Whether it’s a hazardous tree threatening your property or simply an unwanted tree in your yard, finding a way to get it removed for free can save you a lot of money.
Tree removal is expensive. Tree removal costs on average between $200 to $2000, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
Thankfully, there are ways to get trees removed for free in certain cases.
If you’ve been wanting to know if there are any ways to get free tree removal, keep reading!
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How to Remove Trees for Free
Here are the best ways you can get trees cut down and removed from your property for free.
1. Contact Your Local Government
One of the best options you can try is contacting your local government. Sometimes, your local city or county will have resources to remove trees from your property.
There are many instances where the city is responsible for tree removal.
If there’s a tree on city or county property that is damaged, diseased, or dead, then typically, the local government is responsible for removing it.
Also, if the tree is blocking a public walkway, the city is responsible for cutting down the branches that are obstructing the path. So, get in touch with your local city office and ask about any tree removal resources available.
2. Call the Power Company
If the unwanted tree is near a power line, you may be able to get the power company to remove it. Power companies usually have contracts with tree specialists in the areas they serve. So, you should get in touch to inquire. The company will often remove trees for free.
3. Contact a Logging Company
If you have multiple trees that you want removed, contact local logging companies.
Logging companies might be willing to remove the trees for free in exchange for the lumber. In some cases, the logging company might also pay you, depending on the type and number of trees you have.
4. Call Lumber Mills
Lumber mills may be willing to offer a free tree removal service in exchange for the wood.
The lumber mill may remove your trees if you have multiple trees that need removing or if you have a tree that is valuable. So, call lumber mills in your area.
5. Post an Ad for Free Tree Removal in Exchange for the Wood
There are a lot of people looking for free firewood or free wood for DIY projects. Lumber can be used to make hardwood flooring, tables, cabinets, shelves, picture frames, wooden pallets, and many more DIY projects.
Because there is a demand for wood, you can easily have trees removed by offering free wood to those who are willing to cut it.
You can post an ad for the free wood on Craigslist or in person at places like stores and laundromats.
6. Disaster Relief Programs
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, government disaster relief programs may offer free tree removal services to help clear debris and reduce hazards. Check with FEMA or your local emergency management office.
Free Tree Removal for Seniors
If you’re a senior looking for free tree removal services, several programs and options can help you maintain your property at no cost. Many local governments and nonprofit organizations offer tree removal assistance to seniors, especially if the tree poses a safety hazard. To qualify, you often need to demonstrate financial need or meet specific age requirements.
Local Government Programs
Some municipalities have tree removal services specifically for seniors. Check with your city or county’s public works department or senior services office to see if they offer this assistance.
Nonprofit Organizations
Certain nonprofits provide free tree removal services to seniors as part of their community outreach. Organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation may offer resources or connect you with local volunteers.
Senior Community Associations
If you live in a senior community or retirement village, there might be programs or funds allocated for property maintenance, including tree removal. Reach out to your community manager for details.
Charity and Volunteer Groups
Local volunteer groups and charities sometimes undertake tree removal projects for seniors. Contact local community centers or churches to find out if they can assist or know of any organizations that do.
Hopefully, one of these options is available near you so you can get your trees cut and removed for free.
Free Tree Removal Summary
If you are looking for free tree removal services near you, give the tips above a try. You can also cut the trees down yourself if the options above don’t work for you, but you’ll need tools such as a chainsaw. More importantly, you need to know how to actually cut a tree down without damaging your house, garage, or other structures near the tree. So if you have no experience, it’s best to leave it to professional tree trimming companies.
And if you don’t have the money to hire a tree trimmer, thankfully, there are a few free tree removal options available.
My house will be consumed by fire because of a huge 70 year old tree. I live in a manufactured home and the tree was planted by the park owners. In the possibility of a fire my house will be consumed. There is no longer fire insurance available for my house. There are no fire hydrants on this property of 250 homes. And no effort to create a volunteer fire control neighborhood patrol.
I am an old disabled widow, I got a 20 feet long palm tree that fell on the sidewalk.
I’ll give the wood for free removal, thanks
Sarah Biran 9546963279
Hi Sarah,
That’s a huge palm tree to deal with!
Sarah, a tip: you can safely get this cleared by checking local Fort Lauderdale tree removal companies on Google Maps or Yelp, looking for those with strong reviews and proper licensing. You can also call your city’s public works or sanitation department, as they sometimes help with large fallen trees on sidewalks.
By the way, I removed your phone number from your comment to keep you safe from spam.
i need two tall tree not real big tree removed so i can get a lower price with my mortgage.
they are right at the house. im 79 years old on social secrity,can’t wortk. im single and need some help with this problem. will someone please help me or direct me where i can get some help
I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. For help with tree removal, try calling 2‑1‑1 in your area — they can connect seniors to local programs, nonprofits, or city services that sometimes handle this at low or no cost. You can also check with your city’s public works department or local churches, as many have volunteer groups that help older adults with home safety needs.
I hope you’re able to get the support you need.
I have approximately 30 sweetgum trees on my property in Dresden, TN that I want completely removed. I will all the wood to the company in exchange for them removing it.
Hi Felice,
That sounds like a big project. Just a heads up, most tree removal companies won’t remove sweetgum trees for free in exchange for the wood. Sweetgum usually isn’t valuable enough to offset the labor, equipment, and insurance costs, especially for full removal of that many trees.
You might have better luck contacting local sawmills, logging crews, or posting on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to see if anyone is interested. For 30 trees, though, you’ll likely still need a licensed tree service to handle it safely.