Search over 800 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings

CostHelper.com > Home & Garden  > Tree Removal

Tree Removal Cost

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

low costLow: $125-$437
low costMedium: $175-$900
low costHigh: $962-$1,400+

Related Topics:

Tree Service

Sod

Landscape Design

>> All Articles for Home & Garden

   cost separator
 
The cost of tree removal varies according to a tree's location, height, width, number of branches and proximity to utility lines or other obstacles, according to Atlanta-Tree.com.
 
Typical costs:
  • Small trees up to about 30-feet high, such as a Black Mulberry, Dogwood or Russian Olive, with clearance of buildings and utility lines cost about $125-$437 to remove.
  • Medium-sized trees from 30-60 feet tall including the Black Alder, Black Gum and Crabapple, that are set apart from buildings and utilities run $175-$900.
  • Large trees 60-80 feet high, including Red Oak, Pine and Black Locust, are estimated at $400-$1,000.
  • Trees 80-100 feet tall such as the American Ash, Bur Oak and Sugar Maple can cost anywhere from $962-$1,400+.
What should be included:
  • Tree removal generally includes bringing the tree down to a stump, chipping or hauling away the small branches and cutting the trunk into small sections. Stump removal requires a separate machine, but can be included in the overall price. Roots are generally not included in the bid, though some exposed roots near the stump can be taken care of during stump removal. For an extra charge, the trunk wood can be hauled away. Some services bring along a wood splitter and for an extra fee will split and stack the wood.
  • When trees are near buildings, the tree cannot just be knocked over and cut apart. Each end to be cut must be "roped down." The climber ties a rope around the piece to be cut off. After cutting, the section of wood is lowered slowly to the ground.
  • If trees are near utility lines, contact the local utility company for an inspection.
Additional costs:
  • Stump grinding pulverizes the remaining tree stump into a pile of sawdust and may be priced separately or as part of the estimate. Large stump grinding averages $169-$300. Small stumps are about $75.
  • While branches and litter from the tree removal are cleaned up by the tree crew, the cost estimate does not always include hauling away the large pieces of potential firewood. Some companies charge up to $350 to haul away trunk wood from a 30-foot tree removal.
  • Chipping branches may be an extra $65-$150 per hour, if not included in the estimate. Some outfits charge around $50 to haul away the load of chips.
  • Hiring an out-of-the-area arborist will cost drive time plus mileage. Arborist consultations can run $125 per hour.
  • Check city codes. Some trees -- either on the street or on private property -- are protected in certain areas.
Shopping for tree removal:
Article updated April 2007
Was this article helpful?  yes  no digg this Digg this delicious del.icio.us post E-mail post Post

Recent Posts
Amount: $395.00 per tree Trunk Removal and Stump Grinding
Posted by: trailmix4991 in Sunnyvale, CA.Purchased: February, 2008
Type of Tree: AcaciaHeight: 25'
PG&E cut down our Acacia tree for free, as the branches were near power lines. The tree was 19" DBH ("Diameter at breast height" -- the diameter of the tree stem 4 1/2 feet above the ground). PG&E took away the branch, cut the trunk into pieces, and left the stump.

