Question 1

Do you really give free estimates, and does someone actually come look?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. Ryan walks the property himself, looks at the tree, the root collar and what is underneath it, and talks through the options out loud before anything goes in writing. There is no charge and no obligation. Photos over the phone are useful for triage, but they never show us where the truck parks or how the ground slopes — which is most of what determines the price.

Question 2

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Cowlitz County and Clark County are home base — Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Castle Rock, Woodland, Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt and everything between. We also take work into south Lewis County, Wahkiakum County and the Skamania County side of the Gorge, usually batched so the travel makes sense. If you are not sure whether you are in range, call and ask.

Question 3

How much does tree removal cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on size, species, what is underneath the tree, and how close we can get equipment. A fir with a clear drop zone is the cheapest tree we will ever take down; the same fir over a roof has to come out in rigged pieces and costs considerably more. We will not give you a number over the phone that changes once we arrive — you get a written price after we have seen it.

Question 4

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Washington does not license tree work specifically, so what actually matters is contractor registration, liability coverage and workers compensation — that last one is the big one, because an uninsured climber hurt in your tree becomes your problem. We carry coverage and will provide a certificate of insurance on request before any work starts. Ask any contractor for the same thing.

Question 5

Do you handle emergencies after hours?

Accepted Answer

Storm and hazard emergencies get answered outside normal business hours. We are not going to claim a 24/7 call center we do not have — you reach us directly. If a tree is on a structure, blocking your only way out, or touching a line, say that plainly when you call and it moves to the front of the schedule.

Question 6

What happens to the wood, branches and stump?

Accepted Answer

Brush goes through the chipper, wood gets cut to length, and the site gets raked before we leave. Cleanup is included, not an upsell. If you burn or heat with wood, tell us and we will leave the rounds stacked where you want them. If you want the chips for your beds, they stay. Stump grinding is priced separately because not everyone wants it.

Question 7

Will you tell me if my tree does not need to come down?

Accepted Answer

Regularly. A good share of hazard calls end with a crown reduction, a cable between two leaders, some deadwood cleaned out, or a note to look at it again next year. Removal is permanent and it is the most expensive thing on the menu. If it is not the right call we will say so and explain what we saw well enough that you can judge for yourself.

Question 8

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?

Accepted Answer

Usually not for a yard tree in unincorporated Cowlitz or Clark County. It changes when the tree is in the public right-of-way, sits inside a shoreline or critical-area overlay, falls under an HOA or subdivision condition, or is in a city with its own tree code such as Vancouver or Camas. Rules change, so we check what applies to your specific address during the estimate rather than guessing.

Contact Columbia Tree Professionals

Request Your Free Estimate

What Happens After You Send This

We get back to you

We come look — free

You get it in writing

You decide, on your own time

Find Us in Kelso

Areas We Serve

Cowlitz County

Clark County

Nearby Communities

Western Washington & Puget Sound

Eastern Washington

Before You Call

Get a straight answer about your tree — free.