How much does tree removal cost in Seattle, WA?

Most Seattle homeowners spend between $510 – $2,300 on tree removal, with an average around $1,150. Local labor prices 28% above the national average, so Seattle quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is tree removal more or less expensive in Seattle than elsewhere?

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead. Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and rot-resistant materials.

Do I need a permit for tree removal in Seattle, Washington?

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Seattle?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Washington contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Seattle market.

How much does tree removal cost?

$400 to $1,800 for an average tree. Small trees start around $150 and large hazardous removals reach $8,000.

Is stump grinding included?

Usually not. Budget an extra $100 to $400 per stump, often discounted when done during the same visit.

Does insurance cover tree removal?

Homeowners policies typically cover removal only when a tree falls on an insured structure. Preventive removal of a healthy or even dead standing tree is on you.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Many cities require permits for trees over a certain diameter or for protected species. Always check before cutting — fines can exceed the removal cost.

How long does tree removal take?

Two to six hours for most residential trees. Large crane jobs take a full day.

Why is removal near power lines more expensive?

It requires certified line-clearance crews, utility coordination and slower rope-down sections, adding 50% to 100%.

Home/Cost guides/Tree Removal/Seattle, WA

Seattle · Washington

Tree Removal cost in Seattle, WA

Seattle homeowners typically pay $510 – $2,300 for tree removal. Local labor and materials price 28% above the national average.

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Seattle average

$1,150

Typical low

$510

Typical high

$2,300

Per foot of height

$10 – $38

Sample ZIP

98101

What drives Seattle pricing

Local labor

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead.

Permits & code

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work.

Climate & conditions

Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and rot-resistant materials.

Instant cost calculator

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Tree height50 foot of heights

Trunk diameter

Proximity

Equipment access

Tree condition

Estimated project cost

$384 – $900

Most homeowners pay around $642

Compare trunk diameter

Cost by material in Seattle

Installed Seattle pricing per foot of height.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Small tree (under 30 ft)	$190 – $640	Often a two-hour job	Minimum charges apply
Medium tree (30 – 60 ft)	$575 – $1,550	Standard bucket-truck work	Debris volume grows fast
Large tree (60 – 80 ft)	$1,150 – $3,200	—	Crane or climbing crew often needed
Very large (80 ft+)	$2,550 – $10,200	—	Crane, traffic control and multi-day work

Where the money goes in Seattle

A typical $1,150 Seattle project, broken down by line item.

Labor and crew58% · $667
Equipment and crane22% · $253
Debris hauling and disposal13% · $150
Insurance and permits7% · $81

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Seattle quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Stump grinding

$130 – $510

Crane rental

$640 – $3,200

Log splitting for firewood

$130 – $510

Permit

$64 – $640

Emergency after-hours call

$385 – $1,900

Root system removal

$255 – $1,000

Ways to save in Seattle

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.

Seattle FAQs

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Tree Removal cost near Seattle

Tree Removal cost in Bellevue, WA

$526 – $2,372

Tree Removal cost in Tacoma, WA

$458 – $2,066

Tree Removal cost in Everett, WA

$470 – $2,120

Tree Removal cost in Kent, WA

$474 – $2,138

Tree Removal cost in Renton, WA

$478 – $2,156

More Washington cities

Spokane Vancouver Olympia

Other project costs in Seattle

Fence Installation in Seattle

$1,920 – $5,120

Roof Replacement in Seattle

$10,880 – $43,520

Kitchen Remodel in Seattle

$23,040 – $121,600

HVAC Replacement in Seattle

$7,040 – $23,040

Deck Building in Seattle

$5,632 – $15,360

Window Replacement in Seattle

$576 – $1,920

See every Seattle cost guide