How much does tree removal cost?
Tree removal costs $400 to $1,800 per tree, averaging about $900. Small trees under 30 feet run $150 to $500; large hazardous removals over 80 feet reach $3,000 to $8,000.
National average
$900
Typical low
$400
Typical high
$1,800
Per foot of height
$8 – $30
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Estimated project cost
$300 – $700
Most homeowners pay around $500
Compare trunk diameter
Cost by material
Installed pricing per foot of height.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Small tree (under 30 ft) | $150 – $500 |
| Medium tree (30 – 60 ft) | $450 – $1,200 |
| Large tree (60 – 80 ft) | $900 – $2,500 |
| Very large (80 ft+) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Cost by tree size
| Height | Examples | Removal cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | Dogwood, small fruit tree | $150 – $500 |
| 30 – 60 ft | Crepe myrtle, maple | $450 – $1,200 |
| 60 – 80 ft | Oak, ash | $900 – $2,500 |
| 80 – 100 ft | Pine, cottonwood | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Over 100 ft | Mature oak, redwood | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Related tree services
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 – $400 per stump |
| Stump removal (full) | $250 – $800 |
| Tree trimming / pruning | $250 – $900 |
| Emergency storm removal | $800 – $3,500 |
| Debris haul-away | $50 – $150 per load |
| Arborist health assessment | $150 – $500 |
Where the money goes
A typical project budget, broken down by line item.
- Labor and crew58% · $522
- Equipment and crane22% · $198
- Debris hauling and disposal13% · $117
- Insurance and permits7% · $63
Cost by region
Labor markets move the number more than any other single factor.
Northeast metro
$480 – $2,160
+20% vs. national average
West Coast metro
$488 – $2,196
+22% vs. national average
Mountain West
$412 – $1,854
+3% vs. national average
Midwest
$400 – $1,800
At the national average
South & Southeast
$368 – $1,656
-8% vs. national average
Rural nationwide
$340 – $1,530
-15% vs. national average
Common add-ons
Line items that show up on most quotes but rarely in the headline price.
Stump grinding
Crane rental
Log splitting for firewood
Permit
Emergency after-hours call
Root system removal
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Hire a pro
$400 – $1,800
Do it yourself
$50 – $300
Anything you can fell safely without a ladder — under about 20 feet, away from structures — is DIY-able. Above that, tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country and homeowner injuries are common.
Ways to save
Practical levers that lower the bill without cutting quality.
- Ask to keep the wood; many companies discount when they do not haul logs.
- Bundle multiple trees into one visit to share the mobilization and crane cost.
- Schedule in winter when crews are slow and leafless trees are faster to drop.
- Handle brush cleanup and chipping yourself.
- Check whether your utility removes trees threatening their power lines for free.
Questions to ask your contractor
- 01Are you licensed and carrying liability plus workers compensation? May I see certificates?
- 02Is stump grinding and full debris removal included?
- 03How will you protect the lawn, fence and driveway?
- 04Do you need a permit for this tree in my city?
- 05Will you need a crane, and is that in the quote?
- 06Who is responsible if the tree damages my house?
Frequently asked questions
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Get tree service quotesTree Removal cost by city
Local labor rates, permits and climate change the number. Pick your city for prices near you.
Tree Removal cost in Los Angeles, CA
$496 – $2,232
Tree Removal cost in San Diego, CA
$472 – $2,124
Tree Removal cost in San Jose, CA
$552 – $2,484
Tree Removal cost in San Francisco, CA
$580 – $2,610
Tree Removal cost in Oakland, CA
$528 – $2,376
Tree Removal cost in Sacramento, CA
$432 – $1,944
Tree Removal cost in Fresno, CA
$392 – $1,764
Tree Removal cost in Long Beach, CA
$488 – $2,196
Tree Removal cost in Anaheim, CA
$480 – $2,160
Tree Removal cost in Santa Ana, CA
$476 – $2,142
Tree Removal cost in Irvine, CA
$504 – $2,268
Tree Removal cost in Riverside, CA
$424 – $1,908
Tree Removal cost in San Bernardino, CA
$412 – $1,854
Tree Removal cost in Bakersfield, CA
$388 – $1,746
Tree Removal cost in Stockton, CA
$408 – $1,836
Tree Removal cost in Modesto, CA
$400 – $1,800
Tree Removal cost in Chula Vista, CA
$460 – $2,070
Tree Removal cost in Fremont, CA
$540 – $2,430
Tree Removal cost in Pasadena, CA
$512 – $2,304
Tree Removal cost in Glendale, CA
$500 – $2,250
Tree Removal cost in Santa Clarita, CA
$464 – $2,088
Tree Removal cost in Torrance, CA
$492 – $2,214
Tree Removal cost in Oxnard, CA
$456 – $2,052
Tree Removal cost in San Mateo, CA
$560 – $2,520