Afterwards, the contractor that removed the tree (as an independent side job, not related to PG&E) separately agreed to haul away the pieces for $175 and to grind the stump for $220.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $4,700.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: Nan in Richfield, MN.Purchased: July, 2008
Type of Tree: ElmHeight: 100 ft
We have a large tree in our backyard infected with Dutch Elm Disease. My arms go around the tree about 1/3 of the way around. The estimate I received today seems very high.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $500.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: Elizabeth in Gainesville, GA.Purchased: October, 2008
Type of Tree: OakHeight: 50- 100ft
We recieved one estimate that was $2800 for one 100 ft oak tree that was close to our home and split into two section, one section being dead from a lightning strike. We called a second company and they will remove the above mentioned tree along with two others (one 50 ft elm close to the home and a 100 ft oak in front of the house) for $1500 cash, however they will not do any clean up. You can always get in touch with a local firewood business, and they may come and take the wood away for nothing (although you will probably have a mess left behind and small limbs to contend with). It always makes sense to call/ask around. As with any large purchase or contracted service, do your homework.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $450.00 per tree Tree removal
Posted by: woodencreation in Catawba, NC.Purchased: February, 2009
Type of Tree: SycamoreHeight: 70'
Contractor: yes
I operate a tree cutting service. I Charge $75 an hour. I cut down a Sycamore tree that split at the bottom into two trees, took around 6 hrs to rope down cut up and remove small limbs. Charged an extra $125 for stump and root removal.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $900.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: D K in Commerce, MI.Purchased: March, 2009
Type of Tree: OakHeight: 85 foot
Contractor: C&S Tree Service
They removed a large oak 15 feet away from my house, and the pruned 3 other trees, they did an outstanding job.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,400.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: jerry d. in kirkland, WA.Purchased: March, 2009
Type of Tree: lrg doug firHeight: 160 ft
Contractor: barrons best nw
id like to share my nw tree removal experience i was tired of feeling threatened by such a monster of a tree windstorms frequently sent large limbs piercing through my roof and not really any sunlight to grow lawn or landscape i didn't know i could call this incredible crew to solve my problems so quickly and safely now they are working for my neighbors who wanted to keep their trees so the crew is doing selective pruning and limbing to make their trees safe and healthier looking call them at 206-370-1518 i would certainly do it again if i need more work
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $6,700.00 per tree Tree Removal in Gwinnett
Posted by: MK in GA in Suwanne, GA.Purchased: 2009
Type of Tree: OakHeight: 75-100 feet
Contractor: Cowata Removal
The man said almost 7 grand to remove a tree in on the edge of our fence line. Currently, it is being held up by surrounding oaks in the forest or forest line. It is falling with some roots showing, or titling right now. I thought the price was outrageous. Still looking for a better price.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $275.00 per tree 80' Southern pine
Posted by: a user in Houston, TX.Purchased: 2009
Type of Tree: PineHeight: 80'
Contractor: Raintree
I saw this contractor driving through my area and called for a quote. This is a very good price. They are a professional outfit.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $250.00 per tree Tree Cut & Removal
Posted by: Reginal V. in Tucker, GA.Purchased: May, 2009
Type of Tree: PineHeight: 80ft
Contractor: Watson Tree Service
Had a couple of tree removed and limbs of other cut back.
Great value.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $3,000.00 per tree Tree removal
Posted by: MysterH in Palatine, IL.Purchased: June, 2009
Type of Tree: Silver ElmHeight: 80'
Contractor: 2 estimates
Old silver elm has part hollow trunk (we are told). Located about 25 feet from house and 6 feet from fence. Large limbs threaten house, deck and neighboring structure. Quoted $2500-$3500 and no guarantee on fence. Reasonable?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $800.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: myron snellville ga in snellville, GA.Purchased: June, 2009
Type of Tree: pine treesHeight: 80-100ft
Contractor: Tree Pro Inc
I had 2 tall pine trees removed from my backyard
surrounded by varies trees and strubs that I wanted to save. This tree service did a very good job and there was no damage to my yard or surrounding trees and strubs. The clean up was great also. I Highly recommend this company
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $275.00 per tree Tree and Stump Removal
Posted by: Ebenezer Daniel in Mt Washington, MD.Purchased: July, 2009
Type of Tree: Bradford PearHeight: around 25 feet
Contractor: JEL Landscapes
The tree was removed and a few days later the stump was removed. The job was well done and the owner courteous. I think I got a good deal with this contractor and would be happy to hire his company anytime.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $250.00 per tree Tree Service
Posted by: Master Arborist in Winnipeg, Other.Purchased: August, 2009
Type of Tree: Elm more in canadaHeight: 100
Contractor: Green Drop Ltd
