What a tree service estimate is for
Tree work is dangerous and expensive, and customers compare estimates that hide the differences: one includes stump grinding, one leaves the wood, one needs a crane. An estimate that names the tree, the method, what happens to the wood and the stump, and who checks permits makes it clear what each price buys. It also protects you if a lawn rut or a missed stump becomes an argument.
What to put on a tree service estimate
- The tree: species, height and trunk diameter.
- The method: climb, bucket truck or crane.
- Stump grinding and how deep.
- Wood and debris: hauled, chipped or left.
- Permit check for protected trees.
- Equipment access and lawn protection.
- Your insurance, which customers should ask about.
A worked example
A medium oak about forty feet tall leaning toward the house, with a clear drop zone in the back yard. The customer wants the stump ground and everything hauled. Lines use the calculator's typical prices.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree removal, medium, 30 to 60 ft * | 1 | each | $614.00 | $614.00 |
| Stump grinding (18 in) * | 1 | each | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Haul away wood and debris * | 1 | each | $144.00 | $144.00 |
| Stump grindings cleanup and backfill | 1 | each | Your price |
The calculator's lines are for a medium tree; change them for the tree in front of you. If the drop zone is blocked and you need a crane, add crane hours and say why.
* Typical price from our free tree removal cost calculator, which lists its sources. Your own costs and market come first.
Line items tree service companies use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal | each | Species, height and trunk diameter; say whether it is a climb or a crane job. |
| Stump grinding | each | Diameter and depth of grind. |
| Haul away wood and debris | each | Or leave wood cut to length for the customer. |
| Crown thinning or pruning | each | Say the goal: clearance, light, weight reduction. |
| Deadwood removal | each | Dead limbs over a set size. |
| Crown raising | each | Clearance over roofs, drives and walks. |
| Crane service | hour | When the tree cannot be climbed or dropped safely. |
| Emergency storm removal | hour | After-hours rates and access. |
| Cabling and bracing | each | To support weak unions. |
| Wood chips left on site | load | Some customers want them for mulch. |
| Stump grindings cleanup and backfill | each | Remove grindings, fill with soil. |
| Permit or arborist report | each | Some cities require permits for removing certain trees. |
Terms and deposit language for tree service
- Deposit. Larger removals and crane jobs may take a deposit to hold the crane and crew. Small pruning usually takes none.
- Payment. Due on completion, after cleanup.
- Warranty. Not usually warrantied; say how cleanup is left and that ruts or lawn marks from equipment are raked out.
- Underground utilities are located before stump grinding.
- Some cities protect certain trees; the customer confirms or you check whether a permit is needed.
- Lawn damage from equipment is limited where possible but may occur; say how you restore it.
How to fill it in
- Put in your business details once; this browser keeps them for every template.
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Change the line items to fit this job and add your prices.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print to PDF, download Word or CSV, or send it from Koira.
Free tools for tree service
- Tree removal cost calculator
- Land clearing cost calculator
- Labor rate calculator
- Satellite measuring tool
The same estimate for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, waterproofing, window cleaning.
More for tree service companies: how tree service companies run on Koira.