Great question — tree removal estimates often depend heavily on the size of the tree, so knowing how tree solutions providers measure them will help you understand their pricing. In Central Florida (and most of the U.S.), tree companies usually size trees based on height, trunk diameter, and canopy spread. Here’s how you can measure each:

1. Tree Height #

• Method: Stand back far enough so you can see the whole tree.
  • Hold a yardstick or ruler at arm’s length. Line up the bottom of the ruler with the base of the tree.
  • Walk back until the top of the tree lines up with the top of the ruler.
  • If the tree takes up (say) 8 inches on the ruler and your ruler is 12 inches, measure how far you are standing from the tree (e.g., 60 feet). Then calculate:
    
    Tree Height≈ (Tree inches on ruler/Ruler length) × Distance from tree
  • For example: 8/12 × 60 ft = 40 ft tall.
• Shortcut: Many companies just estimate small (<30 ft), medium (30–60 ft), and large (>60 ft).

2. Trunk Diameter #

• Industry Standard: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) = trunk diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground.
• How to Measure:
  • Wrap a flexible tape measure around the trunk at 4.5 feet up.
  • Divide the circumference (in inches) by 3.14 (π).
  • Example: 47-inch circumference ÷ 3.14 = 15-inch diameter.

3. Canopy Spread #

• Measure the widest distance from branch tip to branch tip.
• Then measure again at a right angle to that first measurement.
• Average the two numbers for canopy spread.

4. Other Factors Tree Companies Consider #

• Species: Some species (like oaks and pines) are denser or trickier to cut.
• Health & Condition: Dead or leaning trees can be riskier and cost more.
• Access: If equipment can’t get close (fences, buildings, power lines), prices rise.
• Stump Removal: Often a separate charge.

Rough Size / Cost Estimate Chart #