Written by

Sarah Noel

April 5, 2023

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Tree branch removal cost

Tree branch removal costs $75 to $250 for a small or medium branch. Large tree limb removal costs $150 to $850. The cost to haul away tree branches alone is $75 to $250. The cost of cutting tree branches depends on the tree size, height, and accessibility.

Average cost to remove a tree limb or branch

The following table shows the average cost of a tree branch removal:

Large tree limb or branch removal cost

Large tree branch removal costs $150 to $850 on average. Large tree limb removal costs depend on the tree type, limb size, and yard accessibility. These jobs typically require a bucket truck to work on trees 15’ to 20’+ tall.

Cost of cutting multiple tree branches

Tree trimming costs $200 to $900 per tree on average or up to $1,800 for an extra-large tree. Some companies charge $50 to $125 per hour when trimming multiple trees or working with unpredictable conditions. Total costs depend on the tree size, type, and accessibility.

Cost to haul away tree branches

Tree debris removal costs $75 to $250 per job on average, depending on the number of branches, size, and location. Some contractors include this cost in the labor charge, but others charge separately for it.

Broken or fallen tree branch removal cost

Broken or fallen tree branch removal costs $80 to $100 per hour on average. Downed tree limb removal prices include cutting it into pieces with a chainsaw and hauling fees. Some jobs also involve climbing to remove broken branches stuck in the tree.

Where to take fallen tree limbs?

Take fallen tree limbs away with these options:

• Transport them to a city-approved dumping site.

• Leave limbs at the curb for local waste management and recycling companies.

• Dumpster rental prices are $280 to $500 per week with disposal.

• Alternatively, check for junk removal prices or hire a junk removal service near you.

Cost factors to cut tree branches

The following cost factors may apply when removing a tree branch:

• Charge type – Tree trimmers charge $50 to $125 per hour, depending on the location. Some charge per branch or per limb for small projects.

• Tree inspection – Hiring a certified arborist costs $100 to $250 per hour to evaluate whether a tree needs treating, pruning, or removing.

• Branch or limb size – Large limbs and branches on taller trees cost more to remove due to more labor, bigger equipment, and extra safety precautions.

• Number of branches – Removing multiple branches in the same visit reduces the cost per branch.

• Accessibility – Hard-to-access lawns and trees next to power lines, buildings, and fences increase labor time. Sometimes an arborist must climb a tree to prune it and lower each branch with ropes.

• Equipment type – Different costs apply according to if the crew will use a bucket truck, pole saws, or other forestry vehicles with their cutting machines.

• Tree health – Removal costs are higher for diseased, rotting, and poorly maintained trees. Consider removing the entire tree instead of cutting back the branches if the tree is rotted or diseased.

  • Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000, depending on the size.

  • Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400.

• Season – Labor rates are higher in peak season.

• Emergency service – Urgent and after-hours service costs $150 to $250 per hour.

• Heritage trees – Specific laws and permits are necessary to prune protected trees. Consult an arborist or the local city government for more info.

• Fallen limbs – Contractors charge less for tree branches that have already fallen, which they cut into pieces with a chainsaw and haul away.

• Cleanup – Most companies include disposal in the estimate. Separate services for tree branch disposal cost $75 to $250 on average.

• Chipping service – Wood chipping costs $100 to $150 per hour when chipping many branches at the same time.

• Landscape repair – Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for yard repairs or additional landscaping work.

  • Shrub and bush trimming costs $5 to $20 per bush.

  • Hedge trimming costs $25 to $60 per 10’ length of hedge.

• Transportation ­– Greater than average hauling distances cost extra for debris disposal.

• Insurance – Homeowners insurance will typically pay some of the branch removal fees if the tree limb falls on the home’s roof. Deductibles and policy limits vary.

Getting estimates from tree branch removal services

Before hiring a tree trimming service near you, be sure to:

• Compare at least 3 estimates from different companies.

• Verify that they have license, liability insurance, and surety bonds.

• Search for experienced companies with ISA certified arborists.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Request a detailed bid and copies of the contract and warranties.

• Beware of the cheapest quotes that can indicate low-quality work.

• Never pay in full up front.

• Don’t hire companies that top trees, cutting all large branches down to the stubs. This pruning method can kill trees.

• Never allow people to climb the tree with spikes since it creates lasting damage.

• Photograph the tree before and after trimming in case of disputes.

Questions to ask

• How many years have you been pruning trees?

• What type of canopy shape is best for my tree?

• How many branches are decaying or dead that you need to cut?

• Can I see your reference list?

• How do I contact the supervisor to discuss the job first?

• Do you prune trees according to ANSI standards?

• How much working space will the crew need, and how many people will come?

• What safety gear do the contractors wear?

• Does my local government have any laws protecting this type of tree that requires extra permits or fees to trim it?

• What kind of equipment will your crew use, and how big is it?

• How will you protect my lawn from damages made by heavy machinery?

• Will you need to remove any fencing to access the tree?

• How long will my tree trim take?

• Does this estimate include all materials, labor, and cleanup costs?