Tree cutting in Dallas: Hiring and Planning Guide

Choose an assessment, pruning or removal

Tell each bidder what you want to solve: a branch over the roof, clearance for access, a damaged tree or concern about tree health. Ask the arborist to identify the tree and explain the proposed work before quoting it. If you want to retain the tree, request an assessment of that option alongside any removal proposal.

For a possible oak-wilt problem, arrange diagnosis before approving a pruning job or treatment. Texas A&M Forest Service recommends contacting a certified arborist when owners are unsure whether a tree has the disease. Describe the changes you have noticed and provide photographs taken from a safe location. [4]

Ask who will assess the tree and who will supervise the cutting crew. Request proof of the credentials the company advertises and current insurance documentation. Have the bidder describe how the crew will protect your roof, fence, driveway and trees you intend to keep.

Resolve city and utility questions before scheduling

The Dallas City Arborist team enforces Article X and answers landscape and tree questions by phone or in person. Its page provides a tree-removal application route through DallasNow. Contact the team with your address, photographs and proposed work, then ask what approval or documentation applies before authorizing removal. [1]

Treat work near overhead electric lines as a separate coordination step. Oncor says trimming from one pole to another must be done by Oncor. For a tree near power lines that could create a hazardous condition, call 888-313-6862. If fire or sparking is occurring, call 911. [2]

For private pruning around the service line to your home, Oncor directs customers to request a temporary disconnect and reconnect through their retail electric provider or Oncor. Charges apply. Ask your contractor who will arrange this service and confirm the sequence before setting the cutting date. [2]

Set a species-specific pruning date

For oak pruning, follow the Texas A&M Forest Service guidance to avoid pruning or wounding from February through June. The agency also advises painting all new oak wounds immediately, regardless of season. Ask the bidder to include oak-wound handling in the scope instead of relying on a general pruning description. [4]

In its February 2024 guidance, the Forest Service warned against unnecessary pruning of trees already stressed by drought or freezes. Ask the arborist to assess your tree's condition before recommending appearance-focused cuts. Do not assume that the calendar alone establishes whether a tree should be pruned. [4]

Use the regional temperature chart to discuss outdoor-work timing with the crew. The National Weather Service publishes a normal October high of 78.4°F for DFW, compared with 56.5°F in January. These historical normals describe regional climate; they do not establish a safe workday or the right pruning date for your tree. [5]

Compare complete written quotes

Request a site visit and an itemized quote for the same work from each bidder. Identify each tree by photograph or location. Specify which branches the crew will remove, whether the crew will remove the trunk, and whether you want stump grinding. Ask for the grinding depth, chip removal and final surface condition in writing.

Dallas Sanitation says contractors should dispose of waste from projects requiring a contractor. Require your bidder to describe loading, hauling and disposal. If a quote proposes leaving brush at the curb, resolve that plan before signing rather than assuming municipal collection will cover the job. [3]

Keep utility work and private cleanup responsibilities distinct. Oncor generally excludes stump grinding and root removal from its tree removals. After storms, it removes the portions needed to restore service but does not remove tree debris it did not create. Ask your private contractor to price any remaining cleanup. [2]

Set a payment schedule tied to the agreed work and document how you will approve changes. Ask the company to list exclusions, including hauling, grinding, utility coordination and restoration of damaged surfaces. Compare the finished result each bidder promises before comparing totals.

DFW normal high temperatures for fall and winter work planning

Choose the next step before booking a crew

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the tree, surrounding structures and access route from a safe location.
2. State whether you want an assessment, pruning, removal or separate prices for those options.
3. Resolve city approval questions before authorizing removal.
4. Agree who will contact the utility and coordinate any service interruption.
5. Request credential details and current insurance documentation.
6. Include stump work, hauling, disposal and cleanup in the written scope.
7. Record exclusions, payment stages and the process for approving extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to remove a tree?

Ask the Dallas City Arborist team for a determination based on your property and proposed work. The team enforces Article X and directs applicants to DallasNow. Its contact page does not provide enough detail to determine whether your specific removal requires approval. [1]

Can my arborist trim branches near power lines?

Contact Oncor before arranging the work. Oncor says trimming between poles must be done by Oncor. For private pruning near the service line to your home, request a temporary disconnect and reconnect through Oncor or your retail electric provider. [2]

Can the contractor leave the branches for city pickup?

Require a disposal plan before accepting that proposal. Dallas says contractors should dispose of waste from projects requiring a contractor. Ask Sanitation to clarify any proposed curbside arrangement and include the agreed responsibility in your contract. [3]

Is October an acceptable time to prune an oak?

October falls outside the February-through-June period when Texas A&M Forest Service advises avoiding oak pruning and wounding. Ask an arborist to assess the tree before scheduling. The agency advises painting new oak wounds immediately in any season. [4]