I do estimates for a highly professional tree service we charge $250.00 per hour Id say average hourly wage should be approx $150-200 This price includes cleanup. I price stumps at $4.00 per inch so if you measure your stump from end to end at 25"=$100.00. We dont charge for hauling the chips away nor the wood just the cutting and stacking time, here in canada we have many eager people who come get the wood from job sites to heat their homes. The chips are dumped at various Soil/landscape companys free of charge and they recycle it by selling as organic mulch.Things to ask a company if your looking for a quality job/company would be: Are your arborists certified?(make sure to ask to see estimators license he shouldnt be quoting if he is not certified) ISA certified is top notch. Is your company insured? Is your company able to top trees?(trick question you want their answer dont tell why you asked if they do this is a non quality outfit because respectable companys will not top trees due to the hazard they will present in the future they will try talk you out of it or alternative options)
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,000.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: a user in Roanoke Rapids, NC.Purchased: August, 2009
Type of Tree: white oakHeight: 80"
Contractor: brafford tree removal
Had this contractor cut down a very large white oak that was 4 feet from the corner of my house. The tree was healthy but I was concerned about the proximity to the house. They cut the tree down using rope method and a bucket truck cleaned up the mess and left me the firewood. Absolutely no damage to the house or grounds. They also trimmed up several limbs on surrounding trees that were either dead or hanging over my house for an additional 200 dollars. This did not include stump grinding. I intend to use them again to keep my many trees healthy and safe.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $300.00 per tree Tree and Stump Removal
Posted by: AandS in San Leandro, CA.Purchased: August, 2009
Type of Tree: PlumHeight: 15 ft
Contractor: Jenson's Tree care
Have a multi-trunked tree w/ trunks no bigger than 4-6 inches in diameter...less at DBH. This cost includes removal of all wood/limbs and grinding down the stump. I think this is excessive considering I could cut it down in an hour but just don't have the ability to dispose of the wood or grind down the stump. He's done work for us before that we thought was much more reasonable.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,000.00 per tree large tree removal
Posted by: Robert C in North Tonawanda, NY.Purchased: September, 2009
Type of Tree: mapleHeight: 65 ft
Contractor: private
The maple tree had 25 feet branches overhanging my house roof and sun room. It is very close to the neighbor's house, next to chain link fence, about 10 feet to sun room, about 15 feet to the house. Also, it is within multiple evergreen trees. Grinding the 30 inch dia. stump cost additional $150. It took two guys over four hours to cut the whole tree down. Clean up is not included although they took the branches and twigs with them. They left branch and trunk sections for me to cut up and split for firewood. The supervisor is ISA Arborist certified.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $400.00 per tree Tree & Stump Removal
Posted by: Chuck W in Gaithersburg, MD.Purchased: October, 2009
Type of Tree: Bradford PearHeight: 30+ feet
Contractor: David's Tree Removal
The 45 MPH wind gusts today took down 55% of my tree. I called the tree removal/pruning guy that I hired to elevate and thin out all my trees. He looked at what was left and said that the tree, already weak, is more weakened and needs to be removed. Gave me a price of $400 including stump grinding and installing sod where stump is being removed.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $6,000.00 per tree Large Cypress tree removal
Posted by: MtnHaus in Berkeley, CA.Purchased: November, 2009
Type of Tree: CypressHeight: 80'
We've got bids to have three old large trees removed. Trunks are 5-6 ft in diameter and they're maybe 80 feet tall. They're boundary trees in a residental neighborhood. The two lowest bids are around $18,000 total for the three, including haul off and stump chipping. It's crazy, but these trees have got to go!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $400.00 per tree tree and stump removal
Posted by: shawty in columbia, SC.Purchased: October, 2009
Type of Tree: pineHeight: 70feet
Contractor: T&T Tree Service
I had 3 tree\'s removed from my backyard all debris hauled away and stump\'s grinded.Great service no will recommend highly too anyone!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $4,000.00 per tree tree surgeon
Posted by: phillip ward in dothan, AL.Purchased: October, 2009
Type of Tree: pinesHeight: 95 feet
Contractor: paul bunyon tree service
they are the best they did a very great job they are hands on so they didn't mess up my lawn i would like for other people too try them so here their number 334-718-4684
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 per tree Tree work - hire an arborist
Posted by: mmm in New Haven, CT.Purchased: 2009
Make sure they are licensed and insured.
A great place to start looking is:
www.treesaregood.org
Look for a certified arborist in your area. Most states have licensing requirements. This means they will have the experience and continued training for a professional job.
Also,
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 per tree Tree removal
Posted by: Lon C. Kincannon in Lakewood, WA.Purchased: 2009
Type of Tree: Red AlderHeight: > 100 feet
Contractor: Evergreen Tree Care
