Frequently
Asked Questions

Tree removal in Massachusetts costs $300 to $500 for small trees under 30 feet, $500 to $1,000 for medium trees between 30 and 60 feet, and $1,000 to $3,000 or more for large trees over 60 feet. Crane-assisted removals for trees near structures or power lines run $2,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity. The biggest cost factors are tree height, trunk diameter, proximity to structures like houses and power lines, and equipment access — a tree in an open backyard costs less than the same tree squeezed between two buildings. Dead or storm-damaged trees sometimes cost more because the wood is unpredictable and requires extra rigging. McDonald Tree Service has been removing trees across Middlesex County since 1995. We provide free on-site estimates with no pressure and no surprise charges — the estimate is the final price. Keith McDonald personally evaluates every job. Call (978) 375-2272 to schedule your free estimate.

Most single-tree removals take half a day to a full day depending on tree size, location, and complexity. A 40-foot maple in an open Billerica backyard might take three hours from setup to cleanup. A 70-foot oak next to a house in Lowell with power lines overhead could take a full day with crane assistance. Tight access jobs — narrow driveways, fenced backyards, steep slopes — take longer because we need to rig each section carefully and lower them with ropes rather than dropping freely. Multi-tree jobs or lot clearing projects can run several days depending on acreage. McDonald Tree Service gives you a time estimate upfront so you can plan your day. We clean up everything when we are done — chips hauled, firewood stacked or removed, lawn raked. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate.

Yes — McDonald Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency tree removal, 365 days a year across our 18-town Middlesex County service area. Storm damage, fallen trees on houses or cars, hazardous trees threatening structures, blocked roads — we respond to all of it. We are typically on-site within one hour for emergencies in Billerica, Chelmsford, Lowell, Tewksbury, Burlington, Bedford, Wilmington, Dracut, Westford, Carlisle, Andover, Woburn, Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Winchester, Acton, and Waltham. We do not charge extra for weekend or holiday emergency calls — our pricing stays the same whether it is a Tuesday morning or a Sunday night during a nor\'easter. Keith McDonald started the company in 1995 and still answers the emergency line himself. We carry full liability insurance and workers compensation. Call (978) 375-2272 anytime — day or night, weekday or holiday.

After tree removal, McDonald Tree Service chips all branches and hauls everything away — your yard will be clean when we leave. If you want the firewood, we'll cut it to fireplace length and stack it for you at no extra charge. Otherwise, we take everything: branches get chipped on-site with our commercial chipper, the trunk gets loaded onto our truck, and sawdust gets cleaned up. We don't leave piles of debris or scuff marks on your lawn. The only proof we were there is the missing tree. We've been doing clean tree removals across Middlesex County since 1995. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate.

It depends on the town and the tree. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 — the Shade Tree Act — covers street trees and trees in the public right-of-way. Those need town approval, not yours. On your own property, most Middlesex County towns don't require a permit for routine removal, but several have local bylaws for trees above a certain diameter, scenic-road trees, or anything within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone. Billerica, Chelmsford, Lowell, and Tewksbury each have slightly different rules. McDonald Tree Service pulls the permits that are ours to pull and tells you when one applies. We recommend verifying with your town's tree warden or conservation commission before any crew starts cutting.

Most homeowner's insurance policies in Massachusetts cover emergency tree removal when a tree hits a structure — house, garage, fence, shed — or when a fallen tree blocks your driveway or access. Routine removal of a healthy tree, a tree that's merely leaning, or a tree you just want gone is usually not covered. McDonald Tree Service provides itemized written invoices and a certificate of insurance for your carrier. The claim process is between you and your adjuster, but our detailed paperwork makes their job easy. We've helped hundreds of Middlesex County homeowners document storm damage for insurance claims since 1995. Call (978) 375-2272 for emergency response or a free estimate.

In Massachusetts, a tree whose trunk straddles the property line is jointly owned by both property owners. Neither owner can remove it without the other's written consent. Either owner can prune branches that cross onto their side — but only up to the property line, not across it. If you damage the tree while pruning on your side, you could be liable. McDonald Tree Service has handled dozens of property-line tree situations across Billerica, Chelmsford, and Lowell. We'll walk you through the conversation with your neighbor before we touch anything. If it's a town tree in the public right-of-way, that's a different process — the town highway or DPW gets involved, not you. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free assessment.

Tree pruning typically ranges from $200-$1,500 depending on the size of the tree, number of trees, and the scope of work. A single tree with a few dead limbs is on the lower end. A full canopy thinning on a large oak is on the higher end. We provide free estimates.

Most mature trees benefit from pruning every 3-5 years. Fruit trees and fast-growing species may need it more often. Dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs should be removed as soon as you notice them — don't wait for a schedule.

Late winter to early spring is ideal for most species — the tree is dormant, you can see the structure clearly, and it heals fastest. But dead wood and hazardous limbs get removed year-round. If a branch is threatening your roof, call us today.

Not when it's done right. We follow ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) standards. Proper pruning improves tree health, structure, and longevity. Bad pruning — topping, lion-tailing — damages trees. We don't do that.

Most stumps cost $150-$300 to grind, depending on size and access. If we're already on-site for a tree removal, we'll usually grind the stump for less. Multiple stumps get a package rate. Call (978) 375-2272 for exact pricing.

We grind 6-12 inches below grade level, depending on what you're planning for the area. If you're planting a new tree or putting in a patio, we'll go deeper. Just let us know your plans.

Grinding produces a pile of wood chips and soil mixed together. We can haul it away, or you can use it as mulch in your garden beds. Most homeowners use it to fill the hole and let it decompose. Your call.

Yes. We use precision equipment that can work right up against foundations, walkways, and fences without damaging them. We've ground stumps in every tight spot you can imagine.

Most residential stumps take 30-60 minutes to grind. Large stumps over 30 inches in diameter may take 1-2 hours. We clean up all the debris when we're done — your yard will be ready for whatever comes next.

McDonald Tree Service provides stump grinding across all 18 towns in our Middlesex County service area — from Billerica to Lexington, Lowell to Woburn. We're licensed and insured in Massachusetts. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate in your area.