How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree?

Tree Removal by Tree Size

Most tree removal companies will charge a different rate for small, medium, and tall trees. The cutoff points for small, medium, large, and extra-large may differ from one pro to another, but you can use these figures as a general guideline:

• Short (under 30 feet): $200–$450

• Medium (30–60 feet): $420–$1,200

• Tall (60–80 feet): $800–$1,500

• Extra-tall (80 feet and over): $1,000–$2,000

Removing a tree more than 80 feet tall may require a crane, and in that case, expect to add about $500 to the total price. Daily crane rentals cost $200 to $500, plus another $50 to $100 for the operator. This tree size is the most complicated to remove because you'll need to avoid power lines and plumbing. In addition, pros may need to use rope and climbing equipment.

Tall, skinny trees might also present a problem for a pro when they’re climbing it to delimb it. Frequently, they need some type of mechanical assistance to reach the upper branches, resulting in a higher cost. Thicker trees can also take more time to take down, meaning more time spent on the project, which may increase the price. Prices will vary from project to project, so always speak with a pro first.

Tree Removal Costs by Condition

Trees in precarious conditions of rot or neglect might need additional supports put in place prior to their removal. A local arborist has specialized training in the health and care of trees and other woody plants and should inspect sick trees. Arborist fees vary depending on the job, but homeowners pay about $940 per visit. They'll inspect dangerously leaning trees before removal to determine how to cut them down. Factors affecting the tree's condition are:

• History: Recent construction near the tree roots, certain landscaping activities, and general tree care can affect the tree's stability.

• Lean: A slight trunk lean can be expected in most trees, but a significant lean indicates a serious stability problem, especially if combined with exposed roots and cracked ground on one side. 

• Multiple trunks: A tree can split into two or more trunks. If they're weakly attached, they could crack and fall during the removal. 

• Weak branches: Branches more prone to cracking and breaking, such as ones with a tight V-shaped connection at the trunk, make for a more hazardous condition. 

• Diseases and ailments: Tree illnesses such as cavities and decay can compromise the tree's structural integrity. This could result in the tree having surprising weak spots, affecting the removal process.

Tree Removal Costs by Tree 

Some tree species—American ash, bur oak, and maple—can reach over 100 feet tall and are some of the hardest to remove. The type of tree growing on your property dictates how tall it'll grow at full maturity. Once you identify the type of tree you need to remove, you can better estimate the cost of removal.

Pine Tree

Pine tree removal costs $200 to $1,500 or more. As with any species, it's primarily height-dependent. The average price for removing a pine tree is around $400 if the tree is 40 feet tall, but an 80-foot pine tree will cost about $1,500 because of the work and potential danger involved.

Palm Tree

Palm tree removal costs $200 to $1,500, depending on how tall it is and if there are any complicating factors, like power lines or nearby buildings. The average cost to remove a palm tree is about $200 to $500 or more if its height is 30 feet. If it's 80 feet tall or more, you might spend $1,100 to $1,500 to have the tree professionally cut.

Oak Tree

The average cost to remove an oak tree is around $200 to $2,000 since it can reach up to 100 feet. 

Cedar Tree

Removing a cedar tree can cost $250 to $1,500 since it can vary in height.

Ash Tree

A mature ash tree can grow quite tall, usually averaging $250 to $1,800 to remove.

Maple Tree

Mature maples can also grow extremely tall and are quite expensive to remove, ranging from $250 to $2,000.

Dead Tree

Most tree removal services don't consider dead trees any different from living ones when it comes to removal, regardless of size. It’ll cost about $200 to $2,000 to remove one, with pros using the same processes as a living tree. If the tree has already fallen down, it'll only cost $75 to $150. A pro will cut it up or mulch it and haul it away, often to resell the wood. Dead or dying trees in a metropolitan environment can be a hazard, and if one falls, the owner can face a fine for neglecting it. 

Accessibility to the Tree

Hard-to-access trees could cost 25% to 50% more to remove than average. Ideally, your tree should sit comfortably away from any structures or power lines. But if you need to remove a tree sitting right next to your house or with power lines weaving through the branches, the job will require more preparation and skill. Many tree service pros may require a utility company to handle anything dealing with power lines. A few things to note:

• Trees close to structures need the branches lowered by rope instead of being cut loose.

