How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree?
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The exact cost to remove a tree will depend on the size of the tree, accessibility, condition, trunk diameter, and more. However, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $750, or between $200 and $2,000, to remove a tree.
Highlights
- The national average cost of tree removal is $750, but costs can range from $200 to $2,000.
- Tree size, species, and health can affect the cost to remove a tree. Accessibility, labor, and geographic location are also factors.
- Trees may need to be removed if they have large dead branches, a damaged or hollow trunk, disease or rot, are leaning, or are growing too close to power lines or other structures.
- Removing a small tree may be a DIY project for some homeowners. For larger trees, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a tree service that has the equipment and experience to do this job safely.
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Trees are a wonderful part of nature, but roots or an overgrown tree can become problematic over time. In some cases, tree removal is the only option. According to Michael Black, director of operations at BrightView Tree Care Services, this can happen “when trees become unsafe or are in major conflict with infrastructure like plumbing, foundations, roofs, roads, etc.” Roots can break through sidewalks and driveways or damage underground pipes. Overgrown branches could damage a house. On rare, unfortunate occasions, homeowners may need tree removal after a tree falls on their house during a storm. When a homeowner considers removing a tree from the yard, a common question is: How much does it cost to remove a tree? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, it costs $750 to remove a tree, but this can range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size and condition of the tree. Factors that affect the cost to remove a tree include accessibility, tree height, trunk diameter, condition of the tree, stump removal, cleanup, and any extra equipment required.
Factors in Calculating the Cost to Remove a Tree
While the average cost to remove a tree is $750, there are a number of factors that can affect what a homeowner will pay. A tree service company can quickly identify any tricky situations that would make tree removal challenging or hazardous. In some cases, the tree is located too close to a home or fence, which means extra care is needed. Trees with smaller diameters or shorter trunks are often less costly to remove than large, old trees.
Tree Size
Small trees are the easiest to remove since they are usually less complex, require less equipment, and have less root structure. A tree that’s 30 feet or less is considered a small tree, and this includes fruit trees, mimosas, or dwarf varieties. On average, it costs $200 to $450 to remove a small tree.
Trees between 30 and 60 feet tall are considered medium-sized. This would include some oak varieties, weeping white spruce, and more. Stump removal and cleanup are bigger jobs for a medium tree than a small tree. The average cost to remove a medium-size tree ranges between $420 and $1,200.
Removing a large tree is complex. Large trees grow between 60 to 80 feet tall. Heavy equipment may be needed to remove them safely. Large trees may also have an infestation or disease, which requires extra care during removal and increases the cost. Large tree removal costs $800 to $1,500 on average. Removing a tree over 80 feet can cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
The diameter of a tree is another primary factor in tree removal cost. The diameter is measured at chest height or approximately 4.5 feet from the ground. Trees with thicker trunks need to be cut into smaller pieces after they’ve been felled. Short, thick trees could take longer to cut down than tall, skinny trees.
Tree Species
Some trees grow with a complex branch system that makes removal complicated. Tall, thin trees like aspens can’t support the weight of a person, so extra equipment is needed to reach the top of the tree safely. Thick, dense trees like pine trees can take longer to remove due to their size. The cost to remove different tree species is explored in more detail in a section below.
Tree Health
Dead trees or trees in poor condition due to rot or disease may need special attention to prevent an accident during removal. Sometimes dead trees are less costly to remove because they are hollow and not as heavy, and this can cost between $400 to $900. On the other hand, sometimes supports are needed to prevent the tree from falling while being cut, and ladders or electric lifts could be required if the tree cannot be safely climbed. Multiple trunks, weak branches, and cavities indicate a need for extra precautions during tree removal. These more complex projects may be more costly.
Accessibility
A tree’s location and accessibility can affect the cost of tree removal by 25 to 50 percent. Large branches growing over the house should be lowered by rope when they’re cut, rather than dropped, to prevent damaging the home. If a large tree is growing in a small space between a fence and structure, it will likely cost more to remove.