The contractor wanted $2400.00 to remove a huge mature Red Alder (The trunk was 2 feet in diameter) that was covered with ivy. That seemed a bit too high. But I was told that all the ivy had to be removed (labor intense) before the tree could be removed as a safety precaution. But since there was plenty of space to just drop the entire tree, that's just what I did myself with no problems at all. It is a lot of hard and dangerous work to dispatch a huge tree. I would have paid the $2,400.00 for a more complicated tree removal but this job was just too simple.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $325.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: a user in Stony Brook, NY.Purchased: December, 2009
Type of Tree: OakHeight: 75+ feet
had 5 oak trees removed, cut flush. Diameter of the trees ranges from about 1.5 foot to 2 feet. Wanted the wood for the fireplace so they left the trunks in chunks, and they took away the rest. Took them a good 4+ hours and 4 men to complete the work.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $5,500.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: frankMd in Savannah, GA.Purchased: September, 2009
Type of Tree: Red OakHeight: 80ft
Contractor: Hunt Tree Service
In September of 09 my wife and I had a red oak removed from over my pool and house. The tree was in my backyard and was removed with a crane. I recieved Hunts name from several other doctors that I work with. These guys do great work! Hunt Tree Service covers Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Excellent Job! Give them a call 912-656-3143
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,600.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: Jake68 in Newbury, MA.Purchased: 2010
Type of Tree: pineHeight: 120\'
We had a tree 120\' pine fall during a storm. It missed the house and damaged nothing. Just laying in the yard. Entire stump was pulled up with it. Local service quoted us $1600 for removal. No need to fell it. No need for stump removal. Just chop off limbs, cut to size and haul it away. Does this seem an honest quote?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $200.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: Chook in Gaithersburg, MD.Purchased: October, 2009
Type of Tree: 1 Bradford Pear & 1 SpruceHeight: less than 30\'
Contractor: David\'s Tree Service
Both trees were cut down after storm damage, cut up and removed. Dave came back later to grind stumps and put down sod. They even cleaned my gutters for no additional charge. Very pleased.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 per tree professional service
Posted by: Natural Expressions land services in Binghamton, NY.Purchased: March, 2009
Type of Tree: mostHeight: avg
Contractor: N E tree service
I own a tree service. i have been climbing for 15 plus yrs and i can tell you that prices are never a constant in this business! I avg. about 150 per hr.
for a full clean up minus the wood and 100 per hr for take down only. i have worked all over ny nj and pa and the prices all vary drastically. A good climber deserves to get paid very well. He cant do it forever and if he is sticking with the profession he will need to "retire Early" so saving cash is crucial especially for the long winter months in upstate ny where the snow can cripple a company till spring. its very difficult work and extremely hazardous. you wont see to many men climbing past age 40. On this note each tree has its own price and all companies will give you a different one so get a few quotes and make sure you get the most respectable man for the job. not just the cheapest. insurance is a must!
thanks, Bryan
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $5,000.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: Tramon in Arvada, CO.Purchased: 2009
Type of Tree: AshHeight: 80 FT
Contractor: Monkey Business
I just want to get my tree trimmed, not removed. It has a huge limb that is hanging over my neighbors home and I am afraid it will break in the wind. I know it will be quite a bit of work but is this a good price? It seems so high just to trim a tree.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $300.00 per tree TREE TRIMMING-CUTTING
Posted by: Billy little tree in TRI STATE AREA, NY.Purchased: 2010
Type of Tree: MOST TREESHeight: 40-50 FEET
Contractor: ARBORIST
CERTIFIED ARBORIST.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $500.00 per tree GREAT JOB DONE
Posted by: frankop in Pittsburgh, PA.Purchased: March, 2010
Type of Tree: locust and walnutHeight: 40\'
Contractor: Ocheltree tree and lawn service
I had them take a few trees down in my back yard. It was a hard job but they finished when Kennedy said they would.
I located ocheltree tree and lawn service from Craigslist
I would use them again in the future when I have my other trees worked on
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $250.00 per tree TREE REMOVAL
Posted by: Calamity Jeanne in Duluth, MN.Purchased: June, 2009
Type of Tree: BirchHeight: 50\'(?)
Contractor: Rick\'s Tree and Stump Removal
The power company\'s tree contractor actually cut down the birch tree, which was large, already dead when we bought the house in 2007, and threatening the power lines, in late fall of 2008. Removal was up to us. We let it go over the winter, then contacted Rick Hansen in spring of 2009 for an estimate. (I work in the city engineer\'s office, and Rick does a lot of clearing and grubbing subcontracting on local street improvement projects, so I already knew him.) He quoted us $200 to cut up and remove the large pieces of birch trunk. I told him to go for it. While on the job he called me at work and said that for an additional $50 he\'d grind out the stump. Again, I told him to go for it. His crew did a beautiful hob and left us lots of lovely birch sawdust to use as mulch.

