How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tree?
$320 – $811 ($12 Per Foot)
The average cost to remove a tree is $700. For small trees up to 30 feet high you can expect to pay $250, for trees between 30 and 60 feet prices range from $300 to $700, and to cut down large trees over 60 feet costs between $700 and $1,800. Get free estimates from tree removal services near you.
Tree Removal Cost
The average cost to remove a tree ranges from $100 to $1,800 with most homeowners spending about $700. For small trees up to 30 feet high you can expect to spend $250, for trees between 30 and 60 feet prices range from $300 to $700, and to cut down large trees over 60 feet costs between $700 and $1,800. Pricing depends on the height, diameter, condition, location, and the type of tree.
| National Average Cost | $715 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,800 |
| Average Range | $355 to $1,110 |
Table Of Contents
- Tree Removal Cost
- Cost To Cut Down A Tree
- Tree Removal Cost Calculator
- Small Tree Removal
- Medium Tree Removal
- Large Tree Removal
- Very Large Tree Removal
- Fallen Tree Removal
- Average Price For Tree Removal
- Tree Removal Cost Factors
- Prices For Extra Tree Services
- Tree Trimming, Pruning, and Cutting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tree Removal Near Me
Cost To Cut Down A Tree
The average cost to cut down a tree is between $355 and $1,110 mainly depending on the height of the tree and the complexity of the job. The reason for the variance in work and costs involved is because of the unknown elements in the tree’s condition and how it will respond in the event of being cut down.
Tree Removal Cost Per Tree
The average cost of tree removal is $700 per tree. Tree removal is based on a price per foot, with average costs being $12 to $13 per foot. The most common size classifications are as follows:
| Size | Height | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 30 feet | $100 to $300 |
| Medium | Between 30 and 60 feet | $300 to $700 |
| Large | Between 60 and 80 feet | $700 to $1,100 |
| Very Large | Over 80 feet tall | $1,100 to $1,800 |
Tree Removal Cost Near Me
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Tree Removal Cost Calculator
The biggest aspect of tree removal cost is based on a tree’s height.
Small Tree Removal Cost
The average cost to remove a small tree up to 30 feet tall is $100 to $300. Small trees will be the easiest (and least expensive) to remove, and in the case that you just want the tree off the property, it should only take one person. Examples of small trees include:
- Apple trees
- Hawthorn
- Corkscrew hazel
- Silver birch
- Ornamental pear
- And other fruit trees
Medium Tree Removal Cost
It will cost approximately $300 to $700 to remove a medium tree ranging between 30 to 60 feet in hight. Some examples of trees that fall in this category are:
- Hornbeam, 20’ to 40’ tall and 30’ to 40’ feet wide (foliage)
- Linden, 60 to 70 feet tall and 30’ to 40’ feet wide
- Maple, 40’ to 60’ tall and 20’ to 40’ wide
- Elm, 40 to ’60’ tall and 40 to ’60’ wide
Large Tree Removal Cost
The average cost to remove a large tree reaching 60 to 80 feet in height is $700 to $1,100, being more expensive to remove because of the additional high-powered machinery required for its removal. Some trees that fit this pricing category are:
- Oak, 70’ to 80’ tall when fully grown and around 80 feet wide
- Zelkova, 50’ to 80’ tall and 50’ to 75’ wide
Very Large Tree Removal
A very large tree can be over 80 feet tall, costing $1,100 to $1,800 to remove. As the tree height increases, your specialist will add more people to the team, with some of the taller trees needing four people onsite to do the work. Some trees of this height are:
- Tulip tree, 70’ to 90’ tall and 35’ to 50’ wide
- Pine, 80’ to 100’ tall
Tree Transplanting Cost
If you want the tree transplanted to another part of your property, there may be two workers on the job to make it faster, and the service to move a tree to a new location will add another $100 to $150 to your final cost.
Fallen Tree Removal Cost
The average fallen or dead tree removal costs $100 to $600 which is about 1/3 of the removal cost compared to a tree that is still standing. Removing a tree that has already fallen will normally be a cheaper project than removing a tree that is still standing because the precautions for the workers and the structures on the property are not as significant a concern. Depending on the length of the tree, its diameter, and the number of branches, there may still be a significant amount of work involved.
Average Price For Tree Removal
The average price of removing a full-grown tree is $650 to $1,100 depending on the type of tree and it's height. An old Oak tree costs $950 to remove on average, a Pine tree costs $1,100, and the cost to cut down a Palm tree is around $650.
Depending on the age of the tree and its actual height and diameter, these prices will vary, but following is a chart for removal of some of the more common trees using their fully-grown dimensions and the average resulting costs:
| Tree Type | Dimensions | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | 80’ tall and 26’ wide weighing 3.9 tons | $950 |
| Pine | 90’ tall and 2’ wide weighing 10 tons | $1,100 |
| Palm | 35’ to 60’ tall and 9’ wide | $650 |
| Poplar | Growing to 90’ to 115’ tall | $1,100+ |
| Maple | Up to 100’ tall | $1,100+ |
In general, most trees don’t have tremendous variance between their height or diameter when comparing two trees of the same age growing in similar conditions and climate. One exception to this is the palm tree, and depending on the variety, its weight will be between 100 and 1,000 lbs. per trunk foot, thereby increasing the removal cost considerably.
