How much does tree removal cost?
How much does tree removal cost?
$150 – $500 average cost to cut down a tree (under 30’ tall)
$300 – $2,000 average cost to remove a tree (30’ – 80’ tall)
$5 – $25 average cost per foot of tree height
Tree removal cost
Tree removal service costs $300 to $2,000 on average or $5 to $25 per foot of tree height. Small tree removal costs $150 to $500. Large tree removal costs $1,200 to $2,700. The cost to cut down a tree is $65 to $140 hourly. Tree removal prices vary by size.
| Tree height | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30' tall) | $150 – $500 |
| Medium (30' – 60' tall) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Large (60' – 80' tall) | $650 – $2,000 |
| Extra-large (over 80' tall) | $1,200 – $2,700 |
Fallen tree removal costs $100 to $600.
Dead tree removal costs $800 to $1,600.
Oak tree removal costs $250 to $2,500.
Pine tree removal costs $200 to $1,600.
Average cost of tree removal
The following table shows the average cost to remove a tree:
| National average cost | $1,150 |
| Minimum cost | $150 |
| Maximum cost | $6,000 |
| Average range | $300 to $2,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost to cut down a large tree
The cost to cut down a large tree is $300 to $2,000 per tree for heights of 40’ to 80’ tall. The cost to remove an 80’ to 100’ tree is $1,200 to $2,700 each. Removing tall trees sometimes requires bringing the tree down in sections or crane assistance.
| Tree height | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 40’ | $300 – $700 |
| 50’ | $450 – $1,000 |
| 60’ – 80’ | $650 – $2,000 |
| 80’ – 100’ | $1,200 – $2,700 |
*Prices don’t include extra fees for working in limited-access areas.
Small tree removal cost
Small tree removal costs $150 to $500 each for trees less than 30 feet tall. Costs to chop down a tree are cheapest when it’s a young sapling that doesn’t require machines. The cost to cut down a small tree increases when it’s in tight spaces between buildings.
Fallen tree removal cost
Fallen tree removal costs $100 to $600 per tree on average, including hauling and disposal. The cost to remove a fallen tree depends on the size, the number of limbs, and accessibility. Removing a fallen tree costs 2 to 3 times less than the price of cutting down a tree.
Dead tree removal cost
Dead tree removal costs $800 to $1,600 per tree on average. The cost to remove a dead tree increases if they lean near buildings since they break and fall during removal. Dead trees are safety hazards, attract pests, and spread diseases.
Cost to cut down a tree by type
The following table shows the average cost to cut down a tree by type:
| Tree species | Average cost to remove | Typical mature height (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Ash tree | $800 – $1,900 | 60’ – 120’ |
| Bradford pear tree | $400 – $1,000 | 30’ – 50’ |
| Cedar tree | $250 – $2,500 | 40’ – 120’ |
| Cherry tree | $500 – $1,300 | 15’ – 35’ |
| Conifer | $600 – $4,500 | 20’ – 60’ |
| Crabapple | $150 – $900 | 15’ – 25’ |
| Cypress tree | $400 – $6,000 | 50’ – 80’ |
| Dogwood | $125 – $2,000 | 20’ – 60’ |
| Elm tree | $600 – $3,000 | 40’ – 80’ |
| Eucalyptus tree | $500 – $3,800 | 40’ – 180’ |
| Fir tree | $450 – $5,200 | 40’ – 260’ |
| Hemlock tree | $300 – $2,700 | 40’ – 130’ |
| Holly tree | $450 – $2,700 | 40’ – 100’ |
| Magnolia tree | $150 – $1,000 | 10’ – 70’ |
| Maple tree | $600 – $2,800 | 50’ – 100’ |
| Oak tree | $250 – $2,500 | 40’ – 80’ |
| Palm tree | $150 – $900 | 30’ – 50’ |
| Pear tree | $150 – $700 | 15’ – 40’ |
| Pecan tree | $650 – $2,700 | 60’ – 100’ |
| Pine tree | $200 – $1,600 | 50’ – 100’ |
| Poplar tree | $1,100 – $3,000 | 40’ – 165’ |
| Redwood tree | $450 – $2,000 | 60’ – 240’ |
| Spruce tree | $400 – $3,000 | 50’ – 200’ |
| Sycamore tree | $450 – $1,800 | 70’ – 120’ |
| Willow tree | $300 – $1,000 | 30’ – 75’ |
*Mature tree height varies according to the tree variety and growing conditions.
Large oak tree removal cost
Oak tree removal costs $250 to $2,500 on average. The cost to remove a mature oak tree is $3,000 to $6,000. Oaks are hardwood with thick branches that take longer to remove. Mature oak trees grow 40 to 80 feet tall.
Oak trees are a protected species in California and Florida, so removal isn’t always possible unless they’re a safety hazard.
