Tree Removal Cost: Pricing by Height and Tree Type
Tree removal typically costs $400 to $1,200 (HomeGuide) or $400 to $1,100 (Fixr). Small trees run $150 to $500, while very tall trees can cost $2,500 or more.
What tree removal costs
Tree removal cost depends mainly on the height and condition of the tree and how hard it is to reach. HomeGuide reports $400 to $1,200 on average with a national average of $850, and a spread from $200 for a small, easy tree to $3,000 for a large or complex job. Fixr gives a similar range of $400 to $1,100, but a lower national average of $435 based on a medium-sized tree, with a low of $155 and a high of $2,015.
Most homeowners pay between about $400 and $1,200 for a typical removal. Very tall trees, trees near buildings and emergency work cost more.
Cost by tree height
| Tree size | HomeGuide | Fixr |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $200 – $500 | $150 – $400 |
| Medium (30 to 60 ft) | $500 – $1,500 | $450 – $700 |
| Large (60 to 80 or 100 ft) | $850 – $2,000 | $900 – $1,200 |
| Very large (over 80 or 100 ft) | $1,200 – $2,500+ | $1,300 – $2,000 |
The two sources draw the large and very large lines at different heights, so match your tree to the closest row in each. Fixr says trees over 100 feet usually have trunks more than two feet across and can take several days to remove completely.
Cost by tree type
| Tree type | Typical removal cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Ash | $650 – $2,000 |
| Cedar | $600 – $2,000 |
| Maple | $600 – $1,200 |
| Oak | $300 – $2,500 |
| Palm | $200 – $1,200 |
| Pine | $250 – $1,600 |
Fixr prices pine removal at $200 to $1,500 and notes pines are one of the more affordable jobs unless the tree is very large. About 90 percent of a pine's roots sit near the surface of the soil. Fixr puts conifer removal overall at roughly $200 to $2,100 and palm removal at $250 to $1,200 depending on height and species.
What drives the price
| Factor | Share of final cost (Fixr) |
|---|---|
| Height, volume and diameter | 30% |
| Type of tree | 20% |
| Health and condition | 15% |
| Obstacles and accessibility | 15% |
| Company chosen | 10% |
| Time of year | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Fixr says its percentages vary by company, but most agree that tree type and size matter most, followed by obstacles. A tree that hangs over a roof, fence or power line costs more because the crew must lower sections by rope or use a crane.
Extra services and their prices
- Stump removal: $100 to $500 or more per stump, depending on size and method, according to HomeGuide.
- Tree trimming: $400 to $900 per tree if pruning is enough, per HomeGuide.
- Transplanting: $300 to $1,000 or more to relocate a tree instead of removing it.
- Chipping branches: $50 to $100, and log splitting adds $50 to $100 if you want firewood.
- Hourly rates: some companies charge $100 to $400 or more per hour instead of a flat price.
- Land clearing: HomeGuide says $1,200 to $8,000 per acre, and Fixr says $500 to $2,500 per acre for lightly wooded land.
Dead, damaged and storm trees
Fixr says a dead, diseased or damaged tree often costs more to remove, not less, because brittle branches can fall unexpectedly and the crew has to take extra precautions. A tree that has fallen on a structure or power lines can need emergency service and repairs. A cleanly fallen tree in an open yard usually costs less than a standing one.
HomeGuide lists warning signs that a tree should come down: dead or dying branches in more than half of the canopy, deep cracks or cavities in the trunk, visible decay or fungus at the roots, a sudden lean beyond 15 degrees, and branches near the house. Removing a tree that threatens a roof is cheaper than repairing the damage afterward. Our roof replacement cost guide shows what storm damage can lead to.
Timing and insurance
HomeGuide says prices can be 10 to 20 percent higher in summer and fall when demand peaks, and lower in winter and early spring. Homeowners insurance usually covers removal when a tree damages a covered structure, with typical coverage of $500 to $1,000 per tree, but generally not for trees that fall in the yard without causing damage. Responsibility depends on where the tree was rooted, so check the policy before you pay.
Is your quote reasonable?
For a medium tree between 30 and 60 feet in an open yard, a quote between $450 and $1,500 is in line with both sources. A small tree should land at $150 to $500. A quote above $2,500 should describe a very tall tree, difficult access, power lines nearby or crane work.
Ask each company whether the price includes hauling away the wood, chipping, stump grinding and cleanup, and ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation. Get at least three written quotes, and confirm in writing whether the stump is part of the job.