Written by

Sarah Noel

April 5, 2023

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Tree debris removal cost

Tree debris removal costs $75 to $250 per dump trip on average, depending on the load size, vehicle size, location, and accessibility. Hauling labor costs $50 to $80 per hour for loading. Log splitting costs $50 to $100 per hour for firewood. Tree chipping costs $100 to $150 per hour.

The largest tree a full-size pickup truck can carry is a tree with an 18” diameter trunk that’s 24’ tall, after workers chop the tree into logs.

A tree with a diameter of 22” to 36” will require 2 dump trips with a full-size pickup truck, or a larger hauling vehicle.

Cost of tree debris removal by service

Tree debris removal cost factors include:

• Tree pruning – Tree trimmers charge $50 to $125 per hour, depending on the location.

• Load size – Debris from multiple trees or oversized branches that require cutting before loading will cost more to haul away. Larger trucks may be necessary.

• Labor – Difficult hauling jobs cost $50 to $80 per hour extra. These fees also apply for work on limited-access sites.

• Season – Tree-limb pickup service in winter can cost less since it’s a slow season for landscapers.

• Emergency service – After-hours tree-limb disposal costs $150 to $250 per hour.

• Tree evaluation – Hiring an arborist costs $100 to $250 per hour for a tree inspection and property-risk assessment.

• Landscape repairs – Hiring a landscaper costs $50 to $100 per hour for additional yard work.

• DIY methods – Dumpster rental prices are $280 to $500 per week for delivery and hauling, without loading assistance.

• Dump-site fees – Tree waste disposal costs $30 to $100 per ton, according to the local landfill or recycling-center policies. Some contractors include this fee in the labor cost.

• Site location – Any home outside the hauling company’s standard service area has higher costs for the extra mileage.

• Landscaping maintenance packages – Annual service contracts sometimes include discounted rates for tree debris removal.

• Tree location – If a city-owned tree falls on private property, then homeowners can call the Parks and Recreation Department for free debris removal.

Tree branch, limb, and brush removal

Prices for removing a brush pile, tree branches, or shrubs and bushes are:

• Brush pile removal costs $150 to $200 per full-size pickup truck load.

• Tree branch removal costs $75 to $250 minimum.

• Shrub and bush removal costs $25 to $150 per plant.

Tree removal

Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 per tree on average. Tree stump removal costs $80 to $250 extra depending on the method. Contractors typically include cleanup in the estimate, but costs increase for chipping, log splitting, and hauling off the wood.

Spring or fall yard cleanup

Yard cleanup costs $125 to $400 per visit, depending on the location, time of the year, and services needed. Typical add-on fees apply for gutter cleaning, aeration, and pruning.

Yard debris removal cost

Junk removal prices are $150 to $350 on average for yard debris removal. This cost includes loading and disposing of half a dump truck of debris within the basic service area. Half a dump truck is 2.5 to 5.0 cubic yards.

Tree waste removal cost by method

Tree waste removal costs $75 to $250 for each trip to the landfill. Prices vary according to the amount of tree debris. Large trees need cutting into pieces first before hauling away. Old, mature trees require multiple dump trips.

Tree chipping costs

Tree chipping costs $100 to $150 per hour on average with minimum fees of one hour. Most companies offer to haul the chips away for free. Alternatively, use chipped mulch for covering garden beds, erosion control, or organic compost.

In comparison, purchasing mulch costs $15 to $65 per cubic yard delivered.

Tree and log splitting costs

Tree and log splitting costs $50 to $100 per hour on average, excluding log removal. Splitting a cord of firewood takes 1 to 3 hours plus extra time for stacking. Split wood takes 6 to 9 months to dry depending on the moisture content and weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Who picks up tree branches?

People who will pick up tree branches include:

• Landscaping companies

• Tree trimming and tree removal services

• City waste-management department

• Junk removal services and debris haulers

• Excavation contractors

• Demolition and debris removal services

Where can I take tree debris?

You can take tree debris to:

• Recycling drop-off locations

• City landfills

• Curbside pickup areas

• County mulching facility

Getting quotes from tree branch and debris removal services

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

• Collect at least 3 estimates.

• Ask if the local waste management department offers extra curbside pickups.

• Check companies for experience, licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Request a written estimate and contract.

• Beware of the cheapest quotes that signal low-quality service.

• Don’t pay before the job is complete.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been removing tree debris in this area?

• Where do you dump it?

• Will you cut the branches into pieces onsite before loading them?

• Can you mulch the branches for my garden? Does that cost extra?

• Do you offer dumpster rentals with hauling service, and how much is that?

• Is there any type of tree debris that you won’t haul off?

• Do you have flat rates, or do you charge by the hour or load size?

• How much tree debris can you haul away in one visit?

• When will your crew come, and should I be home then?

• How much space does your hauling equipment need?

• Does the bid include all labor, dump fees, and transportation costs?

• Is the debris removal cost cheaper if you do tree trimming in the same visit?