Oak Tree Removal Cost
California and other states ban the removal of oak trees unless they pose a safety or health risk. It will cost approximately $950 to remove and oak tree that’s 80’ tall and 26’ wide, weighing 3.9 tons.
Pine Tree Removal Cost
Pine trees can leave the soil in an acidic state after removal. Add lime to change the pH level of the soil while it rests over the rest of the year. It can cost about $1,100 to remove a 90’ tall and 2’ wide pine tree weighing 10 tons.
Palm Tree Removal Cost
Depending on the variety of palm tree to be removed, its weight will be between 100 and 1,000 lbs. per trunk foot, thereby increasing the removal cost considerably; but in general, a 35’ to 60’ tall and 9’ wide palm tree will cost $650 to remove.
Poplar Tree Removal Cost
Cottonwoods, aspens, and balsam poplars’ root systems, rhizomes, are invasive, and homeowners are usually eager to remove them. Growing to about 90 to 115 feet, it will cost about $1,100 to $1,800 to remove one.
Maple Tree Removal Cost
Popular as ornamental trees, maples come in all sizes but can grow up to 100 feet tall, and large poplars can cost about $1,100 to $1,800 to remove.
Tree Removal Cost Factors
Tree removal is one of the more standardized services from a pricing perspective with a core set of variables governing the main pricing factors. The average cost of tree removal doesn’t include a host of possible additional costs attached to a tree’s diameter, condition, and location.
Height of Tree
The taller the tree you need removed, the heavier it will be, and as a result, the higher the risks are for potential damage to those working on its removal, as well as any property nearby. Mitigating those risks is a crucial component in the planning and execution of the removal of your tree, and it normally requires more equipment and people to get the work done.
Diameter of Tree
The thicker the trunk, the more sections it will need to be cut into once it has been cut down. In some cases, a shorter, thicker tree could take more time and money to remove than a taller, thinner one because of this. A tree trunk diameter is usually measured at what is called chest height, which is usually 4.5 feet off the ground and rounded up to the nearest half inch.
Condition of Tree
The condition of the tree will need to be established to work out what the plan will be to remove the tree, and final costs. The type of things your specialist will look at include the following:
Dead Trees
Trees can become a hazard on your property once they are diseased or dying, as they can attract termites and rats, reduce your curb appeal, spread disease to surrounding trees and shrubbery, or fall and cause damage to property and people.
Because of all the variables mentioned above, it is possible the specialist will want to do a closer examination once onsite to establish a plan of action for dealing with the tree before giving a quote.
Location of Tree
The tree’s location will have an impact on the price for several reasons, including potential damage to nearby property when it is cut down—if there is a chance for it to hit your home or any other buildings, special considerations will need to be taken, including the use of cranes and other equipment. Another potential impact to the price is if it is near or tangled in a powerline or any other utility lines, or which could pose a threat to the utility lines as the tree is being removed.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) states that, "All tree trimming or removal work within ten feet of a power line must be done by trained and experienced line-clearance tree trimmers."
Additional Cost Factors
- More Than One Trunk – The stress and strain it places on each of the trunks will present challenges, and will likely require special accommodations during the work to facilitate a safe removal.
- Emergency Tree Removal – If a tree is damaged and something must be done immediately to protect the property and its inhabitants then, as with most professional services, you can expect to pay a premium to have the work fast tracked. Emergency tree removal services generally deal directly with insurance companies, and you should check your insurance carrier to see if your policy covers the work before paying for it yourself.
- Being Outside the Tree Specialist’s Service Area - Depending on how rural your location is, or the distance the contractor needs to travel, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 extra in most cases, depending on the size of the crew and the type of equipment they need to bring.
- Tree Angle – Cutting down an angled tree down will always present challenges. If there are structures close by, and roots are already exposed on the opposite side of the lean, then extra care must be taken with its removal.
- Death and Decay in a Tree – An arborist can perform a Resistograph test to determine how far gone the tree is. The professional will drill a probe into the trunk of the tree, and the strength of the tree will either be displayed on a printout or computer screen. The tree’s trunk health will be categorized as hollow, decayed, or solid. This testing may be an additional line item in your project cost of between $100 to $200 for one tree, and an additional $45 to $65 per tree after that.
- Soil Condition – If the tree in question is on a hill that is a mud pit, or very rocky, or in danger of land sliding, removal will cost more.
Average Prices For Extra Tree Services
Cost To Clear Trees Per Acre
If removing trees from a larger area of land, tree clearing per acre ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 on lightly wooded lots and between $3,790 to $6,710 for a heavily forested acreage.
Tree Stump Removal Cost
Once the tree has been cut down, you will need to decide if you are okay with the stump remaining on your property. Tree stump removal costs can range from under $50 if you do the work yourself to as much as $800 for a stump with a significantly large diameter that needs grinding.