Labor
Labor costs for tree removal may be charged per hour, per tree, or as a flat rate. A range of $350 to $400 is a common tree-removal flat rate. If any additional services like tree surgery or stump grinding are needed, this will raise the cost. Homeowners can expect to pay about $50 per hour for a tree surgeon’s services.
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Geographic Location
A certified arborist will know if a tree is a protected species that will require permission to remove. In areas with a higher cost of living, the cost will be more than the national average, and homeowners in rural or remote locations may be charged extra for the travel distance. Homeowners can search for “tree service near me” to get quotes from local companies, but the average costs per state are as follows.
State | Tree Removal Cost |
California | $650 to $1,300 |
Illinois | $535 to $730 |
Florida | $750 to $1,500 |
Maine | $515 to $700 |
New York | $750 to $1,100 |
Texas | $300 to $850 |
Washington | $550 to $800 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Every property is different and presents its challenges for tree removal. Some of the other considerations that may not appear in a tree removal cost calculator include stump removal, cleanup, landscaping, and removal of fallen trees.
Emergency Tree Removal
Trees that have fallen or started leaning as a result of a storm may need to be removed immediately. Emergency service is typically more expensive, and costs may be as high as $5,000 in some cases. If the entire neighborhood was hit by a large storm, high demand can also drive up costs. Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of tree removal in this kind of scenario, so it’s worth checking the policy before paying, although it’s important to keep in mind that a deductible will apply.
Trimming and Pruning
In some cases, it may make more sense to have a tree trimmed or pruned instead of removing the entire tree. For example, if branch growth is interfering with nearby power lines, a pro can trim back limbs where necessary while preserving the rest of the tree. Tree trimming costs and tree branch removal costs are less than tree removal at $200 to $760, but this service may need to be done annually. Pruning is the process of removing dead or unhealthy branches and can cost $75 to $1,500. One of the best landscaping companies or a tree service company can provide these services.
Stump Removal
After a tree is removed, homeowners may also want to have the stump removed. So how much does it cost to remove a tree stump? Often, removing a single stump costs $100 to $150. If there are multiple stumps to remove, each one will cost about $50. There is an additional charge to grind the stump down and kill the tree roots. On average, this costs between $100 and $400. The age and size of the stump and the condition of the ground around it affect the cost.
Transplanting
Homeowners who want to preserve a tree that is in a problematic location may opt to have it transplanted. This can be an expensive endeavor if the tree is very large, costing anywhere from $400 to $5,000. Unless the tree has special significance, it may make more sense to remove the old tree and plant a new one. The cost to plant a tree starts at about $100.
Cleanup
Some homeowners prefer to keep the chopped tree for firewood, and some prefer to remove the debris on their own. Otherwise, the tree service company can clean up the debris for an additional fee. Many services charge around $70 to dispose of the tree or chop it for firewood. Tree debris removal costs about $50 to $100.
Fallen Tree Removal
A dead tree that’s still standing will cost about the same to remove as a living tree of the same size. However, a dead tree that has fallen will cost much less—$300 to $500 on average.
Wood Chipping and Log Splitting
Most tree service estimates include the cost of chipping the tree after it’s been cut down, but it’s best to ask anyway. Depending on the size of the tree, chipping the debris can cost between $75 and $125 per hour. Splitting wood into firewood logs costs $75 to $100 per tree on average.
Cost to Remove a Tree by Type
When a tree needs to be removed, the type of tree affects the cost of removal. Tree varieties vary in size and quality of wood. It’s easier to estimate the cost of some standard trees. Below are the average costs to remove different types of trees.
Tree Type | Removal Cost |
Arborvitae | $450 to $1,300 |
Ash | $250 to $1,800 |
Aspen | $1,000 to $1,800 |
Cedar | $250 to $1,500 |
Conifer | $200 to $2,100 |
Cypress | $800 to $1,200 |
Eucalyptus | $700 to $2,200 |
Japanese knotweed | $2,000 to $10,000 |
Magnolia | $325 to $1,200 |
Maple | $250 to $2,000 |
Oak | $200 to $2,000 |
Palm | $650 to $1,500 |
Pine | $250 to $1,500 |
Poplar | $1,100 to $1,800 |
Sweet gum | $700 to $1,500 |
Sycamore | $700 to $2,500 |
Arborvitae
Arborvitae can grow to be as tall as 70 feet, so the removal of full-grown arborvitae can cost up to $1,300. Smaller arborvitae removal may only cost $450. If an arborvitae sapling needs to be removed, it’s a good idea to have this taken care of sooner rather than later as these trees can grow up to 4 feet per year.
