Tree cutting in Phoenix: Hiring an Arborist

Choose assessment, pruning, or removal

Tell the arborist what you need to resolve: a branch over the roof, a tree you want to retain, storm damage, or space for another project. Ask for an explanation of the tree's condition and the reason for each proposed cut. If you want to preserve the tree, request a retention option alongside any removal recommendation.

For removal, have the bidder identify the exact tree and explain how the crew will protect the roof, fence, irrigation, and nearby planting. Ask whether the crew needs access through a side gate or permission to enter a neighboring property. Keep removal and stump treatment as separate decisions, with the intended finish described in the quote.

Resolve power-line concerns before booking

For a tree near APS lines, contact APS at 602-371-6140 or its metro Phoenix customer center at 602-371-7171. APS says a forestry representative will assess the situation within 10 business days. It restricts trimming near its power lines to APS-approved contractors and offers no-charge pruning or removal for trees that threaten its high-voltage distribution or transmission lines. [1]

Check the provider on your electricity account rather than assuming APS serves the property. Ask that provider to clarify who may perform the work and what coordination the crew needs. Keep any remaining private pruning or cleanup scope separate from the utility's work.

Treat an outage or immediate danger as a separate issue from a routine forestry appointment. Phoenix lists 911 for life-threatening emergencies and outage reporting numbers of 855-688-2437 for APS and 602-236-8811 for SRP. The city warns residents to avoid standing water that may carry electricity from underground or downed lines. [3]

Compare quotes with the same scope

Give bidders the same photos and requested outcome. Ask each to list pruning or removal, equipment access, debris handling, stump treatment, and cleanup. For stump work, specify the proposed grinding depth, whether the crew will remove grindings, and who will fill the remaining area. Ask the company for insurance documentation and the name and credentials of the person assessing the tree.

Ask the arborist to explain timing for your tree's species and condition. Phoenix identifies June 15 through September 30 as monsoon season, with storms peaking between mid-July and mid-August, and includes tree thinning and vegetation trimming in home preparation advice. Use that guidance to request an assessment; ask the arborist to define the actual pruning scope rather than prescribing the same cuts for every tree. [3]

Request a site-specific price after the bidder reviews access and the work involved. Compare the total for the same finished result, including debris disposal. If you change the scope during the visit, ask for the revised amount in writing before the crew starts.

Choose hauling or residential bulk pickup

Phoenix collects residential bulk trash by appointment. It allows four collection opportunities each year and a single pile no larger than 10 cubic yards per residence. The city requires tree trimmings under 12 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length, and residents must bag and tie leaves, twigs, grass, weeds, and hedge clippings. [2]

Ask the bidder whether the proposed debris can meet those rules and whether cutting it to collection size forms part of the price. Arrange hauling for material that does not qualify. Phoenix lists oversized trunks and stumps among excluded materials, so do not assume a removal crew can leave the entire tree for city collection. [2]

Schedule pickup before putting material at the curb. Phoenix allows placement no more than seven days before the appointment and requires the pile ready by 5:30 a.m. on collection day. Keep it at least 5 feet from fixed objects and off water meters. Confirm the collection date before agreeing to a crew's proposal to leave debris outside. [2]

Prepare for stump work and ongoing care

Discuss utility-location arrangements before agreeing to digging or excavation associated with stump removal or replacement planting. APS directs residents to call 811 at least two full working days before digging. Tell the crew where you know of irrigation, lighting cables, or other buried installations and ask how it will account for them. [1]

Ask about watering and tree condition during the assessment. National Weather Service data give Phoenix a 1991–2020 annual rainfall normal of 7.22 inches. That historical benchmark provides context for discussing water supply; it does not establish your tree's watering requirement. Describe your irrigation setup and request care instructions specific to the tree and site. [4]

Phoenix annual rainfall normals

Choose your next step before requesting a final quote

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the whole tree, the area needing attention, overhead lines, and equipment access from a safe position.
2. Explain whether your goal is to retain the tree, clear a specific obstruction, or remove it.
3. Check your electricity provider and resolve line-related work before booking a crew.
4. Ask for the assessor's credentials and the company's insurance documentation.
5. Request matching written scopes, including stump treatment, hauling, and the finished condition of the site.
6. Confirm your debris collection appointment or require the contractor to haul the material.
7. Agree who will arrange utility-location checks for planned digging and protect irrigation and other buried installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will APS remove any tree near a power line for free?

APS offers no-charge pruning or removal for trees that pose a risk to high-voltage distribution and transmission lines. Ask APS to assess your situation and identify the qualifying work before assuming it covers your planned removal. [1]

Can I leave tree debris for Phoenix bulk collection?

Eligible residential debris needs a scheduled appointment. Phoenix limits the pile to 10 cubic yards and requires trimmings under 12 inches in diameter and 4 feet long. Ask your crew to prepare the material to those dimensions or include hauling. [2]

Does a tree removal quote include the stump?

Ask the bidder to state the stump work in writing. Specify the treatment, intended depth, handling of leftover material, and who will restore the area. Compare quotes against that same scope.

Should I ask for pruning before monsoon season?

Phoenix includes tree and vegetation maintenance in its storm-preparation guidance and identifies monsoon season as June 15 through September 30. Request an assessment ahead of that period and ask the arborist to recommend timing and cuts for your particular tree. [3]