Tree Trimming Estimate Template

What to Include in a Tree Trimming Estimate

The components of an estimate will vary from job to job, but the following are commonly included in most estimates.

General Information

For any estimate, starting with general information and working toward more specific details makes for an intuitive, easily readable layout. The following are some things that can be included with general information:

• Person or company performing the tree trimming and contact info
• Customer or client and contact info
• Location / address where work is to be performed
• Work start and end dates
• Does this estimate have an expiration date?
• Broad description of work (e.g. Tree trimming – 10 trees.)

Scope of Work

An accurate and clear description of the work to be performed is extremely important. This helps to avoid miscommunication and subsequent disagreement between contractor and client. It will be incredibly difficult to provide an accurate total cost without first understanding the job. Here are some areas that may warrant attention when creating a tree trimming estimate:

• Number of trees
• Tree heights
• Complexity of work
• Equipment to be used
• Proximity to power lines
• Extent of cleanup and hauling
• Is this work ongoing?

Line Items With Associated Costs

Once the scope of work has been established, overall cost can be determined. List each of the items necessary to complete the job and include their individual costs. Here are some things that might apply to a tree trimming estimate:

• Number of small trees
• Number of medium trees
• Number of large trees
• Trees that require special care
• Digging and root pruning
• Additional safety costs (line clearing)
• Additional labor cost (if any)
• Additional cleanup and hauling costs (if any)
• Equipment fees
• Fuel surcharge
• Total cost

Payment Terms

Is the customer expected to pay immediately upon completion of the work? Will the contractor send a bill? Whatever the arrangement, it should be clearly spelled out in the estimate.

Notes

Notes are useful for including information about guarantees of workmanship, for listing anything that is specifically being excluded from the work, and for identifying anything extraordinary or unusual about the work that should be recorded. It might be a good idea to clarify the extent of yard cleanup to be done, for example.

Tree Trimming Estimate Considerations

Beyond the sections of the estimate, there are certain issues that often come up on tree trimming jobs, and which tree trimmers should consider before every job.

Risk May Justify Increased Price

Working within 10 feed of power lines requires specialized equipment and training due to the risks associated with it. Working in a tree that has dead branches or is otherwise compromised or in ill health presents its own set of dangers. Any trimming that necessitates slower, more meticulous work because it is inherently more dangerous may justify an increase in price to the customer.

Locate Utilities Before Digging

In a case where a tree’s roots need to be pruned, it may be a good idea to call “dig alert” before digging so that underground utilities can be marked. In addition, knowing what type of soil the tree is growing in will help to accurately gauge the labor and equipment necessary to complete the work.

Location of Trees

Trees may be located in areas not directly accessible by truck. If trees need to be climbed and debris hauled manually, increased cost to the customer can be justified.

Local Tree Trimming Ordinances

Be familiar with local tree trimming ordinances. As municipalities become more aware that the trees growing in their communities are an asset worth protecting, some have enacted laws that regulate how trees may be trimmed and pruned. Trimming a tree beyond a certain percentage or cutting branches larger than a certain diameter may require a permit.

How to Use the Tree Trimming Estimate Template

To use the tree trimming estimate template, simply download and fill out or use our free generator.