Do you offer bulk discounts on multiple tree removals?

Unknown; awaiting answers from Greg/Sarah

How do you determine the cost of tree work?

Unknown; awaiting answers from Greg/Sarah

Is stump grinding included in the cost of tree removal?

Unknown; awaiting answers from Greg/Sarah

Are there ways to reduce the cost of tree work?

Unknown; awaiting answers from Greg/Sarah

Why is tree work so expensive?

Professional tree care involves more than showing up with a chainsaw. Here's what goes into every job we do: Highly Trained Crews: Our arborists hold ISA certifications and undergo ongoing safety and skills training. The expertise required to safely dismantle a 70-foot oak between a house and a power line takes years to develop. Specialized Equipment: Depending on the job, we may deploy bucket trucks, track lifts, grapple saws, chippers, and rigging systems. For particularly complex removals, we bring in a crane. Each piece of equipment has significant operating and maintenance costs. Insurance and Safety Compliance: Tree work is one of the most hazardous professions in the country. We carry comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and we follow all OSHA safety standards. Companies that cut corners on insurance put you and their workers at risk. Cleanup and Disposal: Every job includes thorough cleanup: chipping brush, hauling debris, and leaving your property looking better than we found it. Disposal fees and dump costs are factored in so there are no surprises. Arboricultural Knowledge: Before we ever make a cut, our consulting arborists assess the tree's structure, health, species characteristics, surrounding targets, and site conditions. That assessment protects both your trees and your property. The companies offering rock-bottom prices are often skipping one or more of these. When you hire Teachers, you're paying for the peace of mind that comes with a TCIA-accredited company that does the job safely and correctly.

FAQs About Tree Service in Northwestern Vermont

Q: How are you different from other tree companies in the area?

A few things set us apart: Eight ISA Certified Arborists on Staff: Which is more than any other tree care company in the region. This means every crew has certified expertise on the job, not just a climber with a saw. TCIA Accreditation: We're one of only two TCIA-accredited companies in Northwestern Vermont, and the only one that's locally owned. Accreditation means we meet the highest industry standards for safety, training, business practices, and customer service. Comprehensive Plant Health Care: Most of our local competitors focus primarily on removals. We offer a full range of plant health care services including deep root fertilization, pest and disease treatments, EAB management, root zone care, and more. Simply put: we'd rather save your tree than cut it down. Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years: We're not a franchise or a division of a national corporation. Greg Ranallo founded Teachers Tree Service right here in Vermont, and every decision about how we operate is made locally by people who live, work, and know this community. Education-First Approach: Our name isn't an accident. We believe in explaining what we're doing and why, so you can make informed decisions about your trees. We'll never pressure you into work you don't need.

Q: Can I prune my neighbor's tree if branches cross over my property line?

Generally yes, but with limits. Vermont law has recognized the right of property owners to trim overhanging branches and roots back to the property line for over a century. However, you can only trim to the line — not beyond it, you can't enter your neighbor's property without permission, and if your trimming damages or kills the tree, you could be liable for significant damages. Our recommendation: talk to your neighbor first and hire a professional arborist if you decide to prune. Improper cuts that compromise the tree's health can create legal liability. This is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, consult a Vermont real estate attorney.

Honest Answers from Our Team of ISA Certified Arborists — Because Understanding Your Trees Shouldn't Require a Degree in Forestry.

Request a Free Proposal

Teachers Tree Service crane truck on a property with an arborist preparing a chainsaw

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Your Tree Care Questions, Answered

We get a lot of questions — and we think that's a good thing. Whether you're trying to figure out why your ash tree looks off, wondering what happens to the stump after a removal, or navigating Vermont's lakefront tree regulations, our team of ISA Certified Arborists is here to help you make informed decisions about your trees.

If you don't see your question below, give us a call at (802) 316-1545 or request a proposal. We'd rather spend ten minutes answering your questions than have you guess about something as important as the health and safety of your trees.

Our Services & Equipment

From routine pruning to complex removals in tight spaces, our approach depends on your trees, your property, and your goals. Here's how we work:

What kind of equipment do you use?

Our fleet includes bucket trucks, track lifts, woodchippers, a grapple saw for remote-controlled removal of hazardous trees, and a full complement of rigging and climbing gear. For large or complex removals, we work with a trusted crane operator we've partnered with for years. Your arborist will explain which approach makes the most sense for your situation during the proposal visit.

