Dead Tree
Removal
Standing dead trees are unpredictable and dangerous. We remove them safely before they fall and cause damage to your home, vehicle, or property.
The Problem With
Dead Trees
A dead tree does not announce when it is going to fall. It might stand for another year, or it might come down in the next moderate wind. The wood gets brittle, the root system decays, and eventually gravity wins. If that tree is anywhere near your house, your driveway, your kids’ play area, or your neighbor’s property — it is a liability sitting on a timer.
Emerald ash borer has made this problem significantly worse across Middlesex County. Since arriving in Massachusetts around 2012, EAB has killed thousands of ash trees in our service area. We have removed over 200 EAB-killed ash trees since 2018, and we see new ones every week. If you have ash trees on your property, they are almost certainly infested or at risk.
Removing dead trees requires different techniques than live tree work. Dead wood is unpredictable — branches snap under their own weight, trunks can be hollow where you cannot see it, and the structural integrity you rely on for rigging may not be there. We assess every dead tree before we cut and bring the right equipment for the situation, whether that is standard rigging, a crane, or sectional dismantling.
What We
Handle
Standing dead tree near house or driveway
Ash trees killed by emerald ash borer
Trees with 50%+ crown dieback
Trunk with large cavities or fungal growth
Dead trees leaning toward structures
Brittle dead wood threatening power lines
Storm-weakened trees likely to fail
Insurance-required hazardous tree removal
What It
Costs
$300 – $3,000+ — based on tree size, species, and proximity to structures.
Small dead tree in an open yard: $300–$600. Medium dead tree near a structure: $600–$1,500. Large dead tree requiring crane or specialized rigging: $1,500–$3,000+. Dead trees near houses or over driveways cost more due to the extra care required with brittle wood.
We include stump grinding at a discounted rate when bundled with removal. Free estimates — we will assess the tree and give you a firm price before any work begins. See our warning signs guide to determine if your tree needs removal.
Dead Tree Removal
Service Areas
We remove dead and hazardous trees across all 18 towns in our service area. Click your town for local tree service details.
FAQ
How much does dead tree removal cost?
Dead tree removal typically costs $300-$3,000+ depending on size, species, and proximity to structures. Dead wood is unpredictable — branches snap without warning and trunks can be hollow, requiring extra caution during cutting and rigging. This sometimes adds to the cost compared to live tree removal of similar size.
How can I tell if my tree is dead?
Key signs include: no leaves during the growing season, bark falling off in large sheets, mushrooms or bracket fungi growing from the trunk or base, brittle branches that snap easily, and D-shaped exit holes (a sign of emerald ash borer). If more than 50% of the crown is bare in summer, the tree is likely dead or dying. Call us for a free assessment.
Is it dangerous to leave a dead tree standing?
Yes. Dead trees become brittle within 1-2 years and can fall without warning in moderate wind. A standing dead tree near your home is a significant liability — your insurance company may not cover damage from a tree you knew was hazardous and failed to remove.
What is emerald ash borer and why should I care?
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the eastern United States. It arrived in Massachusetts around 2012 and has been devastating ash trees across Middlesex County since. If you have ash trees, they are almost certainly infested or at risk. We have removed over 200 EAB-killed ash trees since 2018.
Should I remove a dying tree or wait until it is completely dead?
Remove it sooner rather than later. A dying tree is safer to remove than a fully dead one because the wood still has some structural integrity. Once a tree is completely dead, the wood becomes brittle and unpredictable, making removal more complex and potentially more expensive.
Dead tree on
your property?
Do not wait for it to fall. Free assessment and estimate — call us today.
Free Estimates • Fully Insured