Ash
Removing an ash tree can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,800. Ash trees can reach a width of 25 feet and a height of 80 feet, so the more mature the tree, the higher the cost is likely to be.
Aspen
A variety of poplar, aspens can grow to a height of up to 115 feet. Due to their height, aspens also have intricate systems of tangled roots that can be complicated to remove. Expect to pay between $1,000 to $1,800 to remove an aspen.
Cedar
A cedar tree can grow to 160 feet on average, with some varieties reaching 230 feet. Depending on how accessible and healthy the tree is, the average cost to remove a cedar tree ranges from $250 to $1,500.
Conifer
Evergreen trees such as pines, junipers, and firs are all examples of conifers. This kind of tree is relatively simple to remove and often costs around $200 to $2,100 to do so. Homeowners may opt to have these kinds of trees removed because they require lots of water and nutrients, killing off surrounding plants and grass.
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Cypress
Cypress trees are another fast-growing variety that is able to reach up to 100 feet tall. Unfortunately, cypress trees are highly prone to disease. Removing a fully mature cypress costs $800 to $1,200.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is not native to North America. Although they are attractive, eucalyptus trees are often undesirable since they are invasive and may be harmful to other plants. It costs about $700 to $2,200 to remove a eucalyptus tree.
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is an invasive shrub that can reach a height of 10 feet. This plant is highly aggressive and grows rapidly both underground and aboveground. It’s recommended to remove Japanese knotweed as soon as it appears, as it can cause significant damage and may cost as much as $2,000 to $10,000 to remove, depending on the extent of the growth.
Magnolia
Magnolias are relatively small trees that are simple to remove. For this reason, it can cost as little as $325 or up to $1,200 to have a magnolia tree removed. Most professionals can complete this job in a couple of hours.
Maple
Though maple trees are common in many areas, they are large, complex trees with many branches, which affects the overall removal cost. They can grow at least 100 feet. On average, removing a maple tree costs $250 to $2,000.
Oak
It’s not uncommon for an old oak tree to grow up to 100 feet tall. The average cost to remove an oak tree ranges between $200 and $2,000. If it’s at least 60 feet tall, expect to pay around $800 to remove it.
Palm
Palm tree removal costs $650 to $1,500. A 30-foot palm tree will fall on the lower end of this spectrum, but 80-foot palm trees will cost between $1,100 and $1,500.
Pine
On average, pine tree removal costs $250 to $1,500. This is mainly dependent on the size and health of the tree. Pine trees have thick trunks and dense branches and can grow to be over 100 feet tall, depending on the variety of pine.
Poplar
A poplar tree is a giant deciduous tree that can grow up to 115 feet high. These trees have complex root systems that will need extra attention during removal. The average cost to remove a poplar tree ranges between $1,100 to $1,800.
Sweet Gum
Sweet gums are beautiful, medium-size trees that reach a maximum of 70 feet in height. It can cost between $700 and $1,500 to have a sweet gum tree removed, largely depending on the size of the root system.
Sycamore
Removing sycamore trees is an extensive process that involves girdling to cut off nutrients and making cuts (called frilling) where herbicide can be applied. Once the tree is dead and is cut down, the stump will also need to be killed to prevent regrowth. This entire process can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500.
Do I need tree removal?
It isn’t always clear whether a tree needs to be removed. Trees in most neighborhoods or parks need to be checked by arborists to ensure they don’t pose a safety risk due to disease or damage. According to Black, “Many professional arborists are specially trained in assessing tree risk. If a homeowner has concerns about the safety of a tree, they should contact a TRAQ-qualified [Tree Risk Assessment Qualification] arborist, and they can determine