What's the impact of tree removal on my property with your equipment?

We select equipment and methods specifically to minimize impact to your lawn, landscaping, and structures. Track lifts distribute weight more evenly than wheeled equipment, and our climbers can dismantle trees piece by piece where heavy machinery can't reach. Some ground disturbance is unavoidable with large removals — especially on soft or wet ground — but we'll walk you through what to expect during the proposal visit and always clean up thoroughly.

What if there's a fence, parked car, or other obstruction blocking access to the tree?

We deal with access challenges regularly and specialize in technical rigging and piece-by-piece removal in tight spaces between buildings, fences, and other structures. If an obstruction can be temporarily removed, that usually gives us the most efficient access and helps keep costs down. If it can't, we'll find another way — it just means more climbing, more rigging, and more precision. Your arborist will assess the access situation during the proposal visit and factor it into the plan and pricing.

How are you different from other tree companies in the area?

A few things set us apart:

Eight ISA Certified Arborists on Staff: Which is more than any other tree care company in the region. This means every crew has certified expertise on the job, not just a climber with a saw.
TCIA Accreditation: We're one of only two TCIA-accredited companies in Northwestern Vermont, and the only one that's locally owned. Accreditation means we meet the highest industry standards for safety, training, business practices, and customer service.
Comprehensive Plant Health Care: Most of our local competitors focus primarily on removals. We offer a full range of plant health care services including deep root fertilization, pest and disease treatments, EAB management, root zone care, and more. Simply put: we'd rather save your tree than cut it down.
Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years: We're not a franchise or a division of a national corporation. Greg Ranallo founded Teachers Tree Service right here in Vermont, and every decision about how we operate is made locally by people who live, work, and know this community.
Education-First Approach: Our name isn't an accident. We believe in explaining what we're doing and why, so you can make informed decisions about your trees. We'll never pressure you into work you don't need.

So Impressive!

So impressive! They are extremely professional, careful, and attentive and they leave the yard at least as clean as they found it. The workers are genuinely nice, friendly people who want the best for you.

Jeffrey Hughes

Our Articles

Fruit Tree Care in Vermont: A Seasonal Guide to Healthier, More Productive Trees

Fruit tree care in Vermont starts long before picking season. Here’s how to avoid pruning, PHC, and fertilization mistakes that silently kill your harvest.
How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Spongy Moth in Vermont

Spongy moth stripped 50,000+ acres of trees in Vermont in 2021. Know the signs, the treatment window & when to call an arborist before the next outbreak hits.
What’s Taking Over My Trees? Aphids & Spider Mites in Vermont

Sticky residue? Browning arborvitae? Learn how to identify aphids and spider mites on Vermont trees — including the cool-season mites most homeowners miss.

Still Have Questions? Let's Talk.

The best way to get specific answers about your trees is to have one of our consulting arborists visit your property. We'll assess your trees, discuss your options, and provide a detailed written proposal — no pressure, no obligation; just a chance to learn more about your trees.

Request a Proposal

Call (802) 316-1545

Vermont Tree Laws & Neighbor Questions

Trees don't care about property lines, and Vermont has some specific laws that come into play when they cross them. These are the legal questions our arborists get asked most often:

Can I prune my neighbor's tree if branches cross over my property line?

Generally yes, but with limits. Vermont law has recognized the right of property owners to trim overhanging branches and roots back to the property line for over a century. However, you can only trim to the line — not beyond it, you can't enter your neighbor's property without permission, and if your trimming damages or kills the tree, you could be liable for significant damages.

Our recommendation: talk to your neighbor first and hire a professional arborist if you decide to prune. Improper cuts that compromise the tree's health can create legal liability.

This is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, consult a Vermont real estate attorney.

What can I do if my neighbor's tree is declining and threatens my property, but they won't remove it?

Unfortunately, there's no quick fix. In Vermont, a tree belongs to whoever's land the trunk sits on, and you generally can't force a neighbor to remove it. Your best steps are to:

Document the hazard with dated photos
Notify your neighbor in writing (certified mail creates a record that matters if the tree later causes damage)
Contact your town — some Vermont municipalities have tree wardens who address hazardous trees.

