Is it legal to remove a tree yourself in Orlando, FL?

In most cases, homeowners can remove trees on their own property in Orlando without a contractor license — but some trees require permits. You are responsible for all safety and cleanup, and your homeowner's insurance may not cover DIY-related accidents or property damage.

How do tree removal companies determine their prices?

Professional tree companies price based on tree size, species, location, access difficulty, equipment required, and debris volume. Licensing, insurance, and trained crew are significant costs that unlicensed operators skip — which is why they can sometimes undercut legitimate companies.

DIY Tree Removal vs. Hiring a Professional in Orlando: What You Need to Know

Every year, homeowners in Orlando search for ways to save money on tree removal — and some consider doing it themselves. For small trees in the right situation, DIY may be reasonable. But for anything large, near a structure, or complex, DIY tree removal is one of the most dangerous things a homeowner can attempt.

This guide lays out the honest facts so you can make the right decision for your situation.

When DIY Tree Removal Might Be OK

There are situations where a homeowner with some experience can safely handle tree removal:

Small trees under 15 feet tall in an open area with no structures, fences, or utilities nearby
Dead shrubs or small ornamental trees with a trunk diameter under 4–5 inches
Young saplings that haven't developed significant root systems
You have the right equipment: chainsaw, safety gear (helmet, chaps, gloves, eye/ear protection), and experience using it
There is a clear, open fall zone with nothing valuable in the way

If all of those conditions are met, a small tree removal may be within reach of a capable DIYer. Everything else is a job for a professional.

When to Always Hire a Professional

The following situations require a licensed, insured tree professional — no exceptions:

Any tree over 20–25 feet tall
Trees within striking distance of your home, fence, garage, car, or neighbor's property
Trees near or touching power lines — only utility companies or licensed line-clearance arborists should work here
Leaning trees or trees with root damage — unpredictable fall direction
Dead trees — structurally unpredictable; can break apart mid-cut
Trees with decay or hollow trunks — standard cutting techniques don't apply
Storm-damaged trees with hanging or partially fallen limbs — extremely hazardous; "widow-makers" can fall without warning
Any tree on a slope or in a tight space

Real Risks of DIY Tree Removal

Tree removal is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The risks don't disappear just because you're a homeowner instead of a professional — they increase, because professionals have training, equipment, and experience that you likely don't.

Common DIY hazards:

Kickback — chainsaws can violently kick back when the tip contacts wood; a leading cause of serious injury
Misjudged fall direction — even experienced arborists use ropes and rigging to control fall direction; without them, trees fall where physics dictates
Widow-makers — dead or broken limbs dislodged during cutting fall without warning
Back-cuts and holding wood failures — improper cutting sequences cause trees to spin, barber-chair (split upward), or fall the wrong direction
Falls — working in trees without proper harness and climbing equipment is extremely dangerous
Property damage — a tree landing on your home, car, or neighbor's fence when you're uninsured is a financial catastrophe

⚠️ Insurance note: If you're injured or damage property during a DIY tree removal, your homeowner's insurance may NOT cover it — especially if the tree was clearly large enough to warrant professional removal. Always check your policy before proceeding.

The True Cost Comparison

DIY "savings" on tree removal often evaporate when you account for all costs:

Item	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Chainsaw (purchase or rental)	$200–$600	Included
Safety equipment	$100–$300	Included
Debris hauling (truck/trailer rental)	$75–$200	Included
Dump fees	$50–$150	Included
Your time (full day+)	6–12+ hours	2–4 hours
Total	$425–$1,250+	$300–$800 (small-medium tree)

When you factor in equipment costs, disposal fees, and your time, professional tree removal often costs the same or less than DIY — and it comes with insurance, expertise, and liability protection.

What a Professional Tree Crew Actually Does

When you hire a licensed tree company in Orlando, here's what you're actually getting:

Site assessment — evaluating the tree, fall zone, hazards, and choosing the safest removal method
Rigging and rope work — controlling the direction and speed of falling sections using ropes, pulleys, and friction devices
Sectional removal — for trees near structures, the crew removes the tree piece by piece from the top down rather than felling it whole
Crane-assisted removal — for large or inaccessible trees, a crane lifts sections out safely
Full cleanup — all wood, branches, and debris are chipped and/or hauled away
Insurance coverage — if anything goes wrong, it's their insurance that pays

How to Choose a Tree Company in Orlando

Verify Florida contractor license (search at myfloridalicense.com)
Request proof of general liability insurance AND workers' compensation
Ask if they have ISA-certified arborists on staff
Get a written estimate with scope of work clearly defined
Avoid any company that asks for full payment upfront
Be wary of door-to-door solicitations — especially after storms

We're happy to provide all of the above before any job starts. Call 863-356-7534 for a free estimate and we'll walk you through exactly what we'll do and what it will cost.