How Much Does Tree Trimming Service Cost in 2025?

Average Tree Trimming Service Cost

Tree Trimming Service Cost Factors

Tree trimming is a necessary service that maintains the health, appearance, and safety of trees on your property. Several factors influence tree trimming costs, including the number of trees, their type and height, health, and the season.

Number of Trees

Arborists and tree trimming specialists may offer discounts for larger jobs that include more than one tree since the cost of a single tree already covers the cost of travel and equipment. In most cases, trimming multiple trees works out to a discount of about $100 per tree. If a single tree costs $300, for instance, subsequent trees cost $200 each. 

Tree Type

Different tree species vary in size, branch density, and overall structure, all of which involve distinct approaches, specialized techniques or tools, and associated costs. Arborists in your region may specialize in local or native trees, particularly since each species may require different trimming tactics, schedules, or environmental preservation methods.

Palm

Palm trees across the U.S. significantly vary in height depending on their subspecies. Southern California fan palms can reach over 80 feet, while palms in the southeast are much shorter. Accounting for these height differences, trimming palms costs between $100 to $1,500. Many homeowners prefer to remove dead fronds from the tops of palm trees for aesthetic purposes, but this requires a strategic approach to avoid damage.

Oak

From Northern Reds to Willow Oaks, oak trees are one the most common species and are popular for their robust size and strength. Mature trees can grow over 80 feet with a 40-foot spread. Depending on whether the job requires a bucket truck or climbing arborist, you'll pay between $450 and $1,800 for oak trees to account for size, dense wood, and potentially intricate trimming.

Pine 

Pine trees can grow anywhere from 50 to 150 feet, and their dense branches make climbing challenging for arborists. Pine tree trimming costs between $200 and $1,800, with the higher end of the cost range representing the complexity of safely accessing and removing high branches without damaging the tree.

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle trees are common flowering trees with dense, shrub-like branches. Since they only grow up to about 30 feet, crepe myrtles are easier and cheaper to trim—between $80 and $475.

Cypress 

Cypress trees range from 15 to 100 feet, and trimming them requires specialized techniques due to their dense, round structure. Trimming costs range from $475 to $1,200.

Mangrove and Other Protected Species

Mangrove trees are protected in many regions, particularly in Florida and along other coastal areas, and the Department of Environmental Protection strictly regulates trimming. These regulations may restrict the amount permitted for trimming. Arborists may have higher rates for mangroves and similarly protected species, such as California Live Oak and California Black Walnut, since they may involve more specialized skills.

Height

Tree type also influences the height of a tree and the reach of its branches. The larger the tree, the more challenging it is to access, trim, and haul away debris. Large and extra-large trees, between 60 and 150 feet or more, require more complex climbing equipment, tools, and heavy machinery for cutting and lowering thick branches.

Common tree heights and costs include:

Tree Health

Diseased, decayed, infested, or structurally unsound trees may require additional care to prevent further damage. Plan for an extra $30 to $300 for costs relating to inspections, pest remediation, disease control, and other services.

Location

The cost of living and standard contractor prices in your area influence your bottom line. If you live in an area with high costs for services, such as New York or San Francisco, expect tree trimming services to cost more than in rural or low-cost-of-living areas. Some average costs of tree trimming in major cities include:

• Dallas: $500

• Denver: $200

• Los Angeles: $450

• Miami: $350

• Phoenix: $600

Season

Tree trimming is typically reserved for late winter when trees are dormant. Arborists can more easily identify branches to trim to optimize health and growth in the spring and summer. Seasonal trimming, however, means contractors are in higher demand, and they may consequently charge peak season rates.

Additional Tree Trimming Cost Factors

In addition to tree types and sizes, labor, inspections, and other expenses factor into your total tree-trimming costs.

Labor

Hourly rates for local tree trimmers range from $50 to $80 per worker. Arborists are more specialized and cost more, about $87 to $116 per hour.

Contractors may use hourly rates to calculate a set fee for your project’s specifications, usually per tree or per project. The company uses these details to build a rate that encompasses related fees, including the number of employees required on-site and the approximate job timeline.

Accessibility

The immediate landscape can also affect costs—for instance, densely forested areas with tall oaks and pines involve higher fees since they may not be accessible for bucket trucks. Power lines, overhanging structures, and other obstructions or hazards may likewise make accessibility challenging.

Inspections

Arborists usually inspect your trees before trimming, which costs between $30 and $150. These assessments are important for diagnosing and addressing rot, pests, structural issues, and soil health.

Pests and Disease

While many types of fungi, insects, and animals play a role in a healthy tree ecosystem, pests can significantly damage tree structures and health. Tree pest control costs vary depending on the species but average between $50 and $250. 

You may require monthly pest control treatments and periodic inspections to remediate the tree. Look for these pests::

• Ants

• Aphids

• Emerald ash borers

• Mites

• Oak wilt

• Root rot/fungus

• Shield lice

• Termites

• Woodpeckers

Cleanup 

Tree trimming estimates may include hauling branches and cleaning up your yard. If not, hauling and disposal costs add about $25 to $100. A more thorough yard cleanup that includes pruning, leaf removal, landscaping, and raking may cost from $200 to $500.

Deep Root Fertilization

Struggling trees can benefit from fertilizer spikes that treat deep roots. Arborists charge between $100 and $350 for this service.

Permits

Depending on your location and the tree species, you may need a permit for trimming trees. Costs vary by region, but permit fees average about $500.

Additional Services

Tree trimmers and arborists may offer insights and recommended services based on their assessment of your trees and property to optimize overall lawn health.

Pruning

Pruning costs between $400 and $1,800 per tree. While pruning and trimming overlap, pruning specifically prepares dormant shrubs and trees to bloom next season. It removes dead or wilted areas of branches to promote growth. Root pruning ranges from $300 to $750 and can help prevent hardscaping or plumbing damage and well as optimize the tree’s health.

Topping

Topping a tree costs between $400 and $1,100 since it follows similar steps as traditional trimming. This process, which removes the top section of the branches to round off the end of its branches, can threaten a tree's long-term health and invite rot in certain circumstances. Topping a tree is sometimes the first step in removing it altogether. Crown reduction is a more precise option that costs up to $1,900.

Branch Removal

Trimming a single branch costs $50 to $175. You may need individual branches removed after a storm or if one interferes with the roof or chimney on your home.

Tree and Stump Removal 

Removing a tree or stump costs between $400 and $2,000, averaging $1,200, depending on its size, health, and placement all play a role. It's important to always trust full tree removal to a professional, as you'll need local permits to remove certain tree species. For stump grinding and removal, plan for about $3 per inch or approximately $150 to $1,600.

Hedge and Shrub Trimming

While not the same as tree trimming, hedge and shrub trimming is often included in bundled services. Hedge and shrub trimming costs $450 to $1,440 and helps maintain the overall appearance of your property and promotes a healthy lawn.

Budgeting for Tree Trimming Service

Tree trimming is a necessary service, but managing your budget helps keep your budget streamlined. Try these cost-saving tips:

• Trim multiple trees at once to take advantage of bundling discounts and reduce per-tree costs.

• Compare quotes from multiple contractors to find the best pricing structure and included services.

• Arrange regular maintenance to prevent your trees from growing unruly or diseased.

• Consider treating your trees with approved disease or pest control to ensure their health and reduce the risk of complications during trimming.

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.