If you're planning to be at home for a tree removal to oversee the project, you'll need to know how long to expect the process to take. In addition, tree removals may have a higher or lower cost depending on the difficulty and length of the job. Here are some of the things that could affect how long the tree removal process takes.
1. Distance from the road
The further away from the road your tree is, the more difficult access is likely to be. If the tree is across the yard from the nearest road, driveway, or parking spot, the tree removal crew will have to either bring a vehicle across the lawn (perhaps using lawn protection mats) or spend extra time moving tree limbs and log sections back to the vehicle.
Either of these options can take extra time, which could make your tree removal job take longer overall and cost more.
2. Surroundings of the tree
In some cases, a tree removal includes felling a tree that hasn't completely collapsed yet. In other cases, the tree may be lying on its side already. Either way, the tree removal experts have to access the tree in order to cut it into sections and haul it away.
Dense underbrush that has to be chopped away or fragile landscaping elements that need protecting can slow down or delay this process. So check your tree's surroundings and, if possible, remove any fragile items or constricting underbrush in advance.
3. Size and integrity of the tree
A small tree may be much easier to remove, and could even be carried away in one piece if it's small enough. The larger a tree is, the more cuts will be necessary to get it into small enough chunks to safely remove. A rotten tree can also cause difficulties, since large pieces may collapse under their own weight, increasing the risks and requiring extra work.
4. Complicating factors like wildlife
Unforeseen complications, such as unstable ground around the tree, protected or hazardous wildlife species living inside the tree, or hostile weather conditions can make the tree removal process difficult and complex. Keep in mind that not every job goes exactly as planned, and the tree removal process may take a bit longer if complications arise.
As you can see, different trees in different locations and different sizes can take different amounts of time to cut down. If you can get an in-person estimate of the length and price of the job, that will be the most accurate, but remember that it's still just an estimate and may not be precise.