Why Is It So Expensive to Cut Down a Tree?
The New York Times••nation
Key Points:
- Tree removal costs vary widely, ranging from $1,200 to $15,000, influenced by factors such as tree size, risk, and proximity to structures.
- Labor shortages have driven up wages significantly, with entry-level tree care workers now earning $18 to $26 per hour, and total employer costs reaching about $45 per hour.
- Many arborists have invested in expensive machinery, like million-dollar grapple saws, to improve safety and efficiency, contributing to higher operational costs.
- Equipment prices, including chippers, cranes, and trucks, have risen by approximately 50% over the past five years, leading to a more than 25% increase in tree removal costs for homeowners since the pandemic.
- Consumers
