What a tree service proposal is for
Customers often call to remove a tree that could be saved, or to prune one that should come down. Three options for the same tree let them choose with the facts: pruning cost and lifespan versus removal. It also keeps stump grinding from being the surprise line it often is.
What to put on a tree service proposal
- The tree and its condition, the same in each.
- What each option does.
- Stump and wood handling per option.
- Risk notes if the tree stays.
- One acceptance line.
A worked example
The same oak. Removal lines use the calculator's typical prices; the pruning option is priced from your own rates.
Option 1: Good: prune and thin. Remove deadwood and thin the crown to reduce weight toward the house.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadwood removal | 1 | each | Your price | |
| Crown thinning | 1 | each | Your price | |
| Haul away wood and debris * | 1 | each | $144.00 | $144.00 |
Option 2: Better: remove the tree. Tree down and hauled; stump cut low and left.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree removal, medium, 30 to 60 ft * | 1 | each | $614.00 | $614.00 |
| Haul away wood and debris * | 1 | each | $144.00 | $144.00 |
| Total before tax | $758.00 |
Option 3: Best: remove, grind and restore. Tree removed, stump ground, grindings cleared and the spot backfilled.
| 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 |
If the tree is a real hazard, say so in the notes and do not soften it. The pruning option is only honest if pruning makes it safe.
* 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
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Check each option's name, its one-line difference and its lines.
- Add your prices; each option totals on its own.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print it, download it, or send it from Koira so the customer can pick and sign on the phone.
Free tools for tree service
- Tree removal cost calculator
- Land clearing cost calculator
- Labor rate calculator
- Satellite measuring tool
The same proposal 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.