How to Remove Trees from Your Yard

So, you have a tree. A tree that has overstayed its welcome. A tree that’s grown a little too unkempt. Maybe a tree with rot or a disease. A tree that has to go.

Or, a tree that's just making it impossible to get to work.

In most cases - indeed, in pretty much every case - it is best to hire a professional for tree removal to ensure your personal safety and avoid costly damage to your property. Botched DIY tree removal can do catastrophic damage to your person or property (even, gasp, your patio furniture!), and we do not officially advise or recommend you undertake this task on your own. And size matters: the bigger the tree, the more you need a pro. But, there are some instances when it’s okay to tackle a tree removal landscaping project on your own. If you have a small short tree and you're fairly handy, then it’s usually safe to try tree removal on your own, but of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. If you don’t feel safe with a DIY tree removal or a professional tree removal service is out of your budget, then there are a few alternatives that you can try. Below is the best guide to learn how to remove trees from your yard and how to know when it’s a good idea to hire a professional tree removal service instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Trees From Your Yard

In most cases, hire a professional. DIY tree removal can cause serious injury or property damage (even to your patio furniture). Bigger trees amplify risk. Professionals bring experience, tools, and insurance for safe removal. Patio Productions favors pro help for safety and cost control.

Only for small, short trees—no ladder required. If the tree is short enough to handle from the ground and you’re handy, DIY may be okay. Check local laws—permits typically apply above ~10 feet. When unsure, consult an arborist first.

PPE first, then basics: ax, chainsaw, rope. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, earplugs (if using a chainsaw), gloves, coveralls, and closed-toe shoes. Have a helper. These essentials reduce risk while you work.

Time the weather, then dig wide and deep. Avoid rain and the day after. Water roots the day before. Measure trunk; dig six inches deep per inch of circumference, making the hole wider than the longest branch. Twist/pull the root ball out. Transplant if intact, or cut into smaller pieces to dispose.

If a ladder is needed—or risks are obvious. Dry-rotting/damaged trees, larger mature trees, or trees near your house or power lines require pros. Climbing with a chainsaw is dangerous; insured experts manage complex removals safely.

$100–$2,000+, depending on size and location. The national average to remove a fallen/dead tree is about $300. Get multiple written quotes and ask if stump removal is included—many charge extra. Cheapest isn’t always best.

Try municipal help or barter—carefully. Cities may remove trees whose roots intrude into sewer systems. You can also solicit free removal in local listings or on social media, but vet experience and insurance before agreeing.

DIY TREE REMOVAL

If a tree is short enough for you to remove without a ladder, then DIY tree removal is likely safe. If you are unsure then it’s best to contact a professional arborist for an assessment. Check the local laws for tree removal permit requirements that typically apply to trees over 10 feet tall.

A DIY solution is a good option if you are somewhat handy and the tree is not particularly large.

The next step is to gather your gear. You’ll need personal protection equipment and some tools to get the job done. Avoid concussion or brain injury from falling branches with a good quality hard hat. Protect your eyes from flying debris and woodchips with safety glasses or goggles. Have earplugs ready just in case you choose a chainsaw. You’ll need protective clothing including gloves, coveralls, and closed-toe work shoes. For DIY tree removal, you may need to rent, borrow or buy tools that you don’t already own. The basic equipment includes an ax chainsaw and rope. It’s also a good idea to have a helper handy.

Once you have all your supplies, check the forecast and avoid rain and the day after because slippery, wet, moist, and muddy conditions can be perilous. When you’re sure the weather is safe, water the roots the day before the planned removal; this will make the soil soft and easier to dig. Measure the tree trunk. Dig six inches deep for every inch around the circumference of the trunk. For example: if the tree trunk circumference measures 20 inches, then you’ll need to dig 120 inches deep to reach all the roots. Dig a hole that is wider than the longest branch to make sure you capture all the roots. Twist and pull the root ball out of the hole you dug. You can transplant the tree to a new home if the roots are intact or cut it into smaller pieces to dispose of it.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

A pro has the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and safely

The universal tree removal rule is that if you have to use a ladder then it’s unsafe to do it yourself, and it’s time to call a professional. Climbing a ladder with a chainsaw is risky for an amateur. Not only could you seriously injure or unalive yourself, but you could also cause expensive damage to your home or surrounding property. Dry rotting and damaged trees of size any size are dangerous to DIY remove. Larger mature trees are harder to cut and fell. If the tree is growing near your house or power lines then attempting the project yourself could be perilous. Professionals come equipped with the tools, experience, expertise, and insurance needed to safely remove a tree from your yard.

When you’re ready to hire a professional, shop around. Get several quotes in writing so you can compare services and prices and choose what’s in your budget. Ask specifically about stump removal because some service providers will charge extra. Remember you typically get what you pay for, so going with the cheapest option may not always be your best bet. If you’ve ever wondered how much does tree removal cost, it’s important to know that professional pricing primarily depends on the size and location of the tree. Tree removal services range from small trees starting at $100 to extra-large trees costing upwards of $2,000. The national average to remove a fallen or dead tree is about $300.

ALTERNATIVE REMOVAL OPTIONS

So you don’t want to run the risk of DIY tree removal and a professional tree removal service is not in your budget. There are a few alternative tree removal options that you can try. Your local municipality might also remove a tree if the roots are intruding into the sewer system.

An alternative option is to solicit free tree removal service by advertising in your local paper, or on social media. A local logger or someone that is willing to barter for free firewood can be a gamble. They may lack the experience for your particular tree removal situation and they might not have insurance if something goes wrong. Use your best judgment to decide if paying a professional is worth the price and a better option than breaking the bank for unexpected repairs.