Tree Removals

703-929-4166

Crown Down Tree Service delivers safe, efficient tree removals handled by certified arborists who plan every cut with precision. From difficult-access spaces to hazard trees over homes, we bring the right experience, equipment, and care to every job.

Why Choose Crown Down For Your Tree Removal?

Safety First

Removing a tree can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Our team of arborists uses specialized tools, proven safety equipment, and advanced techniques to ensure the job is done safely.

Every site-level employee receives role-specific training and follows a structured and on-going safety curriculum built on industry best practices that is continually updated to reflect the latest standards, methods, and regulations in modern arboriculture.

Experienced Professionals

With years of experience in arboriculture, our team of professional tree care experts have the knowledge, qualifications, and expertise to handle any tree removal challenge, no matter the size.

Equipped for Success

Just like our crew, our equipment is purpose-driven, reliable, and built for the fight. Every machine in our fleet is carefully chosen to meet the demands of every job, enabling us to complete complex removals efficiently and without compromise. From tight access back yards to hill-side monsters, our well-maintained machines get the job done anywhere, every time.

Precision Execution

Success begins with proper planning. Every cut, site protection, and piece of equipment is carefully considered and placed with intention ahead of scheduled work to minimize disruptions and ensures your project is completed efficiently, on schedule and on-budget.

Deep Roots in the Industry

Well connected and ready for any scenario, Crown Down has spent years cultivating relationships with specialized professionals and equipment operators who share our standards for safety and precision. These partnerships extend our reach and capability, allowing us to diffuse all manner of complex, dangerous, and over-sized tree removal operations with efficiency and control.

When the tree calls for heavy artillery, trust Crown Down to deliver. Our established network stands ready when needed, ensuring every operation is handled seamlessly and to the highest professional standard often at reduced costs of companies with large in-house equipment.

Cleanup Services as Standard

At Crown Down, the job is not finished when the last cut is made. We take pride in leaving every property clean and orderly, often cleaner than we found it! Whether full debris removal is part of the contract or limited by scope, our crews work to minimize disruption and eliminate extra work for you wherever we can.

Our goal is simple. When we leave, you should have as little work to do as possible. From careful raking and sweeping to restoring the work area’s appearance, many clients describe our cleanup as one of the defining value-components of our service.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tree Removal

What are common reasons for removing a tree?

Aside from trees that have died, trees are removed because they:

May become a hazard to the property or people they are in proximity to.
Are the wrong tree for the space due to size or shape.
Must make way for new construction, landscaping or infrastructure.
Are too close to pre-existing structures and may cause future damage.
May cause damage to utilities or property due to underground roots or trunk width (eg. trees that are beginning to push a fence over as they increase in size).
Are a nuisance due to reproductive processes (eg. dropping of gumballs, walnuts, etc.).
Are hosting pests that are themselves a nuisance or may become a danger to other trees in the landscape.

How do I get a tree removed that doesn't belong to me?

In almost every case, removing a tree that does not belong to you will require the permission of the tree owner. In rare circumstances where a tree poses clear and imminent risk and a neighbor is unwilling or uncooperative in removing a tree, it may be necessary to obtain a court order under Virginia Code § 18.2-140 but this should be a last resort. Even on sites where the land is owned by a local government or an HOA that you are part of, it is always recommended/required that you obtain written permission from the landholder to avoid legal ramifications by reaching out to the land owners directly.

Crown Down utilizes GPS, publicly available land records and GIS mapping in every county we service to determine current ownership of the target tree(s). If necessary, we may recommend single-line surveys to confidently determine tree ownership and will even contact the owners on your behalf if the tree is a danger to you or your property. Demanding that a neighbor remove a tree that is only a mild nuisance (eg. leaf, bloom, or seed drop) or otherwise healthy tree rarely results in a favorable outcome but offering to pay for the service in whole or part may make your neighbor more amenable. Approaching your neighbor respectfully and making yourself a part of the solution will almost always yield better results!

In instances where a standing tree is causing "actual damage" to your property (eg. roots growing in to your septic lines), or is on Virginia's Noxious Weeds List, you may have limited legal recourse. Speaking to our trained arborist will be your first step before consulting with legal counsel.

If a neighbor's tree has fallen across your property line, the tree may only be removed up to the property line without permission from the owner. Speak to your insurance representative first if there is damage and consult our Storm Damage Cleanup page for more information!

Can I remove a tree that is on a property line? (Also called shared trees, boundary trees, or party trees)

Trees that are located on a property line are considered shared and come with some additional considerations when pruning or removing. If you wish to remove a tree that is shared, getting written approval is an easy way to ensure that the removal project will not come back to haunt you in the future by removing property that in part belongs to another. Crown Down utilizes a tried and tested system of obtaining property access agreements, written permission from all parties that share ownership for the removal of a shared tree, and will even provide license and insurance information to all parties that are involved!

