How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree?

The cost to remove a tree typically ranges between $200 and $2,000, with an average price of $750. What you’ll pay depends on several factors, including tree species, size, condition, location and accessibility.

Your actual costs may be as low as $150 for the simple removal of a very small tree — or as much as $10,000 for a complex removal job for a very large or difficult-to-remove tree.

Factors that affect tree removal costs

Each tree removal job has specific challenges. Multiple factors determine final costs:

• Height: The taller the tree, the more you can expect to pay for its removal. Many tree removal companies charge by the foot. 

• Species: Some types of trees are more difficult to remove than others, and the harder it is to remove a particular tree species, the more the job will generally cost. For example, an aspen may be more expensive to remove than a pine because of its connected root system.

• Condition: If the tree is damaged or rotting, it may require extra supports for safety, increasing the cost of removal.

• Accessibility: If the tree you need to remove is difficult to access because it’s too close to structures, power lines or other trees, your removal cost can increase by 25% to 50%.

• Urgency: An emergency tree removal that needs to be done immediately to prevent further property damage or injury, such as when a tree falls on your home or car or is about to. Urgent removals typically cost more than a non-emergency job where the time frame is more flexible.

• Location: If you live outside of your tree service’s usual area of operation, you may be charged an additional mileage fee.

Services involved in a basic tree removal job may include cutting the trunk into smaller sections and cutting and removing branches, leaving only a stump where the tree used to be. Stump grinding, trunk hauling, chipping, trunk splitting and other services may come with additional costs. When hiring a tree service, make sure to get a very clear list of what your estimate includes.

While each tree removal is unique, most involve the same basic steps. A tree removal company will likely do the following:

1. Assess the tree to determine safety concerns, such as leaning and dead branches. 

2. Clear the area around the tree by removing snow, brush, smaller trees and fallen branches.

3. Remove branches from the tree.

4. Cut the trunk down, making sure it falls away from any structures.

5. Cut up the fallen trunk and branches into smaller sections for removal^[0]

6. Remove the stump, if necessary, with a shover or stump grinder.

7. Clean up all branches and debris.

Tree removal is very dangerous work, so unless you have a lot of experience or the tree is small enough that you don’t need a ladder to reach its uppermost branches, it’s safer to bring in a professional.

Trying to cut down a tree yourself can result in injuries from falling, chainsaw recoil or decaying wood landing on you. Additionally, you risk damaging property, creating possible power interruptions and even incurring lawsuits if you incorrectly estimate where the tree will fall.

• Choose a certified arborist. Certified arborists must complete training with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)^[0]

• Confirm that any tree service you’re considering hiring has proper insurance, will conform to the latest industry standards, and will comply with local permitting and licensing regulations.

• Get multiple pricing estimates. If you need cleanup or stump removal, make sure your estimate includes those services.

• Always sign a written contract before proceeding with work.

• Find out if others have been satisfied with the work of any tree service you’re considering. Check out the business with the Better Business Bureau, get references from people you know and read public reviews.

Sometimes, a tree can’t or shouldn’t be saved by trimming or pruning. Here are some of the most common reasons to remove a tree:

• The species is invasive, undesirable or prone to breakage, debris accumulation and shallow roots that damage pavement and lawns.

• The tree is diseased or infested.

• The tree is leaning more than 15% from vertical.

• Over 50% of the tree is damaged^[0]

• More than 50% of the tree’s root system is damaged.

• The trunk is rotting or has a large fungus growth at its base.

• The trunk is severely damaged, and over 25% contains vertical cracks, seams, large old wounds or dead branch stubs.

• One-third or more of the tree is hollow or rotten.

• More than 25% of the tree’s branches are dead or damaged.

• All the dead branches on a tree are on only one side.

• Sprouts are growing from the base of the tree.

• The tree is impacting the health of nearby trees.