Tree removal done safely, with cleanup
Galapagos Lawncare & Services provides tree removal in Celebration, Davenport, Four Corners, ChampionsGate and Clermont, Florida. Dead, damaged or badly placed trees taken down in sections, with debris hauled and stump options explained. Call (407) 577-6400 or request a free quote online; our crew serves you in English or Spanish.
Overview
The problem
A dead or leaning tree near the house is a liability, especially going into hurricane season.
What you get
The tree gone safely, the area cleaned and ready for sod, beds or pavers.
By the Galapagos Lawncare Team · Last updated
What you get
Everything in one visit
What’s included
- Sectional takedown where space is tight
- Protection of roof, fence and pool cage
- Debris haul-away
- Stump grinding available
How often
- One-time
We confirm the price after seeing the property, before any work starts.
What affects the price
- Height and sizeTaller trees need more rigging and time.
- Access and what’s underneathRoofs, pool cages, fences and tight side yards.
- Haul-away and stumpDebris removal and stump grinding are quoted separately.
When does a tree need to come down?
Most trees are worth keeping, and correct tree trimming solves a lot of problems. Removal is the right call when a tree is:
- dead or dying, with no green growth or with bark falling away,
- badly damaged by a storm: split trunk, large broken limbs, a lean that wasn’t there before,
- too close to the house, the pool cage or the slab, where roots or limbs will keep causing damage,
- or simply in the way of a project like a new driveway, addition or landscape design.
How is a tree taken down near a house?
Few trees in a subdivision can just be felled. Where space is tight, we take the tree down in sections, top to bottom, lowering pieces so they land where we planned rather than on the roof, fence or pool cage. Then the trunk comes down, debris is removed, and the lawn and beds are raked clean. When the job calls for equipment beyond what the site allows, we tell you before we start.
What about the stump?
A cut tree leaves a stump and a root plate. You can leave it flush with the ground, or have it ground below grade so the area can be sodded or planted. Grinding is digging, so Florida law requires the job to be called in to Sunshine 811 at least two full business days ahead to mark buried utilities. We explain the options and price them before the job.
Do you need a permit?
Tree removal rules vary by city, county and HOA in our area, and some trees, especially large or protected species, may need approval before they come down. Florida law (s. 163.045, F.S.) says a local government can’t require a permit, fee or replanting for removing a tree on a single-family residential lot when an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk. HOA rules still apply. For other removals, check with your city or county first; we can help you find out.
Emergency and storm removal
After a storm, a tree on the house or across the driveway is urgent. Call (407) 577-6400. If a tree is touching a power line, stay away and call the utility first. Fallen limbs and smaller debris can be handled as a yard cleanup.
Where we remove trees
We remove trees in Clermont, Four Corners, Davenport, Celebration and ChampionsGate. Clearing several trees and palms at once? See complete removal.
Sources
Simple process
How it works
Assess
The tree, what’s around it, access, and whether permits or HOA approval apply.
Quote in writing
Takedown method, stump option and cleanup, with the price, before work starts.
Take it down safely
Sectional removal where space is tight; roof, fence and pool cage protected.
Clean up
Wood and debris removed; stump left flush or ground after a Sunshine 811 notice.
Florida seasons
Through the Florida year
Hurricane season
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Late spring is the time to clear limbs over the roof.
Common questions
Questions about tree removal
Can you help with HOA approval?
Yes. For landscaping changes we prepare a simple plan and plant list you can submit to your association. Approval itself is up to the HOA.
What decides the price of a tree or palm removal?
Height and trunk size, what is under and around the tree (roof, screen cage, pool, power lines), how close we can get a truck, and whether you want the stump ground. Send photos with your quote request and we can narrow it down before the visit.
Can you clear my yard after a storm?
Yes, for fallen limbs, palm fronds and yard debris. Trees or limbs touching power lines are left to the utility. Call (407) 577-6400 with a photo of the damage and we schedule you as soon as the roads and the crew allow.
Do I need a permit to remove a dangerous tree?
On residential property, Florida Statute 163.045 says a city or county can’t require a permit, fee or mitigation when an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect documents the tree as an unacceptable risk. It doesn’t cover HOA rules, and other trees may need a permit. Call before we cut.
When does a tree need an arborist and not just a trim?
UF/IFAS recommends an ISA-certified arborist for trees over about 15 feet, and for any tree that leans, cracks, has dead limbs over the house or shows decay. A quick look from the ground can tell if it needs a trim or removal.
Can you grind the stump after a removal?
Yes, stump grinding can be added to the quote. Before grinding or digging, Sunshine 811 has the underground lines marked, which takes at least two full business days, so plan for that gap.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
Sometimes. Rules vary by city, county and HOA. A local permit can’t be required on a single-family lot when an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents the tree as an unacceptable risk (s. 163.045, F.S.). Otherwise check before removal.
Is the stump included?
Your quote says what happens to the stump: cut flush, or ground below grade so the area can be sodded or planted. Grinding requires a Sunshine 811 locate first.
A tree fell on my house. What should I do?
Get everyone out of the affected area, stay away from any downed lines and call the utility if lines are involved. Then call us at (407) 577-6400, and your insurance company.
How much does tree removal cost?
It depends on the tree’s size and condition, what it’s close to, access for equipment and what you want done with the stump. We assess and give you a written price.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property in Florida?
Not from the local government if an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect documents it as an unacceptable risk (s. 163.045, F.S.). Otherwise, check your city or county, and your HOA in every case.
Does the Florida tree law override my HOA?
No. Section 163.045 limits local governments, not associations. Get your HOA’s approval in writing before a tree comes down.
How much does tree removal cost?
It depends on height, what is around the tree, access, its condition and the stump option. We quote each tree in writing after seeing it, before any work starts.
Do you grind the stump?
You can leave it flush or have it ground below grade. Grinding is digging, so a Sunshine 811 notice goes in at least two full business days before.
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