| Size | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (<30 ft) | $300-$600 | 1-2 hours | Usually no permit |
| Medium (30-60 ft) | $600-$1,500 | 2-4 hours | May need permit |
| Large (60-80 ft) | $1,500-$3,000 | Half day | Usually needs permit |
| Very large (80+ ft) | $3,000-$5,000+ | Full day | Permit + crane |
Compare licensed arborists in your area
| Tree Size | Height | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 30 feet | $150–$500 |
| Medium | 30–60 feet | $500–$1,200 |
| Large | 60–80 feet | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Very large (oak, pine) | 80+ feet | $2,500–$5,000+ |
| Emergency removal | Any | 50–100% premium |
Stump removal is usually separate: $100–$400 per stump for grinding, $200–$600 for complete removal with root extraction. Many homeowners leave stumps and let them rot naturally to save money.
Location is the biggest factor after size. A tree next to power lines, a house, or a fence requires roping and careful sectional removal instead of simply felling it. This can double or triple the cost.
Species matters. Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) are heavier and harder to cut than softwoods (pine, cedar). Palm tree removal is surprisingly expensive ($500–$2,000) because of the fibrous trunk.
Check if your city requires a permit for tree removal — many do, especially for trees above a certain diameter. Permits cost $50–$150 but removing a protected tree without one can result in fines of $500–$10,000+.
Your homeowner's insurance typically covers tree removal only if the tree fell due to a covered peril (storm, wind) AND it damaged a structure. A healthy tree you just want gone is always out-of-pocket.
Winter (December–March) is the cheapest time for tree removal because companies are less busy and deciduous trees are bare, making the job faster. Late spring and summer are peak season with higher prices and longer wait times. Emergency removal after storms commands premium rates — 50–100% above normal pricing — because demand spikes across the entire region simultaneously.
The cost of tree removal depends on several interconnected factors that can shift the final number significantly in either direction. Material quality is typically the largest variable — the gap between standard and premium options can double or triple the total project cost. Labor rates vary by region, with major metros running 30–50% higher than rural areas for identical work.
Project scope is the other major cost driver. What seems like a simple project can escalate quickly once walls are opened or existing conditions are revealed. This is why experienced contractors build contingency into their estimates, and why homeowners should too. The most common budget-breaker is changing the scope mid-project, which resets timelines and pricing.