Professional Tree Removal

Look, I've been working with trees in Minneapolis for over fifteen years, and I can tell you this right up front—trimming is going to save you money ninety percent of the time compared to taking the whole tree down.

When we're talking about trimming, we're usually dealing with crown cleaning, maybe pulling some branches back from your gutters or those Xcel Energy lines, or doing some corrective pruning to help the tree's structure. It's straightforward work that doesn't require the big equipment.

Full removal? That's a whole different beast. We're talking about rigging systems, maybe a crane if it's tight to the house, cutting everything down in sections, hauling out what could be several tons of wood, then bringing in the stump grinder. All that adds up fast.

Here in the Twin Cities, I typically see small pruning jobs run anywhere from $300 to $600, depending on the tree. But when someone needs a mature oak or maple removed—especially if it's close to the house or power lines—you're easily looking at $1,500 to $3,000, sometimes more if access is tricky.

Now, I won't sugarcoat it. Sometimes removal is the only safe option. If that silver maple in your backyard is leaning toward your neighbor's house, or if I see extensive decay in the trunk, we need to have a different conversation about priorities.

My advice? Have someone who knows trees take a look before you make the call. A good assessment can save you money and help you keep a healthy tree that just needs some attention rather than the chainsaw.

Here's the straight answer from someone who's dealt with insurance companies countless times over the past fifteen years—it depends entirely on why the tree needs to come down. Insurance companies have one main rule: they'll pay if the tree caused damage to something they're already covering (like your house, garage, or fence after a storm), but they won't pay for preventive removal just because you're worried about what might happen. Living here in Minnesota, when that big oak comes down on your roof during a summer thunderstorm, insurance will typically cover both the tree removal and roof repair. But if you call me because you're worried that same oak might fall someday? That's coming out of your pocket. Even when insurance does cover removal, there's usually a limit—often around $500 to $1,000 per tree—so you might still be paying the difference on complex removals. My advice? Don't count on insurance unless something has already gone wrong, and always document everything with photos before any cleanup starts.

After fifteen years of taking down trees in Minneapolis, I can tell you it's not a one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on the size, location, and complexity of the job. A smaller tree in an open yard? We can usually have that down and cleaned up in 2-4 hours. But that big maple that's grown up right next to your house with power lines nearby? That's an all-day job, sometimes stretching into a second day if we need to be extra careful with rigging and lowering each piece safely. The stump grinding adds another hour or two, depending on the size. Weather plays a role too—we're not climbing trees in high winds or ice storms, so Mother Nature can definitely extend your timeline. Most residential jobs I do fall somewhere in the 4-8 hour range once we actually start cutting, but I always tell homeowners to plan for a full day just to be safe. The last thing you want is to be surprised when what looked like a simple job turns into something more complex once we really dig into it.

Honestly, if a tree needs to come down for safety reasons, we're doing it regardless of the season—but if you have the luxury of timing, late fall through early spring is your sweet spot here in Minneapolis. Once the leaves drop, we can see the tree's structure clearly, assess any dead wood or weak points, and our equipment won't be fighting through a full canopy. Winter and early spring are also when most of us arborists have more availability since it's our slower season, which often means better pricing and quicker scheduling. The ground is usually more solid too, so we can get our equipment in without tearing up your lawn like we might in the muddy spring thaw or after summer rains. That said, avoid the dead of winter when it's brutally cold—working with chainsaws and rigging gear when it's twenty below isn't fun for anyone, and extreme cold can make equipment more prone to problems. If you're planning ahead, November through March is ideal, but remember that emergency removals wait for no season, and a dangerous tree doesn't care what month it is.

If you're looking to save money on tree removal, winter is absolutely your best bet—and I'm not just saying that because it's slower for us. December through February is when most tree companies, including Iron and Oak, offer significant discounts because it's our off-season. While other folks are waiting for spring, smart homeowners are booking winter removals and saving serious money. Here at Iron and Oak, we give big discounts during these colder months because we'd rather keep our crews working and pass those savings on to you than sit around waiting for better weather. The work is just as good—actually, it's often easier for us because we can see the tree's structure without leaves, and frozen ground means less mess in your yard. Sure, it might be chilly when we're out there, but your wallet will thank you when you're paying 20-30% less than you would during peak season in spring and summer. Most homeowners don't think about tree removal when it's snowing, which is exactly why December, January, and February are the perfect time to get it done for less.