Frequently Asked Questions

Tree removal costs in Virginia typically range from $500 to over $6,000 per tree, depending on the size, location, and complexity of the job.

Most professional tree removals in Central Virginia fall between $1,000 and $3,500, while very large, hazardous, or difficult-to-access trees can cost significantly more.

These figures represent individual tree removal costs, but if your property has multiple trees to remove, total project costs will reflect the combined work, equipment, and cleanup for all trees. Larger projects may also include additional considerations such as lot clearing, grading, or erosion control.

Several factors influence the cost of tree removal, including: 

• Tree size and height – Larger and older trees take more time, equipment, and expertise.
  
  

• Tree location – Trees close to houses, power lines, or other structures require advanced rigging and safety measures.
  
  

• Accessibility – When equipment like our 92-foot spider lift can be used, removals are safer and more efficient.
  
  

• Cleanup & disposal – Removing logs, branches, and chips adds to the overall cost.
  
  

Because every tree and property is unique, prices can vary widely—but investing in professional removal ensures safety, protects your property, and gets the job done right. 

The best time to prune trees in Charlottesville and Central Virginia is fall, when temperatures are mild and trees are entering dormancy. Fall pruning reduces stress, improves safety, and helps protect against pests and disease.

Why Fall Works Best:

• Dormancy: Trees grow more slowly, and pruning wounds close efficiently. 

• Pest & Disease Control: Cooler weather means insects and fungi are less active. 

• Better Visibility: Without leaves, it’s easier to see the tree’s structure. 

• Safer Conditions: Mild temperatures make pruning safer for crews.
  
  

What to Prune:

• Dead or diseased branches 

• Crossing or rubbing branches 

• Overextended limbs that could break in storms 

• Young trees to guide proper growth
  
  

Why Avoid Spring & Summer: Major pruning during active growth stresses the tree, diverts energy from leaves and flowers, and increases the risk of pests and fungal issues. Light maintenance pruning is okay during these seasons.

Homeowner’s insurance may cover tree removal, but it depends on how and where the tree fell. In most cases, if a storm-damaged tree falls on your home, garage, fence, or another insured structure, your insurance will typically cover both the damage and the cost of removing the tree from the affected area. However, if a tree falls in your yard without damaging a structure, insurance usually does not pay for cleanup.

In Charlottesville and Central Virginia, where storms with high winds, ice, or saturated soils can bring down large trees, it’s important to review your specific policy. Some policies have limits on tree removal coverage (for example, up to $500–$1,000 per tree), and certain exclusions may apply if the tree was dead, diseased, or poorly maintained before the storm. 

As a homeowner, the best step is to:

• Document storm damage immediately with photos. 

• Contact your insurance company to confirm coverage. 

• Work with a licensed, insured tree service to handle the removal safely and provide the necessary documentation for your claim. 

At Grubb Tree, we regularly assist Charlottesville-area homeowners after storms by providing safe removal, detailed invoices, and support for insurance claims.  

The number of acres that can be forestry mulched in a single day depends on several factors, including vegetation density, terrain, slope, and site goals. Using our CAT 299D3 with a forestry mulcher attachment, we can handle thick Virginia underbrush efficiently, but production varies depending on conditions.

Typical Production Rates:

• Light brush & small saplings (2” and under): ~3–5 acres per day on mostly flat terrain 

•  Moderate brush & small trees (2–6” diameter): ~1–3 acres per day 

• Dense hardwood underbrush, steep slopes, or rocky terrain: ½–1 acre per day
  
  

Other factors affecting output:

• Terrain: Hills, uneven ground, or rocky soils slow progress 

• Soil conditions: Wet clay or muddy areas reduce speed 

• End goals: Clearing for trails, hunting access, pasture, or development requires different levels of finish
  
  

For example: if the goal is simply to knock down thick underbrush for hunting access, we can move faster. But if the site needs a clean finish for pasture or future construction, it requires more detailed work and slows production.

Forestry mulching with the CAT 299D3 shreds brush and small trees into mulch on-site, leaving a natural ground cover that helps prevent erosion and improve soil health. Unlike traditional clearing with bulldozers, there’s no need for hauling debris, burning, or heavy root disturbance.

On average in Central Virginia, landowners can expect 1–3 acres per day, depending on site conditions and project goals.