How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

Trees can be a wonderful addition to a yard, adding both shade and beauty. However, trees can also become hazardous when they start to die or decay. And to avoid damage to your property, removal may be the only option. You may also simply decide a tree in your yard doesn’t fit your landscaping vision and you’d rather remove it.

The cost of tree removal can range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the situation. Important factors that determine the cost include the size, type, condition and location of the tree.

If you’re considering having a tree removed from your yard, this guide will help you learn everything you need to know about the cost of tree removal, factors that affect the cost, ways to reduce the cost of tree removal and more.

What’s The Average Cost Of Tree Removal?

Most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $200 – $2,000 for professional tree removal services. However, you'll probably pay closer to $750 to remove an average-sized tree. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the tree's size, height, location and health.

Factors That Affect Tree Removal Estimates

The cost of tree removal can span a wide range, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Here are a few key factors that can impact your costs.

Location

As with other products and services, your location will impact your tree removal costs. First, homeowners in certain states tend to pay more for tree removal services. Generally speaking, the higher your local cost of living, the more you’ll pay for services, including tree removal (though that’s not always the case).

For example, the table below shows the average cost to remove a tree in six different cities, three on the lower end of the price spectrum and three on the higher end.

In addition to your geographic location, the location of the tree within your yard also impacts your costs. The more accessible the tree, the lower your costs will be. Meanwhile, a tree that’s difficult to access and requires more specialized equipment to remove will be more expensive.

Size Of The Tree

The size of the tree in question is one of the most important factors impacting the cost of removing it. Not surprisingly, the larger the tree – both in height and the diameter of the trunk – the more expensive it is to remove.

Cost To Remove A Small Tree

A small tree, meaning one that’s 30 feet high or less, is the cheapest to remove. You can expect to pay between $200 and $450. Meanwhile, a medium tree ranging from 30 to 60 feet will cost an average of $420 to $1,200 to remove.

Small trees usually require minimal equipment to remove. Additionally, they are less likely to be at risk of falling on a power line or building, meaning there are fewer precautions needed.

Cost To Remove A Large Tree

Very large trees, meaning those 80 feet high or more, are the most expensive to remove. They generally cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Trees ranging from 60 to 80 feet high cost an average of between $800 and $1,500.

Part of the reason why large trees are more expensive to remove is because more equipment is usually needed. Very large trees may require a crane to remove. Additionally, extra equipment may be needed to ensure they don’t cause damage when they come down.

Number Of Trees

If you’re removing a single tree from your yard, the pricing structure is pretty simple. However, it gets a bit more complicated if you’re removing multiple trees.

For example, maybe you’re clearing a larger wooded area to make room to build a home. In that case, you might pay per acre instead of per tree. According to HomeAdvisor, clearing multiple trees can range from $500 to $2,500 for a sparsely wooded area and between $3,000 and $6,000 for a densely wooded area.

Species

Certain types of trees may have characteristics that make them more difficult to remove, while others are cheaper. Most notably, some trees grow to a larger average size, meaning those trees that grow to be larger are also usually more expensive to remove.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of removing certain species of trees:

• Ash: $250 to $2,000
• Cedar: $250 to $1,500
• Maple: $250 to $2,000
• Oak: $200 to $2,000
• Palm: $200 to $1,500
• Pine: $200 to $1,500

Tree Health

The health and condition of a tree can impact its removal costs. Removing a healthy tree is a relatively straightforward process, meaning you can expect your costs to be closer to the average for its size. However, a diseased or decaying tree may be more expensive.

If a tree is rotting or suffers from certain diseases, you may need an arborist to consult because you remove it. The average cost of hiring an arborist for this type of job is about $940. Unfortunately, depending on the size of the tree, this could more than double your costs.

Reducing The Cost Of Tree Removal

When preparing to remove a tree, whether it’s a standalone project or part of your overall landscaping plan, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your costs.

Prepare Your Yard

You can take steps to reduce your tree removal costs by making the tree professionals’ job easier once they get there. You can save these professionals time and reduce the chance of accidents by clearing the way for them to get to the tree and the area around the tree.

You can also prepare the yard to keep your own belongings safe, preventing you from spending money to replace them. For example, move any patio furniture and other outdoor items that could be damaged by tree branches, dirt or anything else.

Check With Utility Companies

A tree located near power lines poses a potential hazard, and not just for you. If a tree is located too close to a power line or telephone pole, your local utility company might pay for the removal. Checking with your utility company before having the tree removed could save you money.

Compare Quotes

As with any service, it’s important to shop around for tree removal services to get the best price. While your location and the tree itself are important pricing factors, rates can also vary significantly from one company to the next. Additionally, some removal companies might agree to match a competing price to get your business.

Remove The Tree Yourself

Depending on the size, condition and accessibility of the tree, you could save money by removing it yourself. However, this is only recommended for small trees that don’t pose a safety risk to you and the surrounding area. Proceed with caution before going the DIY route, especially if you’re inexperienced with the necessary equipment.

Other Tree-Related Services

In addition to tree removal, there are several other tree-related services you may need. In addition to removing safety hazards, these services, along with other landscaping, can even increase the value of your home. Here are a few examples:

• Stump removal or grinding: Whether you have a rogue stump in your yard or have one left over after tree removal, you can either have it dug up from the ground or ground down. The cost of stump grinding ranges from $100 to $400, while having a stump removed as a whole can cost between $200 and $550.
• Trimming: If you have a tree that’s taking up too much space but you don’t want it removed entirely, consider having it trimmed instead. Tree trimming costs can range from $200 to $760, depending on the type and size of the tree.
• Tree transplantation: If you want to preserve a tree but it doesn’t work in its current location, consider having it transplanted to another place in your yard. Moving a tree can come with a hefty price tag, ranging from $400 to $750 for a small tree and from $700 to $2,000 for a large tree.
• Fallen tree removal: If your tree has fallen on its own, you may still need someone to remove it from your yard. The good news is this comes with a much cheaper price tag than removing a standing tree. Expect to pay between $75 and $150 to remove a fallen tree.

FAQs: Tree Removal Cost

Are you preparing to have a tree removed from your yard? Here are a few more things you may need to know.

What is the cheapest way to cut down a tree?

The cheapest way to cut down a tree is to do it yourself, but that isn’t always advisable for large trees, those with severe damage or those that could result in injury or damage. If you can’t safely remove the tree yourself, it’s worth the money to hire the job out. When hiring someone to remove a tree, you can find the cheapest price by shopping around and comparing quotes.

What time of year is cheapest for tree removal?

Winter is often the cheapest time of year to remove a tree for a couple of reasons. First, demand for arborist and tree removal services tends to be lower in the winter. Additionally, because trees lose their leaves in the winter, they may be easier to cut down.

What trees are illegal to cut down?

The laws regarding tree removal vary depending on where you live. Some places may require permits to remove trees, even on private property. There may also be restrictions on removing trees from a right of way, even when they’re technically located on your property.

The Bottom Line

Removing a tree can be expensive, but it can also improve your yard’s landscaping or remove a safety hazard. The price ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size and condition of your tree, and you can save money by shopping around for the best deal.

If you’re removing trees as a part of a landscaping project, consider using a home equity loan to fund the project. Apply for a home equity loan today to see if it’s the right fit to pay for your yard improvements.