Tree removal costs are a typical home renovation expense, especially in old homes.
Trees add beauty and style to the environment, but a tree can do more harm than good if it’s in the wrong place. Read on to learn why.
Average Tree Removal Cost
Although there’s no single way to determine how much your tree removal service will cost, we’ve rounded up the average price for tree removal in the United States.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree removal | $150-$1,500 |
| Tree stump removal | $70-$350 |
| Tree stump grinding | $80-$1,000 |
While these are just averages, many different factors affect the price range of tree removal. We’ll cover each in greater detail below.
The Size of the Tree
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The tree’s height is one of the most critical factors in determining tree removal costs. Trees below 30 feet high are called small trees, and the price of removing them ranges between $160 and $500.
Hawthorns, silver birches, and most fruit trees are small trees. Trees between 30 and 60 feet tall are medium-sized, costing between $400 and $800 to remove.
Trees higher than 80 feet are known as tall trees, and the cost of removing them ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
Diameter of the Trunk
As you can imagine, a tall tree with a small trunk might cost less than a tall tree with a thick trunk.
If a smaller tree has a difficult trunk, the tree removal service might charge you more. Trees with multiple trunks are also more expensive.
The Tree’s Health
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An unhealthy tree is a safety and even a health hazard to other trees. Removing a diseased tree might be less expensive since it will be easier to remove.
If the tree is risky, it might be costly to cut down because it may damage homes or cars as it falls.
If the tree has already fallen, removing it from the property will be less expensive than cutting down a living one, as long as it isn’t an emergency.
Removing a tree trunk that hasn’t caused a crisis from the ground can range from $100 to $300.
The Type of Tree
Two trees of different species with the same trunk size and height usually have similar removal costs, which is why size is a much simpler and more reliable way to determine the cost.
Here are some prices for the removal of some common trees:
- Palm Trees. The heights of palm trees differ according to their species, but none of them have thick trunks. Expect to pay between $200 and $900 to remove it.
- Poplar Trees. The poplar tree is one of the most expensive trees to remove because of its height, ranging from 90 to 115 feet, and its extensive roots.
- Oak Trees. A completely mature oak tree is between 60 and 80 feet tall. Expect to pay between $700 and $1,300 to remove it.
- Cedar Trees. Cedar trees also vary in height, so the tree removal cost ranges between $500 and $2,000.
- Pine Trees. There are over 100 species in the pine tree family, and their heights range from barely five feet to almost a hundred feet. The tree removal cost also has a wide range, from $150 to $2,000.
Your Location
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Some other factors, like where you live, can also affect tree removal costs. If your location has a high cost of living, you may have to pay a higher fee.
Also, if you live in a remote environment, you might need to pay a travel fee for the supplier to bring the machinery.
Factors like muddy soil inclines and rocky areas that make it hard to remove trees can also increase the tree removal cost.
If the tree is in danger of falling, the vendor may need to hire a crane. This can cost up to $500. Some counties also require you to get a permit before cutting down a tree taller than 10 feet. If so, add that to the cost.
Additional Tree Removal Services
Tree removal companies help cut down and get rid of trees, but they also offer other services.
Stump Removal or Grinding
If you want to remove an old stump, you can employ a tree removal company to do it for you. Stump removal usually ranges from $200 to $700. If you want to grind the stump, expect to pay between $150 and $500.
Removal of Debris
Removing a tree isn’t as simple of a process as you might think. After the tree is gone, there’ll be lots of debris around your house.
Many tree removal companies offer debris removal with their packages, while others charge separately for it. There are three ways to remove debris:
- Splitting: Some tree removal companies can help you split the tree debris into firewood, which costs between $55 and $90.
- Chipping: Many tree removal companies will put the debris in a chipper to get wood chips. Chipping usually costs between $70 and $130.
- Hauling: Some tree removal companies will take all the tree debris off your property. Hauling can cost between $50 and $95.
Transplanting
If you want to transplant the tree instead of removing it, tree removal companies can also help you. Transplanting a tree costs between $150 and $750.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are a few things to consider before hiring a company to remove a tree—even one in your own yard. Some of the most frequently asked questions about tree removal are:
Do I Need a Permit?
Possibly. You may need a permit to remove a tree, but that depends on the area you live in, the size of the tree, and its species. It’s best to find out from the arborists in the company you hire.
Do I Need to Be at Home?
No, you don’t. As long as the tree removal technicians access your property, you don’t have to be at home.
Why do I Need a Company’s Help to Remove a Tree?
Licensed tree removers from a reputable company help you remove the tree by cutting the tree in sections with special tools.
It’s much safer than just chopping the tree at the bottom. If the trees are big enough, the company will most likely use a crane to move them.
Can I Remove Trees that Are Close to My House?
Trees that are close to your house can provide shade, beauty, and shelter. On the other hand, they can also cause damage to your home. The roots of a big tree can harm your house’s foundation.
Tree branches can also scratch your house’s windows, roof, or the sides of your house. A tree closer to the home will need extra care and planning, but a reliable and well-trained tree removal company can still remove it.
When’s The Best Time to Remove a Tree?
Sometimes, there isn’t a “best time,” especially if the tree is a safety hazard or unhealthy.
However, if you don’t need to cut it down immediately, the best time is between the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring. Most trees will have fewer leaves at these times, making them easier to cut.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
While it might get pricey, it’s best to have your tree removed by a professional, as it can be dangerous to cut it down by yourself.
Expect to pay between $150 and $1,500 to have a tree removed. If it’s a large tree, budget up to $3,000.
Hiring a reputable tree removal service is always the best choice.