• Densely packed trees can complicate removal.

• You can improve access to the tree by taking down fences, removing obstacles, and moving vehicles.

In addition, a tree removal service will charge extra for travel, particularly if you live in a remote area. The price varies widely, and if you live outside a pro’s service area, they may charge a mileage fee of around $0.50 per mile or a flat rate of $50 to $200 extra.

Tree Removal Costs by Your Location 

Like with so many services, where you live can play a big role in how much you should expect to pay. Tree removal is less expensive in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas but higher along the coasts, such as in San Francisco and New York City.

Emergency Tree Removal Costs

You can't plan all tree removals in advance and may find yourself with a tree removal emergency, like when a tree suddenly falls on your home or car. You'll need to remove it immediately before it can cause further damage, so you'll pay a premium for urgent service. If it's leaning on your property, it may also require extra care to avoid causing additional damage. 

It'll vary by situation and the pro, but the fee could easily go up to $5,000. You may also pay a premium if you need a tree removal service during a busy period, such as after a natural disaster. Check to see if your homeowners insurance can help you in these situations.

Tree Removal Costs by Number of Trees

You may be able to pay by acreage if you want to clear a wooded area of multiple trees. A sparsely wooded area might cost between $500 to $2,500 per acre, and a densely wooded one could range between $3,000 and $6,000 per acre.

Additional Tree Removal Services

Removing trees may incur other related services, including grinding the leftover stump or chipping the wood to turn into mulch. Read below to find out other tree services you may need.

Stump Grinding or Removal

The cost to remove a tree stump isn't always included in the price to remove a tree. The stump's remaining root system may not be obvious from above the ground, making its removal a job for a specialized stump removal pro near you. Removing a stump and its roots can cost between $200 and $550, depending on the complexity of the root system. Other factors that could affect the price include the labor time, age of the stump, soil conditions, and wood hardness.

You can consider the cost of stump grinding, where a hydraulic machine mulches the stump and some of the roots. This option is a little cheaper at $100 to $400. For smaller stumps, you might be able to rent a stump grinder and DIY this job yourself. 

Fallen Tree Removal

The average price for removing a fallen tree is about $75 to $150, depending on the tree size and species. You might pay additional costs to have the pieces hauled away.

Wood Chipping and Logging 

Many tree removal services include chipping and removal in their estimate. But if wood debris is left behind, you might want to consider these additional services.

• Chipping: The cost of chipping averages from $75–$125 per hour. This will turn debris into mulch you can use for landscaping.

• Log splitting: Splitting the logs for firewood costs an additional $75–$100 per tree.

• Hauling away debris: This can cost an extra $50–$100.

Tree Moving

Moving a tree costs anywhere from $400 to $750 for a professional service to move a small tree. Medium and large ones can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,000.

DIY Tree Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

While it can be tempting to DIY tree removal, it's dangerous to remove medium- and large-size trees. And in some locations, you're not allowed to do this at all without a license since there's a high risk of damaging surrounding property. Instead, hire a pro to remove all the limbs and cut the trunk down into sections. 

How to Remove a Tree Yourself 

Here are general guidelines on removing smaller trees if you can do so safely and legally in your region.

1. Prune broken branches.

2. Check whether the tree is leaning to one side, and figure out where the tree will fall when you cut it down. 

3. Clear that area. 

4. Water the area around the tree you plan to cut down about one day before beginning. This way, the soil will be softer and easier to dig. 

5. Put safety first by wearing protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and goggles. 

6. Go to where you'd like the tree to fall and cut a notch in the trunk on that side. 

7. Go to the other side and make another cut. 

8. Begin to cut off the branches from the trunk on upward once the tree is on the ground. 

Equipment: You'll need the safety equipment mentioned above. Earplugs are a good idea, too. Other than that, you'll need a chainsaw. Bigger chainsaws are more challenging to manage. Most chainsaws for homeowners have bars between 10 and 20 inches. If the tree you're cutting down is 10 inches, plan to use a chainsaw with a bar that's 12 inches or larger.