FAQs

Many factors determine the cost of tree removal. The price depends on the size, type, and health of the tree, along with its location, accessibility, and proximity to structures, fences, or power lines.

Scally’s Tip: Requesting an in-person quote is the fastest way to know what your project will cost. We offer FREE QUOTES so you can plan with confidence.

We proudly provide tree services throughout all of Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Some of our most frequently serviced communities include:

Rhode Island

• Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Smithfield, Woonsocket

Massachusetts

• Bellingham, Wrentham, Franklin, Blackstone, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford

Scally’s Tip: Not sure if we cover your town? Just contact us and we’ll confirm right away.

Scally’s Tree Service operates Monday through Sunday for scheduled projects. We’re also available 24/7 for emergency tree removal services, including storm damage cleanup.

Scally’s Tip: Book your project early! By scheduling during slower seasons, we often provide discounts while still giving you plenty of time to budget.

An arborist is a licensed tree care professional trained in pruning, trimming, and safely removing trees. A landscaper focuses on lawns, shrubs, and garden maintenance.

Scally’s Tip: In Rhode Island, only licensed arborists can legally perform tree work. Always make sure your contractor is certified for safe and professional service.

Yes! Scally’s Tree Service is licensed and fully insured. Our arborist license is #1206, ensuring that every job is performed to the highest safety and professional standards.

Scally’s Tip: Always hire a tree service that is licensed and insured — it protects both your property and your peace of mind.

Responsibility can depend on the location of the tree and the type of utility line involved. In some cases, utility companies manage trees near major lines, while homeowners may still be responsible for trees on their property.

Scally’s Tip: If branches are close to utility lines, it’s best to have a professional assess the situation before attempting any trimming yourself.

Yes. Winter is often a great time for tree inspections because the lack of leaves makes it easier to see structural problems like cracks, dead branches, or weak limb connections.

Scally’s Tip: Winter inspections can help you plan pruning or maintenance before spring storms and rapid growth begin.

Structural tree pruning focuses on shaping a tree’s growth to improve its strength and stability over time. It involves removing weak, poorly attached, or competing branches to create a balanced structure that can better withstand weather and natural stress.

Scally’s Tip: The best time to start structural pruning is when trees are young, but it can still make a big difference in mature trees with the right approach.

Yes. Regular pruning helps keep branches from rubbing against your home and reduces the chance of limbs breaking during storms or heavy snow.

Scally’s Tip: Preventative trimming is often much less expensive than repairing roof, gutter, or siding damage caused by overgrown branches.

Yes. Branches rubbing against a home can damage shingles, siding, gutters, and windows over time, especially during windy conditions or storms.

Scally’s Tip: If you can hear branches scraping your house during wind, it’s usually time to have them professionally trimmed.

Common warning signs of a hazardous tree include:

• Large dead branches or limbs overhanging your home
• Cracks in the trunk or splitting bark
• Leaning trees, especially after storms
• Signs of disease such as mushrooms, fungi, or hollow spots

Scally’s Tip: If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Schedule a tree safety inspection with our licensed arborists.

The goal of professional tree care is to protect your property, improve curb appeal, and keep trees healthy and safe. The USDA Forest Service notes that mature, healthy trees can add up to 10% to a home’s value.

Scally’s Tip: Every project is unique — our team tailors services to your property’s needs while ensuring safety and long-term beauty.

A professional tree inspection evaluates the health and stability of the tree, including the trunk, branches, and root area. Arborists look for signs of disease, decay, structural weakness, or other issues that could create safety risks.

Scally’s Tip: Catching small problems early often means simple pruning instead of costly emergency tree removal later.

Most trees should be inspected every few years, especially mature trees or those located near homes, driveways, or power lines. It’s also smart to schedule an inspection after major storms or if you notice leaning, dead branches, or other unusual changes.

Scally’s Tip: If a tree is close enough to touch your roof or hang over your driveway, it’s a good candidate for a professional inspection.

Trees that didn’t survive winter may show little to no new leaf growth in spring, brittle branches that snap easily, peeling bark, or visible decay along the trunk.

Scally’s Tip: If one tree in your yard leafs out but another doesn’t, it may be a sign that the second tree experienced serious winter stress or damage.

Yes. Early spring is a good time to check the condition of your trees before storm season begins. Winter damage can weaken branches and make them more likely to break during high winds or heavy rain.

Scally’s Tip: A quick spring inspection can prevent emergency tree removal later when storms put extra stress on weakened limbs.

Common signs of winter tree damage include cracked branches, split limbs, damaged bark, or branches that appear dead or brittle. You may also notice leaning trees or hanging limbs after heavy snow or ice.

Scally’s Tip: After snow melts, take a walk around your yard and look up. Broken or hanging branches are often easier to spot once the canopy is bare.

Removing too much at once can stress a tree and impact its health. In most cases, no more than about 20–25% of a tree’s canopy should be removed at one time, depending on the species and condition.

Scally’s Tip: If a tree needs heavy pruning, it’s often better to spread the work out over multiple visits to keep the tree healthy and stable.

Most trees benefit from trimming every 3–5 years, though fast-growing or ornamental trees may need more frequent care. Regular pruning helps maintain tree health, improves structure, and reduces safety risks.

Scally’s Tip: Our arborists can create a custom pruning schedule based on your tree species and property goals.

Yes! We provide professional stump grinding services to safely and completely remove stumps from your yard. This not only improves your property’s appearance but also prevents pests, rot, and tripping hazards.

Scally’s Tip: Grinding the stump is often more affordable and less invasive than full removal — and it leaves your yard ready for grass or replanting.

Yes. Proper pruning helps reduce storm damage by removing weak limbs and improving how weight is distributed throughout the tree. This makes branches less likely to break during high winds, heavy rain, or snow.

Scally’s Tip: Trees with heavy, uneven canopies are more likely to fail during storms. Strategic pruning can significantly reduce that risk.

Yes — we provide 24/7 emergency tree removal for storm damage, fallen trees, or hazardous limbs that threaten your home or property.

Scally’s Tip: Add our number to your phone now. When storms hit, you’ll have a trusted partner on call.