A lot of people think a tree only needs to come down once it falls. In practice, most trees send warning signs first. Dead limbs, leaning trunks, fungus at the base and cracks in the bark all tell a story. Spotting them early keeps the job smaller and the price clearer.
Pocketcommittee Tree Service is a referral service. We do not remove trees ourselves. We connect homeowners in Memphis, TN with independent local providers who do the work. On this page you will find the signs to watch, how a removal goes, what drives the price, and how to compare quotes before you say yes.
Think Your Tree Might Need to Go?
A lot of homeowners believe a tree is fine as long as it still has leaves. That is a myth. A tree can look green and still be hollow inside. Look before it leans.
If a tree is already down, blocking a door, or hanging on your roof, treat it as urgent. Request a callback to check provider availability, and keep everyone away from the area.
Warning Signs to Check This Week
Walk around the tree with a cup of coffee. Check these things:
- Dead branches in the upper crown, especially after summer
- Mushrooms or soft, crumbly wood at the base
- Deep cracks or splits in the trunk
- A lean that is new or getting worse
- Roots lifting soil, or heaving near a slab or crawl space
One sign may be small. Two or three together deserve a professional look.
Myth: Only Big Storms Knock Trees Down
Hot, humid summers and sudden thunderstorms stress weak trees all year. Wet soil after heavy rain loosens roots. An occasional ice storm adds heavy weight to limbs that were already cracked. Even the remains of a tropical system can push a weak tree over.
That is why early checks matter more than storm season dates.
Common Reasons Homeowners Remove Trees
Most removals fall into a few groups:
- The tree is dead, dying or diseased
- It leans toward the house, a fence or a power line
- Roots are pushing into a driveway, pipes or a foundation
- It is too big for the space it was planted in
- You want sun back for a yard, garden or new build
Myth: Topping Fixes a Dangerous Tree
Cutting off the top often makes things worse. The tree sprouts weak new limbs that snap easily. A provider may suggest trimming, cabling or full removal instead. Ask which fits your tree.
How a Removal Usually Works
The steps are simple, though each provider has its own method.
Step 1: The Site Visit
A provider looks at the tree, the space around it and anything it could hit. Homes with brick or vinyl siding, fences and tight lots call for extra planning.
Step 2: The Cutting Plan
In open yards, a tree may be felled in one piece. Near a house, crews often climb and lower sections with ropes. Cranes may be used for large or hard-to-reach trees.
Step 3: Cleanup
Branches are chipped and logs are cut and hauled. Ask if this is part of the quote.
What Affects the Price
Size is the big one. Height, trunk width and how close the tree is to buildings all matter. Access also counts, because a back yard behind a locked gate takes more time than a front lawn.
Other things that change a quote:
- Dead or rotten wood, which can be unsafe to climb
- Power lines nearby
- Whether a crane is needed
- Hauling away wood versus leaving it
- Stump work, which is usually priced separately
Get the quote written. It should list the work, the cleanup and the total.
Permits and Local Rules
Many people assume you can cut any tree on your own lot. Not always. Some cities protect larger or older trees, and some neighborhoods have their own rules. Trees on a property line may belong to both owners.
A provider can often tell you if a permit is likely. Your city office or homeowners association has the final word.
Choosing a Provider
Compare at least two written quotes when time allows. Ask each provider:
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?
- Who handles cleanup and hauling?
- Will the stump be left, ground or priced separately?
- What happens if something on my property is damaged?
Providers in our network are independent businesses. Pocketcommittee Tree Service does not do the work and does not set their prices.
Getting Ready for Removal Day
A little prep keeps the day smooth.
- Move cars, grills and patio furniture away from the area
- Unlock gates and clear a path
- Tell neighbors if work may be loud or reach their fence
- Keep kids and pets indoors
Stay out of the work zone. Cutting looks quick, but it is dangerous.
After the Tree Comes Down
Walk the yard with the provider. Check fences, siding, gutters and lawn. Take photos if anything looks off. Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree, so check your policy, and providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Then decide about the stump. Leaving it is fine for a while, but it can attract pests and trip people. Grinding is covered on its own page.
Ready to Compare Options?
Signs first, saws second. If your tree shows any warning, request an estimate and see what a local provider says. There is no obligation.
What's Included
Site Assessment
A provider checks the tree's health, size, lean and nearby structures before suggesting removal, trimming or another option.
Safe Felling
Trees are cut down in one piece or in sections, depending on how close they stand to your home.
Debris Cleanup
Many providers chip branches and haul logs. Confirm in writing what cleanup your quote includes.
Written Quotes
Ask for a clear quote listing the work, cleanup and total price before any cutting starts.
Typical Tree Removal Costs
Prices vary by tree size, access and condition. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Your local quote may be lower or higher, so always get the quote written before work begins.
| Job type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (under 30 ft) | $150 – $500 | Easy access keeps the price down |
| Medium tree (30–60 ft) | $400 – $1,200 | Height and nearby buildings matter |
| Large tree (60+ ft) | $1,000 – $2,500 | May need climbing or a crane |
| Dead or diseased tree | $500 – $2,000 | Unsafe wood adds time and risk |
| Crane-assisted removal | $1,500 – $4,000 | Used when sections cannot be lowered by rope |
| Debris haul-away | $75 – $400 | Some quotes include it, some do not |
How It Works
Spot the Signs
Check for dead limbs, leaning, cracks and fungus. Note what you see and take a few photos.
Call or Request an Estimate
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request through the form.
Review the Quote
Compare the written scope, cleanup, stump work and total price before choosing.
Schedule the Removal
Clear the area, confirm the plan with the provider and stay clear while work happens.
Why Call Pocketcommittee Tree Service
Warning-Sign Focus
Catching problems early can keep jobs smaller and prices clearer than waiting for a failure.
Independent Providers
Providers in our network are local businesses that do the work and set their own prices.
Plain Cost Advice
We explain what drives price so you can compare written quotes with confidence.
No Obligation
Request an estimate, compare your options and decide on your own schedule.
Other Services
Need tree removal services in Memphis?
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request describing your tree. A provider can follow up with next steps. There is no obligation.
No obligationTree Removal Services FAQ
How do I know if a tree should be removed?
Look for dead branches, a new or growing lean, deep trunk cracks, fungus at the base and lifting roots. One sign may be minor, but several together mean you should ask a local provider to take a look.
How much does tree removal cost?
Typical U.S. prices run from about $150 for a small, easy tree to $2,500 or more for a large one. Access, condition and cleanup change the total, so get the quote written.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Sometimes. Some cities and neighborhoods protect larger or older trees, and shared property-line trees may need a neighbor's okay. A provider can often advise, but check with your city or homeowners association.
Request a callback
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request describing your tree. A provider can follow up with next steps. There is no obligation.
No obligation