Tree stump removal is not usually included in the price to remove a tree from your property. In addition to the stumps diameter, prices will increase when the stump has an extensive root system, is in tightly compacted earth, or is in a location that is difficult to access. Following is a list of some common methods for removing tree stumps:
- Stump Grinding – You can expect to pay $100 to $350 for grinding the stump, with the average being around $150, and $30 to $50 per stump after that. If there are any rocks or stones around the stump, you could save a little money by removing these yourself first.
- Stump Chemical Treatment – Chemical treatment on the stump is normally less than $100 and takes between 4 to 6 weeks to work. Alternatively, you can take care of it yourself by drilling a series of interconnecting holes in the stump and pouring in the chemical treatment.
- Stump Burning – A minimum callout fee of $250 should take care of the first stump and around $40 per stump after that. You will need to check with your local fire department about any restrictions around starting a fire on your property.
- Manual Extraction of Stump – If hiring someone else to remove the stump for you, you can expect to see prices starting at $300 and going up from there, depending on the complexities involved with the project.
- Tree Root Removal - Root system removal will cost $135–$150 per hour, as the root ball of the tree must be dug out with excavation equipment.
Tree Debris Removal Cost
Many times the price to cut down a tree may not include the cost of removing the debris from the property. There may be a difference in the price to haul the wood away and dispose of it ($50 to $100), versus chipping it onsite ($75), depending on the amount of wood and your location.
Limb Chipping
At $70 to $150 per hour, the limbs of your cut down trees can be chipped rather than hauled away. The tree removal contractor may have a chipper and include this service in his price. Alternatively, some local governments offer free chipping and use the chips in local parks.
Log Splitting
If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove in your home, or any other need for the wood that has been cut down, your tree specialist will typically offer a service to split the logs onsite for $75 to $100.
Tree Trimming, Pruning, and Cutting Cost
In addition to removal, you may need trimming, cutting, and pruning of your trees which ranges between $95 and $1,100 or more depending on the job size and requirements.
Tree Trimming Cost
Tree trimming costs between $250 to $500 on average depending on the height of the tree and how many branches need to be trimmed. This table shows the average costs for tree trimming, from smallest tree to tallest tree.
| Tree Height | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Below 30 feet tall | $95 – $375 |
| From 30 feet to 60 feet tall | $200 – $860 |
| From 60 feet to 80 feet | $320 – $1,100 |
| Over 80 feet tall | $350 – $1,500 or more |
Tree Pruning & Branch Removal Cost
Tree pruning and branch removal costs $98 to $173 per hour, with an average cost of $428 total. Compared to trimming, pruning is a more precise operation and is carried out using hand tools as opposed to electric or gas-powered tools. If doing the work yourself, your initial investment in the necessary tools will total between $260 and $350. [1],[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is it to remove a tree?
Tree removal prices range from $200 for a small tree (< 30 feet tall), $500 for a medium-sized tree (30 to 60 feet tall), $900 for a large tree (60 to 90 feet tall), and up to $1,800 for a huge tree over 80 feet tall.
Is tree removal covered by insurance?
According to Esurance, “If an otherwise healthy tree damages your home as a result of a windstorm, lightning bolt, or even a car colliding with it, dwelling and other structures coverages may help pay to repair any damages to your home. This coverage also includes separate structures on your property, including sheds, carports, and more.” You should have your trees inspected after any major storms in your area, especially if your home or any other structures on your property could be hit if a tree fell. A visual inspection will typically cost between $150 and $200.
How To Save Money On Tree Removal
In order to save money on tree removal:
- Prepare the Site - Do what you can to prepare the site for the people coming to work on your tree, such as removing stones around the tree base, moving a garden shed, trampoline, etc., that could prevent or slow down the contractor from getting to the location of the tree. Check with your contractor before they come to your property to see what nature of equipment they will be using and need wide access for.
- Remove Trees Quickly - The faster you get a rotting or dead tree felled, the more likely you are to prevent damage to your property, or a family member, by falling debris from the tree.
- Remove Trees in the Winter - The best time of year to remove trees is winter—when birds aren’t nesting and the trees aren’t actively growing. This is the down season for tree removal contractors, and discounts should be greater.
- Free Tree Removal - Lumber companies will sometimes be willing to remove trees for free in exchange for being able to sell the wood. This usually only works if you have a lot of trees of a variety that makes for good firewood or furniture. While “free tree removal” sounds like magical words, and it’s tempting to find anyone to come and chop them up for firewood, you could end up paying thousands if they are injured on your property because they didn’t have liability insurance.
Hiring a Tree Removal Service
As with any contractor you wish to bring to your property, you should look for contractors that have high reviews, are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (preferably with an A/A + rating) and who can show you some before and after examples of the work they have done with trees similar to yours. Also, because of potential risks to your property structures, you will need to make sure they are insured and bonded.
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted tree removal companies:
[1] remodelingexpense.com
[2] manta.com
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