There was this big dead maple in the back corner of the yard. It had been dying for years and finally gave up last winter. Branches dropping, no leaves in spring — total hazard, especially with kids and storms around here. I called a couple arborists. Lowest quote was $600 just to take it down and haul the big stuff. Maybe more if they chipped everything. No thanks. I rented a chainsaw instead and handled it myself. Total cost: $60. Back still reminds me about it but the tree is gone and the yard feels safer.
Why DIY Tree Removal Made Sense Here
The tree was maybe 30-40 feet, not massive, isolated enough from the house and power lines that I felt comfortable. No lean toward structures. Dry and dead so lighter than a live one. If it was bigger, closer to the house, or near wires, I would’ve hired pros. Risk assessment first is key.
Local rules: In my area no permit needed for a single tree on private property as long as no right-of-way issues. Check yours.
Rental and Prep Costs
Husqvarna chainsaw rental (24-hour): $45
Trailer or truck fee to haul it home: $15
Gas/oil mix: Had some or bought cheap (~$5-10, included in round number)
Safety gear: Already owned helmet, chaps, gloves, glasses, ear protection
Total out the door around $60. Arborist would’ve charged $500-800 easy for this size. Big savings.
Cost Comparison Table
Option | Cost | Time/ Effort | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Pro Arborist | $500-800 | Low (they do it) | Low |
My Chainsaw Rental DIY | $60 | One tough day | Medium |
Buy Own Chainsaw | $300+ | Learning curve | Medium |
Rental was perfect for a one-off job.
How the Job Went Down
Picked up the saw in the morning. Watched a few solid YouTube videos the night before on felling technique and bucking.
Steps:
Cleared the area — moved anything valuable, planned escape routes.
Made the notch cut on the side I wanted it to fall (away from house).
Back cut carefully, keeping the hinge.
Tree came down clean with a big thud.
Bucked it into manageable logs — cut branches first, then trunk sections.
Stacked usable firewood, piled brush for city pickup or burn (check local rules).
Took about 4-5 hours total including cleanup. Physically demanding — lifting, awkward angles, vibration from the saw. I’m in decent shape but yeah, back and shoulders were yelling the next day.
Safety notes I followed: Never work tired, keep the chain sharp (rental ones usually are), proper stance, and stop if something feels off.
Tools and What I Learned
The rented Husqvarna was a beast — powerful and reliable. Lighter homeowner models might struggle on bigger hardwood.
Big lessons:
Sharp chain makes all the difference — dull ones are dangerous and slow.
Wedges help control the fall.
Cut in sections from the top down when possible.
Have a plan for the debris — I used the trailer to haul some to the curb.
Hydrate and take breaks. Trees are heavier than they look.
I messed up one small branch cut and it pinched the bar — had to free it carefully. Minor but a reminder to respect the tool.
Results and Long-Term Payoff
Yard is open again. No more worrying about that tree coming down in a storm and hitting the fence or house. Got some free firewood for the fire pit (seasoned now). Saved $500+ easily. City hauled the brush for free on their schedule.
Would I do it again? For a similar isolated dead tree, yes. For anything bigger or riskier, I’d call pros. The back pain was real but ibuprofen and a heating pad fixed it in a couple days. At 40-something it’s a reminder to stay active but smart.
Broader Thoughts on Tree Work as Homeowner
Trees add huge value to a property but maintenance costs add up. Dead or dying ones become liabilities fast. Learning basic chainsaw skills pays off over time — storm cleanup, pruning, etc. Many municipalities have free or cheap brush disposal.
Not every job is a rental chainsaw day. But when the numbers line up and conditions are safe, DIY saves serious money and gives satisfaction.
Anyone else tackle a tree themselves? What did the rental or tools run you? Arborist horror stories or big savings? Share the details — size of tree, total cost, and whether you’d do it again. This forum is about real experiences, sore backs included. Did I underestimate the pain or is $60 still a steal?