Pine tree removal cost
Pine tree removal costs $200 to $1,600 on average. The cost to cut down a pine tree 100 feet tall or larger is $2,000 to $3,000. Mature pines grow up to 50 to 100 feet tall. Pine tree climbers need extra safety gear as protection from the sharp pine needles.
Palm tree removal
Palm tree removal costs $150 to $900 per tree on average, depending on the size and type. Stump grinding costs $120 to $400 extra. Excavation of palm tree roots is difficult because they hold more water that makes small root balls weigh hundreds of pounds.
Cost to cut down an ash tree
The cost to cut down an ash tree is $800 to $1,900 on average. Mature ash trees grow 60 to 120 feet tall. Removing ash trees infested with the emerald ash borer is important to stop the dying tree from falling.
Dead ash trees break easily and aren’t safe to climb. Removal typically requires the use of a crane, bucket truck, or spider lift.
Cost to take down a redwood tree
The cost to remove a redwood tree is $450 to $2,000 on average or up to $12,000 for trees with trunks up to 6’ wide. Severe fines apply for cutting endangered coastal redwood trees without a permit. Removing a redwood on private property that’s a safety hazard is legal.
Cost to cut down a maple tree
Maple tree removal cost $600 to $2,800 on average. The cost to cut down a maple tree depends on the size and location. Maple trees are hardwood that is more difficult to cut. These trees are typically 50’ to 100’ tall with branches spreading as wide as their height.
Tree removal cost calculator near you
The following table shows prices for tree services near you:
| Location | Average cost per tree |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $330 – $2,250 |
| Austin, TX | $330 – $2,250 |
| Boston, MA | $400 – $2,700 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $320 – $2,100 |
| Chicago, IL | $350 – $2,300 |
| Cleveland, OH | $310 – $2,050 |
| Columbus, OH | $315 – $2,100 |
| Dallas, TX | $320 – $2,100 |
| Denver, CO | $325 – $2,150 |
| Detroit, MI | $320 – $2,150 |
| Honolulu, HI | $365 – $2,400 |
| Houston, TX | $375 – $2,500 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $310 – $2,100 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $310 – $2,100 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $325 – $2,150 |
| Miami, FL | $300 – $2,000 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $340 – $2,250 |
| Nashville, TN | $300 – $2,050 |
| New York, NY | $400 – $2,600 |
| Newark, NJ | $330 – $2,200 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $330 – $2,200 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $310 – $2,050 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $320 – $2,100 |
| Portland, OR | $330 – $2,200 |
| San Diego, CA | $325 – $2,150 |
| San Francisco, CA | $380 – $2,500 |
| Seattle, WA | $330 – $2,200 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $290 – $1,950 |
| Washington, DC | $335 – $2,250 |
Price factors & estimates to take down a tree
The cost to take down a tree depends on how contractors charge:
| Charge type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per tree | $300 – $2,000 |
| Per hour | $65 – $140 |
| Per foot of tree height | $5 – $25 |
Additional cost factors include:
Tree inspection – Hiring a certified arborist costs $100 to $250 per hour to evaluate if a tree needs removing, pruning, or treatments for pests and diseases.
Tree height & diameter – Large trees require extra planning, more safety equipment, and additional workers due to bigger risks.
Cutting time – Trees with many branches or thicker trunks need more labor time to cut into pieces before hauling. Stacking firewood to leave it onsite takes more time.
Tree type – The average cost to drop a hardwood tree is higher because they weigh more and require more powerful equipment.
Number of trees – Cheaper rates per tree apply for cutting multiple trees during the same visit. Forestry mulching costs $400 to $800 per acre on average when clearing land.
Labor – Higher labor charges apply when the crew must travel long distances.
Accessibility – Power lines, buildings, and other site obstacles increase job complexity because they limit access for cranes and machinery.
Site type – Land with slopes, rocks, or muddy soil can’t support the weight of cranes, which forces the crew to use slower methods.
Tree condition – Workers must follow more safety precautions when removing dead or leaning trees, which takes more time.
Climbing & cutting – Tree trimming costs $50 to $125 hourly when there’s no safe place for the tree to fall. A climber must cut the tree down in many pieces.
Emergency work – Storm damage or emergency tree removal costs $150 to $250 per hour.
Heavy equipment – Crane-assisted tree removal costs $500 to $2,500 per day extra due to the added transportation, fuel, operator, and insurance expenses.
Clearing multiple trees – The cost to knock down trees is $2,500 to $5,000 per acre when clearing a wooded area with excavators.
Traffic control – Flagging crew rates are $175 to $225 per hour for a 2-person crew when workers need to close the street.
Season – Tree felling costs reduce with discounts of 10% or more in winter.
Heritage tree rules – Legally protected trees require special approval and additional permits to remove.
Dump-site fees – Landfills or recycling centers charge $30 to $100 per ton for tree debris. Some contractors include this fee in the labor cost.
Cleanup and disposal – Cleanup and debris disposal costs $75 to $250 per dump trip. Extra costs apply for trips outside the standard service area.
