How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

Removing an entire tree is typically associated with new construction, but it may also be necessary during a home renovation, home extension or simply because it poses a threat to existing structures. Removing a large tree without professional help is certainly risky, but bringing in professional assistance ensures that the project goes smoothly and the tree comes down without damaging any surrounding property. The average cost is around $688.

How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?

Removing a stump may be a physically smaller project than removing an entire tree, but professional help is still the ideal route to take and will cost about $112. Large commercial grinders eat away at the stump until it is flush with the ground, which ensures that the area is flat, safe and more attractive in just a matter of minutes.

Average Cost of Tree Maintenance in Stamford

To ensure that any trees located on private property look great, tree maintenance from a professional team may be periodically necessary. Pruning is especially important as an annual task for those property owners that have fruit-bearing trees. Otherwise, tree trimming may be purely aesthetic, or it could be a way to prevent branches from damaging a roof or covering a pathway or sidewalk. Tree owners can expect to pay about $484 for the service.

Tree Removal Regulations in Stamford

While the City of Stamford, Connecticut does have a number of regulations in place for zoning and construction, they have no guidelines regarding tree removal. This means that as long as a tree is located entirely on private property, it can be altered or removed as desired. Exceptions to this include when the tree is on two neighboring properties or if a portion of the tree is on public land. When removing trees, it is prudent to do so before the first frost of the winter, which hardens the ground and slows down the removal process.

Most residents of Stamford receive their electricity through Connecticut Light and Power, which is responsible for maintaining most of the overhead power lines in the area. To ensure that homeowners are safe and avoid any power outages, Connecticut Light and Power has a few recommendations regarding tree planting and pruning. First, they remind homeowners never to trim their own trees and always to hire professional arborists for the job. Second, they encourage property owners not to plant tall trees within 25 feet of existing overhead power lines or transformers.

Pests and Diseases

Throughout Stamford as well as the rest of the state, many invasive and native pests, diseases and bacteria can do major damage to area trees. According to the Connecticut Tree Protective Association, a few of the most common to keep an eye out for include nun moth, emerald ash borer, bacterial leaf scorch, sudden oak death and pine shoot beetle.

Popular Trees in Stamford

The charter oak, better known as the white oak or scientifically as the Quercus albus, is the official state tree of Connecticut. Traditional holds that the state charter of Connecticut was hidden in the hollow of this oak during 1662 to prevent it from getting into the hands of the British. These trees are found throughout the state, and they have a beautiful autumn season when leaves turn shades of orange and yellow.

As is the case in many climates, the trees that will grow best in Stanford are trees that are native to the area. This means that they were not introduced, and that they thrive without extra care from humans. In terms of maintenance, minimal work is necessary. Introduced trees, or those that can’t handle sub-zero temperatures, will do the worst in this part of Connecticut. A great sample of native trees that thrive in Stamford, Connecticut include the following:

• Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)
• Black birch (Betula lenta)
• Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)
• American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Although Stamford does have some cold winter temperatures and occasional snow, it is still a wonderful place to grow several types of fruit-bearing trees. Anyone willing to nurture trees indoors in the winter will be able to enjoy a greater variety, but the hardy options for year-round outdoor placement include peaches, nectarines and apples.

Tallest and Shortest Trees

With more than two dozen of Connecticut’s Noble Trees found in Stamford, there are a variety of tall and monumental trees to admire in the area. The tallest in the entire city is the swamp white oak, scientifically known as the Quercus bicolor, that stands at 108 feet in height. The shortest on the list, for contrast, is a 15-foot threadleaf Japanese maple.

Plant Hardiness Zones in Connecticut

Here is the plant hardiness zone map for Connecticut, as provided by the USDA:

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