When is it my responsibility to remove a tree?

Have you received a letter from a neighbor, HOA, or municipal entity requesting that you address your tree and are left wondering whether you have a duty to act? The answer isn't always straightforward. If you have a tree that might be unsafe, it's always a good idea to consider removing it. Such action isn't just about keeping your yard safe and enjoyable, but doing so may safeguard you from potential legal issues.
In Virginia, the rules about trees and neighbor disputes can be pretty nuanced and depend largely on things like where the tree is, the tree's health, and whether there's a real chance it could fall or cause damage. If a tree on your property could be a hazard to others, dealing with it early can help you avoid legal issues later on.

If your community has an HOA or the city, town or county you live in is citing your tree or giving notice that the tree must be removed, they should be sending written notice that will better help you to understand why your tree is coming under scrutiny. Consulting with the local laws, community rules or HOA bylaws will further clarify the reason for these citations. If you are still in doubt about whether you have a responsibility to remove a tree, the first step is always consulting Crown Down's ISA Certified Arborist to determine whether its necessary. Consulting with an experienced tree care professional will be necessary to determine how risky the tree is in its current condition, age and location. Your arborist may even be able to provide an alternative solution to the tree's complete removal using objective-based Pruning!

A pair of compromised pines that threatened damage to a neighboring property. The clients acted swiftly, avoiding damage and potential issues with their neighbors!

How much does it cost to remove a tree and what are the factors that make it more or less expensive?

In most cases, the average price to remove a tree will be anywhere $400 and $1600 but will vary wildly in price based on the factors that affect the scope of work. What can affect the cost of a removal is often not immediately apparent but the most common are: Time needed to remove the tree, the material handling or disposal, and the type(s) of equipment required. Some more specific examples of factors are:

Distance from our shop to the site.
Access to the removal site (eg. Is the tree in a front yard, back yard? What is the availability of street parking?)
Proximity of the tree to active roadways or structures (eg. Is the tree over a house/shed/pool/fence/deck?)
Necessity of special tools and rigging equipment required for the removal.
How much clean up is involved after the tree is down.
Client preferences for the extent of site protections (such as matting), turf repair, and additional services such Stump Removal.

Finally, one of the most overlooked contributing factors to tree removal cost is the condition of the tree. Trees that are dead (or dying) and decomposing while still standing are referred to as "snags." Snags are often extremely dangerous to remove, even by trained professionals, and require specialized tools, equipment and knowledge to remove safely. The longer a tree in this condition is allowed to stay in place, the more difficult, unsafe and technical the removal process can become which can translate to higher removal costs for the tree's owner. Removing a tree while it is still alive or shortly after it has expired is almost always the best course of action in residential or commercial settings where risk of property damage or personal safety is a factor.

Large trees needing non-standard equipment or manual removal methods are some of the largest contributing cost factors. This tree was in a back yard overhanging a house and was surrounded by challenging terrain with no equipment access other than the large crane you see here. The project required significant site planning and specialized contractor coordination in addition to the standard labor and material disposal costs.

When is the best time to remove a tree?

Trees can be removed at nearly any time of year without a major (if any) difference in cost. Many clients share the belief that the total cost of a removal is less in the winter because the tree does not have leaves but rarely is this a factor. In some cases, waiting until certain seasons could contribute to the costs due to wet ground conditions or snow. Crown Down keeps our clients' best interest in mind by keeping removal costs as low as possible and informing them of any potential savings as they relate to your removal.
Trees that must be removed in unscheduled time frames or time short notice will be constituted as "Emergency Removals" and are subject to additional fees for off-hours mobilization and over-time that must be paid. We recommend that if there is an option to safely wait for these removals that our clients do so to avoid unnecessary expense. In most cases, Crown Down can abate the safety risk and return for clean up, saving our clients hundreds (even thousands) of dollars for an emergency removal. When there is a clear and present danger or risk of damage, however, don't wait for professional help. Call As Soon As Possible!

How do I know if my tree is dying/How do I know when I should remove a tree?

Leaf loss in large parts of the canopy, black lesions along the length of the trunk or around the tree's base, bark peel and presence of fungus are all indicators of a tree that is, at very least, in distress. Often the best indicators of a tree that is dying or diseased is how they present in comparison to other trees in the area. We recommend that if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your tree that you give us a call to have our arborist inspect the tree and give a recommendation for what can be done before pursuing a removal option.

This image of a large oak located in Fairfax is missing the majority of its leaves. "Defoliation" before the fall season is a sure sign the tree is under stress. Following the assessment, the arborist ultimately recommended removal due to the issues being too numerous and the tree's decline being too advanced to combat.