Tree service vs fence installer: which to call first?

When trees and fences conflict — roots lifting posts, branches crushing panels — you need the right pro in the right order. Compare scope, timing, and costs.

A tree service ($300–$2,000 per tree depending on size and access, $150–$500 for pruning) handles everything above and below ground: removal, pruning, stump grinding ($100–$400 per stump), root barrier installation ($15–$25 per linear foot), and hazard assessment. They carry specialized insurance for property damage from falling limbs. A fence installer ($15–$45 per linear foot installed, $1,500–$8,000 for a typical yard) sets posts, attaches panels or pickets, installs gates, and ensures the fence is plumb and properly spaced. The critical rule: tree work always comes before fence work. If tree roots are lifting fence posts, removing the roots or installing a root barrier first saves you from replacing posts twice. If overhanging branches will crush new fence panels in the next storm, pruning before installation avoids warranty-voiding damage. If a tree needs removal and it's near the fence line, remove the tree first — a falling tree destroys fence sections, and crane/equipment access is easier without a fence in the way.