Tree cutting and arborist services in Billings, MT

Decide what you want the arborist to assess

Describe the problem before requesting a removal price. Explain whether you want clearance over a roof, an assessment of a damaged limb, help with a declining tree, or complete removal. Ask the arborist to explain the proposed work and whether pruning could meet your goal. Request a written recommendation when you need to compare different approaches.

Identify each tree in photos and during the site visit. Ask which branches the crew proposes to remove and how they will protect your house, fence, and neighboring property. For removal, specify whether you want the stump left, ground down, or excavated. Include treatment of grindings and the remaining hole in the quote.

Check boulevard authorization before scheduling

Billings lists a free Boulevard Tree Planting, Pruning, or Removal Permit on its Contractor and Permit Services page. Public Works Engineering handles contractor and permit services and answers application questions at 406-657-8231. For a tree beside the street, ask staff whether that process applies to its location. [1]

Agree with your contractor on who will submit any required application and confirm authorization before setting the work date. For a backyard tree, describe its location when asking about applicable requirements rather than assuming the boulevard process covers your yard.

Coordinate work with the utility operating the lines

Identify the utility operating the affected electric lines before arranging cutting. For NorthWestern Energy lines, the utility handles trees affecting overhead pole-to-pole distribution lines, while property owners handle trees affecting the service line from a pole to a home or business. [2]

If NorthWestern Energy serves the affected line to your home, it offers a free disconnect and reconnect so your hired tree service can work safely. Call its Montana number, 888-467-2669, at least three business days before the planned work. Coordinate the contractor's arrival with that appointment. For another utility's lines, ask that operator about its responsibilities and scheduling process. [2]

NorthWestern Energy warns against attempting pruning or removal near a power line yourself. For its lines, report a tree touching a wire or needing attention near one. Its emergency guidance says to move to a safe location if you encounter an electrical hazard, call 911, then contact the utility. [2]

Compare the complete job in each quote

Obtain site-specific removal quotes after contractors review access and the work area. Ask them to separate assessment, cutting, equipment, stump work, hauling, and yard restoration. Confirm whether the total includes all crew time and require written approval for additions. Compare what each contractor promises to finish before comparing totals.

Ask who will assess the tree and supervise the crew. Request proof of insurance and verify any advertised arborist credential. Discuss equipment placement, branch lowering, and how the crew will keep people out of the work area. Agree on payment milestones and how weather or utility scheduling changes will affect the appointment.

Settle debris hauling before the crew arrives

Choose whether you want logs or chips left on site and specify their storage location. Ask the contractor to list everything they will haul away, including any stump grindings. Billings requires a lawn service used at a residence to haul off the yard waste it generates. Before relying on residential collection, ask Solid Waste whether that requirement applies to your tree contractor and whether its branches qualify. [3]

Billings runs yard-waste collection from the first full week of April, weather permitting, through the last full week of November. It does not offer the service in all city areas; call 406-657-8285 about availability. For eligible branch collection, the city limits pieces to 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, and bundles to 75 pounds and 2 feet in diameter. It directs residents to schedule large-branch collection at 406-657-8315, option 3. Confirm eligibility before asking a contractor to prepare bundles. [3]

The landfill chart provides published municipal solid-waste rates by waste origin, effective July 1, 2026. Ask your contractor which disposal category applies to the tree debris and whether transport and disposal are included. Billings requires vehicles arriving at the landfill to carry secured loads. [4]

Billings Regional Landfill MSW rates by waste origin

Choose the next step before booking

Your hiring checklist

1. Identify the trees and photograph the proposed work from a safe position.
2. Ask about boulevard authorization for a street-side tree.
3. Identify the utility operating any affected lines and coordinate the work.
4. Request a written recommendation when comparing pruning with removal.
5. Verify advertised credentials and request proof of insurance.
6. Match stump, wood, hauling, and restoration terms across quotes.
7. Confirm contractor-debris eligibility before relying on city collection.
8. Agree on access, payment milestones, and approval for added work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a backyard tree?

The city page lists a free boulevard tree permit. Ask Public Works Engineering at 406-657-8231 about your tree's location and applicable authorization before assuming that permit applies to a backyard removal. [1]

Will NorthWestern Energy remove my tree for free?

If the tree affects NorthWestern Energy lines, ask the utility whether it qualifies for its vegetation-management program. The utility charges customers nothing for work under that program. It leaves wood larger than 6 inches in manageable lengths and hauls smaller debris, so discuss any additional wood removal you want. [2]

Can a contractor leave branches for city pickup?

Confirm that arrangement with Billings Solid Waste before accepting it. The city requires lawn services to haul generated yard waste. Ask whether that rule applies to your tree contractor and whether its branches qualify for residential collection. If eligible, confirm service availability, branch limits, and large-branch scheduling. [3]

How much should I budget for removal?

Obtain site-specific quotes covering cutting, equipment, stump work, and hauling. Ask each contractor to price the same finished outcome. The published landfill rates provide disposal context; they do not measure tree-removal labor or the total contractor charge. Confirm the applicable debris category before using them to assess disposal costs. [4]