Dec 5, 2025

What is the cheapest time of year for tree removal?

Winter is the most affordable and efficient time of year for tree service in Minnesota. With demand dropping, the ground freezing, and trees entering dormancy, winter conditions allow crews to work faster, safer, and with far less impact on your property. These factors—combined with lower scheduling pressure and better availability—make winter the ideal season for trimming, pruning, and tree removal, often at a lower cost. Taking care of tree work now also prevents expensive spring storm damage and promotes healthier growth when warmer weather returns.

What is the cheapest time of year for tree removal?

Why Winter Is the Cheapest Time of Year for Tree Service in Minnesota

When the temperatures drop and the leaves fall, most homeowners assume tree work shuts down for the season. But the truth is the winter months are actually the most cost-effective time of year to take care of your trees—and smart property owners take full advantage of it.

At TreeTec, winter is one of the best times to schedule tree trimming and/or removal. Here’s why.

1. Winter Demand Is Lower — So Prices Are Better

Spring and summer are incredibly busy for tree service companies. Storm cleanups, emergency removals, summer pruning, and routine seasonal maintenance keep schedules packed.

But winter?
It slows down—and that creates an opportunity for customers.

Lower demand means:

  • More flexible scheduling
  • Potential seasonal discounts
  • Faster turnaround times

If you’ve been putting off tree work because of cost or timing, winter is the sweet spot.

2. Frozen Ground Makes Tree Work Easier (and Cheaper)

In Minnesota, once the ground freezes, it becomes much easier for crews and equipment to access your property without tearing up your lawn.

This means:

  • Less time spent laying down protective mats
  • Fewer restrictions on equipment movement
  • Much lower risk of lawn damage (which saves you money on repairs)

Frozen ground saves labor time—and that often equals a cheaper final bill.

3. Trees Are Dormant, So the Work Goes Faster

During winter, your trees go into a dormant state. Without leaves, the branches are easier to see and safely remove, and cleanup is faster and more efficient.

Dormancy means:

  • More precise pruning
  • Easier identification of dead or hazardous branches
  • Less material to haul away

That efficiency reduces total labor hours—which contributes to winter being a lower-cost season for tree service.

4. Winter Tree Work Prevents Spring Emergencies

Winter maintenance can actually prevent expensive issues later.

For example:

  • Removing hazardous branches before heavy snow loads
  • Addressing dead trees before spring storms
  • Pruning for healthier spring growth
  • Eliminating weak limbs that could fall during freeze-thaw cycles

A little winter work now can save you thousands in emergency removal or storm damage later.

5. Winter Is Ideal for Pruning Certain Tree Species

Some trees should only be pruned during dormancy to minimize disease and pest exposure.
In Minnesota, that includes:

  • Oak trees (to prevent oak wilt)
  • Elm trees (to prevent Dutch elm disease)
  • Fruit trees (to promote stronger spring growth)

Doing this work in winter keeps your trees healthy—and avoids the higher costs associated with treating infections or removing diseased trees.

6. You Get TreeTec’s Fastest Scheduling & Best Availability

Because winter isn’t peak season, TreeTec customers benefit from:

  • Shorter wait times
  • More appointment options
  • Quicker turnaround on estimates and project completion

If you value speed and convenience, winter is absolutely the best time to get on our schedule.

So… How Much Can You Save by Doing Tree Work in Winter?

Every job is different, but many Minnesota homeowners see meaningful savings on winter tree work compared to peak season.

If you’ve been waiting for “the right time,” this is it.

Ready to Save on Winter Tree Service? Call TreeTec.

We operate 24/7, offer free estimates, and provide full tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and emergency services all winter long.

Kyle Davison
Founder

Founder of TreeTec, bringing over a decade of Northwest tree expertise to Minnesota. Kyle specializes in high-risk removals, technical rigging, and precision work built on safety and integrity.

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