Permit – Tree removal permits cost $75 to $450, depending on the location.
Repairing landscape damage – Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour.
Additional services – Bush and shrub removal costs $25 to $150 per bush.
Insurance – Homeowners policies typically pay for tree removal if it falls on the roof. Deductibles and policy limits vary.
Tree debris and wood removal cost
Tree debris removal costs $75 to $250 per dump trip on average for hauling and dumping offsite as a separate service. Most contractors include debris removal in their labor fees. Common alternatives include:
Wood chipping costs $100 to $150 per hour.
Log splitting for firewood costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Tree branch and limb removal cost
Tree branch removal costs $75 to $250 minimum or up to $850 for removing limbs more than 10’ long.
Tree trimming costs $200 to $900 per tree or $50 to $125 per hour.
Tree stump and root removal
Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400 per stump on average, depending on the removal method. Stump grinding costs $120 to $400 per stump for the first one, and $30 to $60 for each additional stump. Root removal costs $75 to $150 per hour.
Cost to move and transplant a tree
Tree transplanting costs $300 to $700 on average or up to $5,000 for moving extra-large trees with a crane. Total costs depend on the tree size, site obstacles, and moving method. Extra costs apply for relocating a tree to a different property.
Tree removal FAQs
What is the cheapest time of year for tree removal?
The cheapest time of year for tree removal is late winter or early spring when the tree has shed its leaves, making it weigh less.
Remove the tree right away if it’s a safety hazard, regardless of the time of the year.
How long does it take to cut down trees?
Cutting down a tree takes 15 to 60 minutes for small trees in an open area without cleanup. Taking down a 30’ tall tree takes 2 to 4 hours, including cleanup and cutting limbs. Larger trees take up to a full day to cut and remove.
Tree removal time increases for trees right next to a home or trees with power lines running through them.
Do you tip tree removal guys?
Tree removal guys don’t expect tips. Consider tipping $20 to $50 when the job had many hidden difficulties, they greatly exceeded expectations, or during the holiday season.
How to get tree removal for free
Options to get tree removal for free include:
The electric company typically cuts down trees for free if they’re a storm hazard likely to fall on the lines.
Loggers sometimes remove multiple trees or extra-large trees for free.
Firewood companies may remove lesser-valued trees to sell the wood.
Homeowners insurance typically pays out when the tree falls on an insured structure due to an unpredictable cause like a heavy storm. Homeowners insurance does not cover damages from poorly maintained or dead trees.
Who pays for tree removal on the property line?
Both neighbors pay for tree removal on a property line. Neither owner can cut down a tree on the property boundary without written permission from their neighbor. Cutting down a tree on the boundary line without the neighbor’s permission is grounds for a lawsuit.
Should I trim, prune, or cut down my tree?
Trim your tree if you need to improve its shape and remove overgrowth. Trimming is for healthy trees that aren’t near power lines or a roof.
Prune your tree to remove infected or dead branches. Pruning also helps remove pests and prevents damages from dead branches falling.
Cut down your tree if the roots are near the home’s foundation or underground utility lines. Arborists also remove dead or heavily diseased trees. Prevent potential storm damages by taking down trees near your roof or power lines.
Getting tree removal service quotes
Before hiring a tree removal service near you, be sure to:
Compare at least 3 bids from different contractors.
Check for licenses, insurance, and full worker’s comp coverage for the entire crew to verify they’ll cover accidental damages.
Ask for certification from the ISA, TCIA, or other arborist societies.
Read their HomeGuide and Google reviews.
Request a list of references.
Seek out a company with at least 5 years of experience.
Get a written copy of the contract terms, itemized bid, and insurance proof.
Take photos before and after tree removal to document any possible problems.
Beware of the lowest quotes that may signal low-quality work.
Never pay in full upfront.
Who removes fallen trees?
Companies who remove fallen trees include:
Arborists
Tree service specialists
Dumpster-rental companies
Construction companies
Loggers (for very large trees or multiple trees)
How to negotiate tree removal?
To negotiate tree removal prices, use the following tips:
Ask for reduced rates in the off-season or when cutting multiple trees.
Offer to cut back low-hanging branches yourself.
Cut the tree trunk into pieces yourself after they’ve cut it down.
Leave the tree stump in place.
Seek out smaller companies that offer cheaper rates.
Offer the logs to workers as free firewood.
Questions to ask tree cutters
How long have you been removing trees?
Do you prune trees according to ANSI standards?
How do I contact the crew foreman to discuss the job details before cutting?
What different methods can you offer for cutting this tree down?
How much working space will the crew need?
Is this tree protected by local laws that require extra permits?
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?
Does your bid include stump grinding, chipping limbs, and cleanup?
How long will the removal take?
Will you give a discount for leaving the mulch and wood behind for me?
Does stump removal cost extra, and if so, how much?
Are you going to call the utility company first to mark underground lines?
Will you pull all required permits first?