How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
Last updated: April 18, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
Tree removal costs $150 to $3,000 or more per tree, with most homeowners paying $400 to $1,800 for a typical medium-to-large tree. Height and access are the two biggest factors — a small tree in an open yard is far cheaper to remove than a tall tree growing near a house or power lines.
Arborists generally price by tree size, condition, and how the tree needs to be brought down (felled whole vs. cut into sections and lowered by rope or crane). The calculator below adjusts for your specific tree and site.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $400 – $1,800
Low end
$150
High end
$3,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Tree Removal Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree felling & cutting labor | $250 – $900 |
| Equipment & crane (if needed) | $50 – $500 |
| Wood chipping & hauling | $75 – $250 |
| Cleanup & disposal | $25 – $150 |
What Affects the Cost
Tree height and size
Taller, larger trees take more time to cut, require more rigging or sectioning to bring down safely, and generate more debris to haul away — this is usually the single biggest cost driver.
Proximity to structures and power lines
Trees near a house, fence, shed, or power lines must be carefully sectioned and lowered by rope rather than felled whole, which takes significantly more time and skill.
Tree condition
Dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees can be less predictable and more hazardous to remove than healthy trees, sometimes requiring extra safety precautions and equipment.
Access for equipment
Trees in backyards without truck or crane access often require the crew to carry equipment and debris further or use a smaller specialized machine, adding labor time.
Number of trunks and canopy spread
Multi-trunk trees and those with a wide canopy over a roof or driveway take longer to safely dismantle piece by piece.
Stump grinding and debris hauling
Removing the stump and hauling away logs, branches, and wood chips are commonly priced as add-ons rather than included in the base removal price.
Cost by Tree Height
| Tree Height | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | $150 – $450 |
| 30-60 ft | $400 – $900 |
| 60-80 ft | $800 – $1,500 |
| 80-100 ft | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Over 100 ft / hazardous | $1,800 – $3,500 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
DIY tree removal may be possible for very small trees in an open yard away from structures and power lines, but felling a tree requires understanding of lean, weight distribution, and escape routes — mistakes can cause serious injury or property damage.
Hiring a professional
Licensed, insured arborists carry the climbing gear, rigging equipment, and (for large or hazardous trees) cranes needed to bring a tree down safely and predictably, and can identify hazards like internal rot that aren't visible from the ground.
Bottom line: Removing any tree taller than about 20-30 feet, or one near a structure, fence, or power line, should be left to a professional — the safety risk and potential for property damage far outweigh the labor savings of DIY.
Ways to Save
- Get at least three quotes from licensed, insured tree removal companies, since pricing varies significantly by crew and equipment.
- Schedule removal in late fall or winter, when many tree services have lower demand and offer better pricing.
- Bundle multiple trees into one job to reduce the per-tree mobilization cost.
- Keep the wood yourself for firewood instead of paying for hauling, if you have storage space and use for it.
- Ask about leaving cut logs on-site if you plan to rent a wood splitter, which can lower the hauling fee.
- Check whether your municipality offers free removal for hazardous trees near power lines through the utility company.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tree removal cost?
Tree removal costs about $800 on average, with most homeowners paying between $400 and $1,800 depending on the tree's height, condition, and how accessible it is.
How much does it cost to remove a large tree?
Removing a large tree over 60-80 feet tall typically costs $800 to $2,500 or more, especially if it requires crane rigging or is close to a structure or power lines.
Does tree removal include stump grinding?
Usually not — stump grinding is typically quoted as a separate add-on, adding roughly $150 to $450 depending on stump diameter.
How long does it take to remove a tree?
A small to medium tree can often be removed in 1-3 hours, while large or hazardous trees requiring careful sectioning and rigging can take a full day or more.
Is it worth it to remove a tree myself?
For very small trees in an open area, DIY removal can save money, but any tree near a structure, power line, or over about 20-30 feet tall poses real injury and property-damage risk and is best handled by a professional.