We now have, back near where the dead birch was, a dead spruce. This tree is more like 80\' tall. I called Rick for a ballpark estimate on taking it down and removing it, but by then the snow was too deep for him to actually get out here and take a look at it. He said probably $700 to $800 for cutting down, removal and grinding the stump. I started setting money aside every payday to get this job done once the snow melted. Then the roof of our enclosed back porch started to leak badly, so we had to spend the money to get the porch re-roofed. Next year we\'ll deal with the tree.

Rick is also a certified arborist and is very professional and thorough. I\'d recommend him to anyone.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $3,000.00 per tree Tree Removal
Posted by: Very Satisfied Customer in Clinton, MD.Purchased: May, 2010
Type of Tree: MapleHeight: 100\' est
Contractor: Treescape Services
Tree was old, very large and severly damaged. It was next to fence and storage sheds. Most of the wood was cut and removed to neighbor\'s yard for neighbor to use for firewood. Stump was ground out and all debris removed. Work completed in 3 hours. Very pleased with services and would hire again if necessary.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $370.00 per tree PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Posted by: Calamity Jeanne in Duluth, MN.Purchased: June, 2010
Type of Tree: SpruceHeight: 80 - 100 feet
Contractor: Rick's Tree and Stump Removal
We learned last week that my husband is about to inherit some money, so I called Rick to ask for an estimate for removal of the dead spruce tree as detailed in my last post. Got the estimate the same day: $300 to take down and remove the tree, $35 to grind the stump, and $35 to remove the excess mulch. We can go for that now, no need to wait until our ship comes in! I have no doubt that the crew will do a good job.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 per tree Pricing tree removals
Posted by: Matthew Banchero in Sonoma County, CA.Purchased: 2010
Contractor: Matthew Banchero's Tree Service
There are lots of considerations. Is the tree safe to climb? What does the landing zone look like? Are their ornamental plantings to watch out for? How far is the drag to the chipper? How easy is the access for the stump grinder? Is a permit required? Is the contractor licensed? Does the contractor have a bond and insurance? Is the crew insured and do they have workmans comp? Does the contractor carry insurance on their truck and chipper? Additional equipment like boom lifts or cranes cost extra and can be included in a bid or can be paid for by the home owner. Tree removal is an industry that requires specialized skills, equipment and overhead. In my area, my price of $75 a man hour is on the inexpensive side for licensed contractors. Several other outfits in the area charge $85-105/hr. Many skilled but unlicensed guys here charge $50-65/hr and there is no shortage of guys with a saw and pick up truck who want the wood and will cut and haul for $25/hr. Be sure to consider the down side of going with the cheapest bid, as in a tree through your house or an injured guy in your back yard. As a home owner you can be held liable for hiring an unlicensed contractor and your home insurance will not cover property damage or medical bills. Get three bids if it is a big job, ask for copies of insurance or licenses if you are paying for the contractor to have them and trust your instincts.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $1,300.00 per tree tree removal
Posted by: Charles and Nancy in Reno to Lake Tahoe, NV.Purchased: June, 2010
Type of Tree: sugar pineHeight: 80'
Contractor: Tree Master, Don Butler
Huge tree he dropped exactly where he said he would... between power lines, our house, and other trees. Took one day to chop down (OK.. chain saw)and one day to cut into pieces and haul away. Cut it to ground level and left the site swept clean. Highly recommend! This guy knows what he's doing!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $5,000.00 per tree Tree removal
Posted by: Herim in Union, NJ.Purchased: July, 2010
Type of Tree: OakHeight: 100+
The contractor wants $5000 to remove tree to the stump. Tree is on 2 properties. The trunk's diameter is about 4 feet. Is this price too high?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $850.00 per tree To Jake68 from Newbury MA
Posted by: Mel, Scarborough ME in Scarborough, ME.Purchased: July, 2010
Type of Tree: PineHeight: 80'
Contractor: Way Up
I think $1600 is overpriced. I just had an 80' pine, that branched into three equal parts, nearly at the base of the tree, taken down for $850. It was extremely close to my shed, and other trees too. They removed everything from my yard. They brought in a 50' bucket truck too. Granted, I negotiated the price down from $1,100.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


Post About Your Experience With Tree Removal
 
Subject:  * Amount Spent:  * per tree
Type of Tree: Height: 
Contractor:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.