Tree Cutting in Fort Worth: Hiring and Planning

Choose an assessment, pruning or removal

Describe the problem before requesting a removal price: a branch over the roof, a split after a storm, declining foliage or a tree blocking planned construction. Ask the arborist to explain the proposed treatment and any alternatives. For a tree you hope to retain, request an assessment before authorizing cutting.

During the site visit, point out fences, sheds, parked vehicles and the route from the street to the tree. Ask how the crew will lower branches and protect the yard. Request a written description of the branches to prune or the tree to remove, and ask who will supervise the work.

Ask for proof of insurance covering the proposed work and the name of the arborist responsible for the assessment. If someone claims a certification, request the credential details for verification. For electrical hazards, follow Oncor’s coordination instructions; its FAQ says only line-clearance-certified personnel approved by Oncor may work within six feet of high-voltage lines. [1]

Coordinate electrical clearance before booking

For branches near the service line between the pole and your house, Oncor directs homeowners to hire a qualified tree trimmer or arborist and arrange a temporary disconnect and reconnect. Contact Oncor at 888-313-6862 or your retail electric provider. Oncor asks for contact three days before the planned work and says disconnect and reconnect charges apply. Treat that advance notice as a scheduling request, not a guaranteed appointment. [1]

Ask the tree company who will place the utility request, confirm the appointment and request reconnection. Keep the cutting date provisional until you confirm the arrangements. Describe the overhead lines when requesting a quote, and have the crew explain how it will coordinate with Oncor before approaching them. [1]

For a tree you want removed near pole-to-pole wires, ask Oncor about a Make Ready prune at 888-313-6862. Oncor describes clearing the tree from those wires so you can arrange the next step, with tree and debris disposal remaining your responsibility. For other high-voltage lines, Oncor tells customers to keep themselves and materials at least ten feet away and contact the utility before work. Oncor warns that transmission lines may require greater clearance. [1]

Plan oak pruning around disease prevention

For elective oak pruning, discuss a date outside February through June. Texas A&M Forest Service’s February 2019 guidance advises avoiding oak pruning and wounding during those months because of oak wilt transmission. It also advises covering or painting fresh oak wounds at any time of year. Include that wound-treatment plan in the work description. [2]

Ask the arborist to identify the species before cutting and explain how the crew will handle accidental wounds. The Forest Service includes lawn equipment, construction and storm damage among sources of oak wounds. If you also plan fence work or equipment access beneath an oak, discuss how those activities could wound the tree. [2]

For storm damage, ask the arborist to assess what needs immediate attention and how to protect fresh oak wounds. Keep that assessment separate from requests for elective shaping. Contact the utility about a line hazard without waiting for a preferred pruning season. [1] [2]

Compare complete quotes and cleanup plans

Request an itemized quote after the company sees the property. Include the agreed cutting scope, equipment access, hauling, stump work and cleanup. Ask whether the crew will leave logs or chips, grind the stump, remove grindings or fill the resulting space. Record your preferred finish so neither party has to guess.

For a removal near utility wires, ask each company to quote the same utility arrangement and disposal scope. Oncor removes debris its authorized crews create during vegetation work, including after storms, but it does not remove trees that fall from storms or debris from private pruning. Its Make Ready process also leaves tree and debris disposal to the owner. [1]

Ask the company to list exclusions, payment stages and how it will approve extra work. Confirm any required permissions for your address before authorizing work, and obtain quotes after a site visit. Agree on who will handle those permissions and how you will document approval before the crew starts.

Prepare access and allow for weather changes

Before arrival, agree on the equipment route and move vehicles, furniture and planters from that route. Point out irrigation components and areas you want protected. Keep pets indoors and arrange a place for household members to stay clear of cutting and loading. Ask the crew leader to confirm the work boundaries before starting.

Discuss wet-ground access and a rescheduling plan when booking autumn work. The National Weather Service’s DFW regional table gives October normal precipitation as 4.37 inches, compared with 2.53 in November and 2.84 in December. These regional averages help frame a weather conversation; they do not predict rain on your appointment date or establish which month suits a particular tree. [3]

DFW monthly precipitation normals for autumn and winter planning

Choose the next step before arranging cutting

Your hiring checklist

1. Describe the problem and photograph the tree from a safe position.
2. Ask the arborist to identify the species and explain the proposed work.
3. Identify overhead wires without approaching them; assign responsibility for utility coordination.
4. Request insurance documentation and details of any claimed credentials.
5. Compare written scopes that include hauling, stump work and the agreed yard finish.
6. Confirm permissions, exclusions, payment stages and approval of additional work.
7. Agree on access, household separation and weather-related rescheduling before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire my own arborist for branches near power lines?

For branches near your pole-to-house service line, Oncor directs you to hire a qualified tree trimmer or arborist and coordinate a temporary disconnect. For high-voltage lines, contact Oncor before arranging work. Oncor restricts work within six feet to line-clearance-certified personnel it approves. [1]

Is October a suitable time to arrange oak pruning?

October falls outside the February-through-June period when Texas A&M Forest Service advises avoiding oak pruning. Ask an arborist whether pruning suits the tree’s condition and include fresh-wound painting in the plan. Choose the treatment after the assessment rather than relying on the calendar alone. [2]

Will Oncor haul away a storm-fallen tree?

Oncor says residents are responsible for removing fallen trees. It removes debris its authorized crews create, but excludes storm-fallen trees and private pruning debris. If the tree contacts a power line, keep away and contact Oncor; for a downed line, leave and call 911. [1]

What should I include when requesting a price?

Describe the tree, the problem, overhead wires and access restrictions. Request separate scope details for cutting, hauling, stump grinding and yard restoration. Ask the company to inspect the site and identify exclusions before you compare totals.