to answer some important questions about tree removal.

How To Get Free Tree Removal Service

You could try to remove trees from your property yourself. However, I would not suggest to do that. It’s because of the danger involved in tree removal. For that reason, let’s keep this option aside.

There are several instances when you could remove trees with the help of a pro for free. Firstly, we need to explore these options.

1. Contact Your Local Government

When it comes to cutting down trees for free, contacting your local government is one of the best options. There are many instances when the city or county government is responsible for tree removal.

Typically, the local government is responsible for removing damaged, diseased, or dead trees on city or county property. Sometimes, the authorities might remove trees from your property if the tree threatens public properties like sideways.

Tree removal laws vary from town to town. For example, the authorities will likely remove trees from your property if the tree causes significant damage. Therefore, consult with your local government officials for tree removal.

Also, tree roots can damage sewer lines. In that case, you must call your local water and sewer service for an inspection. They will determine whether the tree needs to be removed.

2. The Power Company

As you might know, any power line contact with a tree can cause a short circuit, leading to a blackout or threatening public safety. Therefore, the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) designated a plan to regulate vegetation, including trees that threaten power lines.

Call your local power company if you suspect your tree might cause an electricity disaster. They will send an arborist and an energy professional to determine whether the tree needs trimming or removal.

3. Tree Removal Assistance Program

Tree removal assistance programs are designated for low-income families. Mostly the government and non-profit organizations offer such assistance programs in areas prone to extreme weather or wildfires.

However, these assistance programs have criteria for identifying people who need help. If you don’t meet the qualification criteria, you can’t get assistance. This method is for low-income families.

You can ask your friends or local authorities whether they know of such assistance programs. Also, you can do a Google search.

4. Disaster Relief Programs

Government disaster relief programs may offer free tree removal services to clear debris and hazardous trees. However, disaster relief programs are designated for natural disaster victims.

Check with FEMA or local government officials for more information.

Free Tree Removal in Exchange for Wood

You can cut down trees for free in exchange for wood. However, you might need permission from local authorities to cut down trees. Some cities don’t allow cutting down trees without reason.

5. Contact Logging Companies

A logging company specializes in the cutting, processing, and selling of timber from trees. If you have multiple trees to be removed, call your local logging companies.

The logging company might be willing to remove trees for free in exchange for lumber. Moreover, the logging company might pay you, depending on the type of trees and number of trees you have. In the process, the logging company will bear the tree-cutting cost.

You can try Google to find logging companies near you. If you can’t find any logging company in the range of your property, there are some tried and true methods to find loggers.

You can contact the following types of businesses and individuals who frequently interact with timber harvesting and logging companies to get a referral.

  • Firewood Businesses
  • Timber Cruiser
  • Timber Buyers
  • County Farm Agencies
  • Foresters
  • Natural Resources Service Center

6. Lumber Mills

A lumber mill is a facility where logs are processed into lumber and other wood products. They might be willing to remove trees from your property for free in exchange for wood.

They might pay you, depending on the type of tree and the number of trees. You can search on Google to locate lumber mills near you.

7. Advertise on Craigslist or Facebook for Free Tree Removal

Wood is a high-demand material that has various uses. Many people are looking for free firewood and free wood for DIY projects.

You can get free tree removal in exchange for wood. You can advertise on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook saying you have a tree that needs to be removed and you’ll give wood to the person who removes it. You can also include photos of the tree.

Free Tree Removal for Seniors

It’s troublesome for seniors to maintain their property. For that reason, many charitable organizations and local governments offer free tree removal programs to seniors.

However, there will be qualifying criteria involved. Read the qualification criteria before applying for the tree removal program.

Free Tree Removal for Veterans

You could get free tree removal assistance if you’ve worked in the military. Many tree removal companies and non-profit organizations offer tree removal programs to veterans as a gesture to serve the country.

How to find free tree removal programs for veterans? Here are a few places to explore:

  • Local Veterans’ Organizations
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Tree Service Companies

How To Save Money on Tree Removal?

It’s unlikely to get free tree removal. There are many ifs and buts in getting free tree removal. However, you can use some tips to reduce tree-cutting costs.

  • Off-Season: Tree removal is likely more affordable during the off-peak season (late winter or early spring). You can negotiate a better rate during this time.
  • Contact Multiple Companies: You can reduce the tree-cutting cost by contacting multiple tree removal companies. Every company will quote different rates for the job. Then you can choose the most affordable option. However, you must check the company’s credentials.
  • Bundle Services: Tree removal companies may offer discounts if you bundle up services like tree removal, trimming, and debris removal.
  • Do Some Work Yourself: Tree removal companies will charge extra for removing debris, branches, and trunks. You can do these works to reduce the cost.
  • Sell or Use Wood: You can sell wood to lumber companies. Also, you can use wood as a firewood.

What’s the Penalty for Cutting a Tree Without a Permit?

Many states prohibit cutting down trees without a valid reason. You could get a penalty for cutting a tree without a permit. However, the penalty may differ from state to state or county to county.

It’s important to check the laws in your area before cutting down a tree. Here are some state forestry department’s websites for checking penalties for cutting down trees without a permit:

Can You DIY Tree Removal?

It may seem to be a cost-effective solution to remove trees by yourself. However, DIY tree removal can be dangerous or illegal.

Country and local authorities may prohibit the removal of certain species or removal or trees without the help of a licensed professional. The tree removal laws vary from state to state or county to county. You must check out your local laws related to tree removal.

For example, take a look at Orlando’s Tree ordinances. You must either obtain a report from an arborist who is TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida-licensed landscape architect confirming that the tree poses a danger or apply for a permit to remove the tree. Also, you may have to plant a replacement tree.

Even if the authorities give you a permit, there are steps to cut down trees yourself—plus the cost of supplies. In the following situations you can try to cut down trees yourself:

  • The tree is small.
  • The tree is in an isolated area and away from powerlines.
  • You have the necessary tools and have experience using them correctly.

I would never recommend cutting down large trees yourself. This could lead to a risk to you, your property, and surrounding areas.

FAQs

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal?

It depends on where the tree has fallen. If it falls on public property, the city authorities are responsible for tree removal. On the other hand, it’s the owner’s responsibility to remove trees that have fallen on private property.

Do You Need a Permit To Cut Down Trees on Your Property?

Many cities prohibit cutting down trees without a valid reason. For that reason, you might need a permit to cut down trees on your property. However, you should check your city’s ordinance to be certain.

Final Thoughts

Tree removal is expensive. Because of that, many people look for free tree removal options. Unfortunately, it’s rarely possible to get free tree removal. However, you can try the above options to remove trees for free.

What do you think about free tree removal? Let me know in the comments!

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