Keep a Sound Tree
Deadwood, hangers and limbs over the roof cut back by a local tree crew, priced in writing.
Trim or Remove?
Not every problem tree in Huntsville needs to come down. When the trouble is a few dead limbs, a branch over the roof or a hanger left by the last storm, a local tree crew can cut those out and leave a healthy tree standing.
The City does a lot of the same work on public trees. Its own blog says only about 10% of city tree work is removal; most of the rest is storm cleanup, trimming and care. A trim is often the cheaper fix for a private tree too.
Service Area
Trimming requests come from every town listed and the roads between them. See every area →
Branches resting on shingles, scraping gutters or hanging low over the drive get lifted or cut back to a side branch or the trunk, so the tree keeps its shape.
Dead, cracked and hanging limbs come out before they fall. Extension warns that hangers, broken limbs caught in the crown, should not be underestimated. Unsure? Try the Tree Diagnosis tool.
Taking weight off long, end-heavy limbs and opening a dense crown lets spring wind pass through. Water oaks and Bradford pears are the usual candidates, while they are still worth keeping.
Cost Planning
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Tree up to 30 ft | $250–$700 |
| Tree 30–60 ft | $600–$1,200 |
| Tree over 60 ft | $1,000–$2,500+ |
Source: HomeGuide national cost data, 2026. These are ranges, not quotes; the written estimate from the local tree crew sets your price.
The work itself moves the number more than height alone. Lifting three limbs off a garage is a short job; taking deadwood out of a big oak means a climb. Access, nearby lines and how much brush has to be hauled matter too.
Step by Step
When the trouble is in certain limbs, trimming usually solves it. A crack through the trunk, a new lean, decay at the base or a crown dying from the top down usually means removal. See the tree removal service.
Not usually for a tree on your own lot. A tree in the right-of-way belongs to the city, so ask the City Arborist's office before cutting it. Our tree rules guide covers the rest.
Line clearance is the utility's work. The city says its Urban Forestry division and Huntsville Utilities share it. If limbs are touching a line on your property, contact the utility rather than a tree crew.
Tell us which limbs worry you and we will set up a visit from a local tree crew.
Enter a town or a ZIP such as 35801 to see if it is covered.