Tree Service Questions from Abilene Homeowners

Tree rules in Texas mostly come from cities, and state law limits how cities can regulate tree removal (Texas Local Government Code 212.905, per the Texas State Law Library). HOAs can have their own rules too. We didn't find a City of Abilene permit requirement for removing a tree on a private residential lot. Right-of-way trees, easements and HOA rules can differ, so call the City of Abilene at 325-676-6200 or check your covenants if you're unsure.

Generally, yes, up to the property line. The Texas State Law Library says Texas has no specific statute, but court cases give a neighboring landowner the right to trim limbs back to the line. The neighbor doing the trimming can be sued for injuring the tree or other property, so don't overcut, and stay on your side.

The Texas State Law Library says the location of the trunk generally determines who owns the tree, though there can be exceptions.

Usually your own homeowners insurance. The Texas Department of Insurance says the neighbor's policy probably won't pay unless the neighbor was at fault, because a neighbor isn't responsible for acts of nature. TDI's help line is 800-252-3439.

July through January. The Texas A&M Forest Service says to avoid pruning or wounding oaks from February through June to prevent oak wilt, and to paint every fresh oak wound year-round. A 2019 KTXS report quoted an Abilene tree worker saying oak wilt had been in Abilene for about a decade and was getting worse.

Wait for the season and look closely. Live oaks drop old leaves in spring while growing new ones, which can make a healthy tree look thin, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Oak wilt looks different: yellow to brown veins in the leaves, affecting every leaf. For other trees, no leaves well into the growing season, bark falling off and brittle twigs are bad signs. Have a professional look before you remove a tree that might recover.

National guides checked in October 2026: removal about $200 to $2,000, average about $750 (HomeAdvisor); trimming about $430 to $640 per tree (LawnStarter); stump removal about $195 to $609, average about $369 (HomeAdvisor). Height, condition and what's under the tree drive the price. See the cost guide for the full table.

None of the cost guides we checked names a cheapest month. HomeAdvisor does say rates spike after big storms, when crews are in high demand, so dealing with a dead or cracked tree before storm season costs less than an emergency job afterward. For oaks, plan work for July through January because of oak wilt.

AEP Texas trims or removes trees growing too close to its pole-to-pole lines; report them at 877-373-4858 or with AEP's online tree-problem form. Trees threatening the service drop to your house are the property owner's responsibility. AEP asks you to call 877-373-4858 at least two business days before that work so it can temporarily disconnect the line. Never trim near a line yourself.

No. The City of Abilene says hired tree trimmers are contractors, and residential curbs can't be used for their disposal. Make sure hauling is in the quote. Brush you cut yourself can go out in odd-numbered months, cut to 4-foot lengths, or to the Abilene Brush Center at 2149 Sandy St.

Only with a fire code permit from the Abilene Fire Department, applied for 10 days ahead, with wind, humidity, distance and pile-size limits. Outside city limits, check whether your county has a burn ban; the Texas A&M Forest Service keeps a statewide map.

The International Society of Arboriculture runs a public directory at TreesAreGood.org where you can find and verify ISA-credentialed arborists. Ask the company for the arborist's name, then look it up yourself. ISA says certification shows the person has the minimum knowledge and skill for the credential they hold.

It's up to you; tipping isn't expected as part of the price. If the crew did careful work and cleaned up well, a tip or cold drinks on a hot day is a kind gesture. A good review of the company is free and helps too.

One independent local tree service company. Abilene Tree Pros is a referral website and doesn't do tree work. We send your request to that company, and it sets the price and schedule and does the work on its own terms.

No. The referral is free to homeowners, and you never pay us. Companies we refer you to may pay us for referrals. You pay only the company, and only if you hire it.