DIY Tree Removal vs. Hiring a Professional: Pros and Cons

Trees are beautiful and important. But sometimes, I need to remove a tree. Maybe it's dead, leaning, or too close to my house. When that happens, I ask myself one big question:

Should I do it myself, or call a professional tree service?

I’ve learned a lot about both options. So, let me walk you through the pros and cons of each. This guide can help you decide what’s best for your yard, your safety, and your wallet.

Doing It Yourself: The DIY Tree Removal Route

What’s Good About It?

First, let’s talk about the good side of DIY. If the tree is small, I might be able to handle it with simple tools. I’ve trimmed a few small branches and even taken down a young tree or two in the past.

Here are some reasons I sometimes think about doing it myself:

I save money upfront.
I don’t have to pay a tree service company.
I feel in control.
I choose when and how to remove the tree.
It can be satisfying.
Finishing the job myself feels good.

For easy jobs, like pruning a few limbs or cutting a fallen tree, I sometimes go this route.

The Risks and Problems

But let me be honest—DIY is not always smart. I’ve learned that tree work can be dangerous, even deadly.

Here are the problems I’ve faced or seen:

It’s not safe.
Branches can fall and hurt someone. Power lines nearby? That’s extra risky.
I don’t have the right tools.
Chainsaws, ropes, ladders, helmets—it adds up fast. And using them wrong is dangerous.
It takes a lot of time and effort.
Cutting the tree is just one part. I also need to haul it off, clean up, and grind the stump.
I could damage my home or yard.
One wrong cut, and the tree falls the wrong way. That’s not a mistake I want to make.
I don’t know about tree diseases.
Some trees look healthy but are not. Removing the wrong one might hurt nearby trees.

So while DIY tree removal may sound cheap, it often leads to more problems than it solves.

Hiring a Professional Tree Service

Now let’s talk about the smarter choice for most big tree jobs—calling a local tree service company.

The Good Side of Hiring a Pro

Here’s what I get when I hire professional tree services near me:

Safety first.
Trained tree experts know how to work around power lines, fences, and homes. They use proper gear and follow safety rules.
Expert knowledge.
Tree arborists and tree doctors can spot tree diseases and know what type of tree care is best.
Complete service.
They handle everything—removing the tree, grinding the stump, hauling away debris, and trimming nearby limbs.
Emergency help.
After storms, I’ve had trees fall at night. Local emergency tree services saved the day.
Insurance coverage.
If anything goes wrong, I’m protected. Most tree care companies are fully insured.
Better tools.
They bring high-powered saws, cranes, and grinders. I don’t have to rent a thing.
Local knowledge.
They know Georgia’s common tree species, city rules, and soil. That makes a big difference.

Whether I need urgent tree service or regular trimming, I’ve found that hiring a qualified arborist gives me better results.

What’s Not So Great?

Of course, no option is perfect. Here are a few downsides to hiring someone else:

It can cost more.
But I’ve found that tree removal costs will vary. Some companies offer affordable tree service.
I have to trust someone else.
That’s why I always choose a top-rated tree service with good reviews.
Sometimes I wait.
During storm season, local tree removal companies get busy.

But even with these small drawbacks, the benefits often outweigh the downsides—especially when the job is big or risky.

Things to Think About Before You Choose

Still not sure what’s right for you? Here’s what I ask myself:

How big is the tree?
A large tree is harder to remove and more dangerous.
Where is it located?
Near power lines, homes, or fences? That’s risky.
Do I have the tools and help I need?
Most times, I don’t.
Is it urgent?
Emergency tree care can’t wait.
Am I trained for this?
If not, I could make things worse.

If I answer "no" to these, I call a professional tree removal service.

Why Local Tree Experts Matter

Where I live in Marietta, Georgia, our trees grow tall and strong. Some have roots that stretch under sidewalks or close to homes. Others are damaged after storms and need emergency tree services fast.

Local tree trimming companies understand this. They know the trees in Cobb County, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and nearby areas. They also know which trees need pruning, which ones need to be removed, and how to deal with stump grinding and tree diseases.

Professionals use their training from groups like the International Society of Arboriculture. That means they can spot issues I would miss.

They also follow state and city laws for tree removal, which helps me avoid fines or problems with neighbors.

The Real Dangers of DIY Tree Removal

Let me talk clearly—tree removal is not like trimming your shrubs. It’s risky. People fall from ladders. Branches crash down. Chainsaws slip.

One bad cut can break a bone or worse.

Even if I finish the job, I could leave behind a stump that’s a trip hazard or attract pests.

Hiring a professional tree removal service means trained people take those risks instead of me. They wear the right safety gear and follow steps that keep people and property safe.

Let’s Talk Money: What It All Costs

A lot of people try DIY to save money. I get it. But here’s what I’ve learned.

Renting chainsaws, safety gear, stump grinders, and dump trailers costs more than I thought. And if I mess up, repair costs can be high.

Tree removal costs will vary, depending on the size of the tree and where it is. But affordable tree trimming and affordable stump grinding are often worth it. Many tree service providers also offer free quotes.

And with professional tree trimming, the trees I keep grow better and stay healthier.

So—What’s the Best Choice?

If the tree is small and safe, and I have time and tools, I might go DIY.

But most of the time, I hire a local tree service. It’s faster, safer, and smarter.

Professional tree service companies know what they’re doing. They remove the tree, grind the stump, and check for other problems I can’t see. Whether it’s tree removal near me or regular trimming services, they do it right.

I care about my trees. I want them to get the best tree care. And I want to keep my yard safe for my family.

Need Tree Help in Marietta, GA or Nearby?

If you have a tree that needs to go—or needs help—Joshua Tree Service is ready. We’re based right here in Marietta, serving Cobb County, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and nearby areas. Our team of certified arborists offers reliable tree service, from emergency tree removal to expert trimming and stump grinding.

Fully insured. Family-owned. Affordable and fast.

Call now or click to get your FREE quote today.
We’re available 24/7 for emergency tree care. Your trees—and your safety—matter to us.

Contact Information

Name: Joshua Tree Service

Address: 89 Atlanta Street Southeast, Marietta, GA 30060

Phone: (678) 242-9401

Business Hours:

Monday : Open 24 hours

Tuesday : Open 24 hours

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