How Much Does an Arborist Cost in 2025?
Hiring an arborist costs $875 on average
Hiring an arborist costs between $750 and $1,000, with an average cost of $875.
Factors influencing cost include service type, tree size, and location.
Tree maintenance and care tasks include trimming, cabling, removal, planting, deep root aeration, and pest control.
Professional arborists have in-depth knowledge and equipment that most homeowners don't have, helping keep your trees healthy and safe.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you're looking to give your trees expert care, arborist services cost an average of $875, with prices ranging from $750 and $1,000, depending on factors like service type, tree size, and location. Regular maintenance like trimming and pruning can help keep costs lower over time. Trees are complex living things that benefit from the professional insight of an arborist for proper diagnosis and care.
Arborist Cost per Hour
Most local tree surgeons (another term for arborist) don't charge an hourly rate. Rather, they provide a per-project cost for their services. Based on project costs and durations, their rates average between $75 and $200 per hour.
Arborist Cost by Service
The largest factor impacting how much an arborist costs to hire is the project or service you are asking them to complete.
| Tree Service | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wood chipping | $75–$300 |
| Tree trimming and surgery | $75–$1,500 |
| Deep root aeration | $100–$300 |
| Deep root fertilization | $100–$350 |
| Monthly pest control | $40–$70 |
| Tree cabling | $200–$400 |
| Tree removal | $200–$5,000 |
| Tree planting | $100–$300 |
| Tree inspection | $0–$150 |
| Tree injections | $50–$200 |
| Stump removal | $90–$1,200 |
Wood Chipping
Wood chipping costs between $75 and $300, depending on how many trees you need chipped. Arborists have a minimum call-out fee of $75 to $100, regardless of the project's number of trees. A massive, mature tree may cost even more to chip.
Tree Trimming and Surgery
Tree trimming costs $75 to $1,500. The pricing depends on tree height and the number of trees needing service. Larger or more numerous trees will increase the cost. Get multiple quotes before choosing a tree trimming service near you.
Deep Root Aeration
Deep root aeration prices vary, but expect to pay at least $100 to $300. The service involves making deep holes to allow water to reach roots faster (and sometimes filling those holes with compost). This service is more common for trees in urban areas where the soil is more compact.
Deep Root Fertilization
Deep root fertilization costs $100 to $350. After making or drilling holes, an arborist applies fertilizer to the roots to promote growth.
Monthly Pest Control
Pest control costs for trees vary depending on the type of tree, infestation, and severity. Budget between $40 and $75 per month for this service. A local arborist or pest control service will have the most accurate information on tree pests in your area.
Tree Cabling
Tree cabling ranges from $200 to $400 on average and helps brace a tree for proper alignment and growth. Small trees cost $175, but medium or large trees cost $400 or more for professional cabling.
Tree Removal
The average cost to remove a tree is $750 but ranges between $200 and $2,000. Removing a very large tree could cost up to $5,000. The size, condition, and location of the tree play a big role in the price. For example, a tree that’s close to a house will likely cost more to remove than one in an open space. Compare quotes from several local tree removal companies before moving forward with your project.
Tree Planting
Planting a tree costs $100 to $300, including the cost of labor and the tree itself. Most trees average $200 but certain varieties cost $350 to $1,000 or more.
Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 to plant a large or mature tree. At this size, just the tree alone costs more than $2,100, on average. Often, planting mature trees is a part of a major landscape project. Landscape installation costs range from $1,300 to $6,300.
Tree Inspection
Some arborists offer a free tree inspection or will waive their fee if, after diagnosing your tree, you choose to employ their services. Arborists charge $75 to $150 for a general inspection, but formal tree reports cost up to $700.
Tree Injections
A tree injection costs between $50 and $200 per tree, or $10 per inch of the tree’s diameter. The size of the tree is the largest factor in determining the cost of a tree injection. Tree injections are a common way that arborists will attempt to heal a sick or dying tree.
Stump Removal
A basic stump removal costs $180 to $560. The average tree stump removal costs $370. The size and location of the stump are two of the biggest cost factors.
DIY Tree Care vs. Hiring a Professional
Trees are complex living entities that can experience sickness, infestations, weather damage, and soil irregularities. While homeowners might handle minor tasks, professional arborists have the expertise and equipment that most don't possess. Their experience and safety knowledge are essential for difficult work like removing or trimming trees.
By hiring a local arborist, you ensure your trees receive the expert care they need.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tree doctor or tree surgeon is another term for an arborist. The term is more common in places like the United Kingdom. They are professionals trained to plant, care for, maintain, diagnose, and remove trees of all kinds. Tree doctors have specialized knowledge to ensure the health and safety of trees.
Arborists are tree care specialists who plan, maintain, and enhance the health of trees with expert precision. They prune, diagnose diseases, treat pest infestations, remove hazardous limbs, and manage debris cleanup while developing comprehensive landscaping plans. They also handle tree planting and work with landscape professionals to ensure long-term tree vitality and safety.
Consulting arborists are tree experts who can advise homeowners and business owners on the right trees to plant, how to care for existing trees, and what to do about trees that appear to be sick or pose a safety threat. A consulting arborist may work with local landscape architects, investment property owners, city governments, developers, and other arborists.
An arborist may be able to save a dying tree. If you notice that your tree suddenly appears to be sick or is exhibiting unusual behavior, contact an arborist immediately. They will thoroughly inspect the tree to determine what might be wrong with it—and will let you know if it’s possible to save the tree and how to do it.
Verifying an arborist’s credentials is crucial for reliable tree care. Arborists must be licensed by their state and hold certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Request proof of licensing and certification, and review local recommendations to ensure you are hiring a professional who meets high industry standards and adheres to strict safety protocols.
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