If the tree poses a genuine threat, a real estate attorney can advise on your options — and we can support that process with a professional tree risk assessment. A written assessment from an ISA Certified Arborist with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification carries significant weight in these situations.

What is the Shoreland Protection Act?

The Vermont Shoreland Protection Act (sometimes called the "Shoreline Protection Act”) is a 2014 state law that regulates tree removal and vegetation clearing near Vermont's lakes and ponds. If your property is within 250 feet of the water, there are restrictions on what trees and vegetation can be removed — and the rules get stricter the closer you are to the shoreline. Violations can result in fines for both the landowner and the contractor.

This comes up often for homeowners on Lake Champlain and surrounding ponds in our service area; but don’t worry, we handle the permitting process so you don't have to navigate it on your own.

Tree Care & Maintenance

Healthy trees don't happen by accident. These are some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners who want to take better care of the trees on their property:

How can lawn care affect my trees?

More than most people realize:

Weed Whacker Damage: This is the number one cause of preventable tree damage. Repeatedly nicking the bark creates entry points for disease and decay that can eventually kill the tree.
Mower Damage: Mower decks bumping into trunk flares and surface roots cause similar bark wounds.
Lawn Chemicals: Herbicides and fertilizers applied near the root zone can harm the beneficial soil organisms trees depend on.
Soil Compaction: Heavy mowing equipment compresses the soil that roots need to breathe, especially on wet ground.

The simplest fix is a proper mulch ring: 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch spread toward the drip line, pulled a few inches back from the trunk. It eliminates the need to mow or weed-whack near the tree and keeps the roots well-insulated and hydrated.

When is the best time to prune trees in Vermont?

For most deciduous and fruit trees in our region, late winter through early spring (February–April) is the best time to prune. The tree is dormant, the branch structure is fully visible, and wounds heal quickly once growth resumes in spring.

A Note on Cedar Hedges: Cedar hedges are typically trimmed mid-to-late summer after the season's new growth has hardened off — a different schedule than most other trees and shrubs.

Every tree is different, though — an ISA Certified Arborist can help you determine the right timing for yours.

What's happening with the Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most urgent tree health issue in Northwestern Vermont right now. This invasive beetle kills virtually every untreated ash tree it infests, usually within 3 to 5 years. Many ash trees in Chittenden County are already showing signs — canopy thinning, D-shaped exit holes, increased woodpecker activity, and more.

Treatment is available and effective, but it needs to start before the tree has lost too much canopy — and the window closes each year in June. After that point, untreated trees decline quickly, losing structural integrity that makes them far more dangerous and expensive to remove.

If you have ash trees on your property, we strongly encourage getting them assessed sooner rather than later.

So Impressive!

Jeffrey Hughes

Will Certainly Stay with Them

Teachers were incredibly efficient, courteous, fast, and professional! Loved their work and will certainly stay with them. Thank you guys!

Wolfgang Dostmann

Ready to Talk About Your Trees?

Whether you need a second opinion, a treatment plan, or just want to understand what's going on with that tree in your backyard, our team is here to help. Request a proposal and one of our consulting arborists will visit your property to give you straightforward, expert advice.

Get a Free Proposal

Call (802) 316-1545

FAQs About Tree Service in Northwestern Vermont

Your Tree Care Questions, Answered

Our Services & Equipment

What kind of equipment do you use?

What's the impact of tree removal on my property with your equipment?

What if there's a fence, parked car, or other obstruction blocking access to the tree?

How are you different from other tree companies in the area?

So Impressive!

Our Articles

Fruit Tree Care in Vermont: A Seasonal Guide to Healthier, More Productive Trees

How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Spongy Moth in Vermont

What’s Taking Over My Trees? Aphids & Spider Mites in Vermont

Still Have Questions? Let's Talk.

Vermont Tree Laws & Neighbor Questions

Can I prune my neighbor's tree if branches cross over my property line?

What can I do if my neighbor's tree is declining and threatens my property, but they won't remove it?

What is the Shoreland Protection Act?

Tree Care & Maintenance

How can lawn care affect my trees?

When is the best time to prune trees in Vermont?

What's happening with the Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont?

So Impressive!

Will Certainly Stay with Them

Ready to Talk About Your Trees?

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