Tree Trimming & Pruning in the Rio Grande Valley
Shade trees are worth a lot in the Valley heat. Good trimming keeps them that way: it takes off the dead and broken wood that is most likely to fall in the next storm, and lifts branches off the roof and the driveway. A local tree pro can tell you what your tree needs and what it will cost.
If any branch you want trimmed is near a power line, don't touch it. Call your electric company. Texas law keeps people and tools at least 6 feet from high-voltage lines unless the line company has been notified and has made the area safe.
When to call for trimming
- Branches rest on the roof or scrape the house when the wind blows.
- Dead or broken branches hang in the canopy, especially over the house, the driveway or a play area.
- Branches hang low over the sidewalk, street or driveway.
- You want the trees ready before hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
- A storm left torn limbs that need a clean cut.
Trimming vs. pruning
Most people use the words for the same job. Pruning usually means careful cuts for the tree's health and shape. Trimming often means cutting back for clearance. A good provider does both with clean cuts at the right spots, not stubs.
Why "topping" a tree is a bad deal
Topping means cutting the top of the tree off, or cutting all the big branches back to stubs. It looks like a cheap way to make a tree smaller, but tree care groups say it isn't a necessary practice:
- The International Society of Arboriculture lists topped or heavily cut trees among the warning signs of a weak tree, and warns that bad pruning can weaken it.
- Texas A&M notes that large wounds heal poorly and invite disease and insects.
If someone offers to top your tree, ask for a proper trim instead.
What happens on a trimming job
- Walk-around. You show the provider what bothers you; they check the tree's health.
- Quote. You agree on which branches come off and whether cleanup and hauling are included.
- Trimming. Crews climb or use a lift, and branches over the roof may come down in pieces.
- Cleanup. Branches are chipped or hauled away and the yard is raked.
How much does tree trimming cost?
Recent national surveys put trimming at about $412 to $612 per tree on average, with a wide range by size:
| Tree height | Typical trimming cost |
|---|---|
| Under 30 feet | $80 – $420 |
| 30 to 60 feet | $210 – $790 |
| Over 60 feet | $470 – $1,840 |
Trees close to the house or power lines, or hard to reach, cost more. The provider will confirm the price before any work. For palms, see palm tree trimming.
Before you hire
- Ask for proof of insurance and a written price that says what's included.
- Ask which branches will come off and how much of the tree will be left.
- Skip anyone who suggests topping a healthy tree.
- If the tree needs spraying or injections for pests or disease, that work in Texas needs a license from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Ask to see it.
Tree trimming across the Valley
Providers serve homes in McAllen, Edinburg and Harlingen, plus nearby towns like Mission, Pharr, San Benito and La Feria.
Tree trimming FAQ
When is the best time to trim trees in the Valley?
Dead or broken branches can come off any time. Clearance and storm prep are worth doing before hurricane season starts on June 1. For other trimming, ask the provider: the best timing depends on the kind of tree.
How often should trees be trimmed?
It depends on the kind of tree, how fast it grows and how close it is to the house. Ask the provider when they look at it.
Can I trim branches from my neighbor's tree?
In Texas you can generally trim branches that hang over your side of the property line. You can be held responsible if you damage the tree or your neighbor's property, so talk to them first.
Will trimming hurt my tree?
Proper cuts don't. Cutting too much at once or topping the tree can weaken it. Ask the provider how much of the canopy they plan to remove.
Do you trim branches touching power lines?
Not the lines on the poles: those are the electric company's job. Report them to them. Lines from the pole to your house can also be dangerous; ask your electric company before anyone works near them.
Ready to get your trees trimmed?
Call and talk to a local tree pro.