How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $150 to $10,000, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Tree removal involves avoiding power lines and plumbing, and requires specialized equipment, making hiring a pro necessary.
The average cost of tree removal varies from $200 to $2,000 depending on tree size, species, complexity, location, and frequency of removal.
Hiring a professional ensures safe removal, preventing potential hazards and property damage.
Warning signs for tree removal include a significant lean, weakly attached multiple trunks, weak branches, diseases, and decay.
Tree removal benefits include avoiding potential hazards, preventing property damage, and clearing land for other uses.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Tree removal costs homeowners an average of $750, with prices typically ranging from $200to $200. Factors like tree size, species, and location influence the final cost. Hiring a professional ensures safe and efficient removal, protecting your property from potential damage.
Since costs can vary based on specific circumstances, consult with a local tree removal professional for an accurate estimate.
Tree Removal by Tree Size
Tree size significantly affects removal costs. Here's what you can expect based on height:
Up to 30 feet: $150–$450
30–60 feet: $450–$1,200
60–80 feet: $800–$1,500
Over 80 feet: $1,000–$2,000
Removing a tree more than 80 feet tall may require a crane, and in that case, you can expect to pay an additional $500, or around $250 to $600 per day, for crane service. The total cost can increase to about $6,000 to $7,000, depending on the difficulty of removal. This tree size is the most complicated to remove because you'll need to avoid power lines and plumbing. In addition, pros may need to use rope and climbing equipment.
Tall, slender trees can be challenging to remove due to their height and stability, potentially increasing the removal cost.
| Height (in feet) | Removal Estimate |
|---|---|
| 20 | $150 – $300 |
| 30 | $150 – $450 |
| 40 | $420 – $700 |
| 50 | $500 – $1,000 |
| 60 – 80 | $800 – $1,500 |
| 80 – 100 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Tree Removal Costs by Condition
Trees in precarious conditions of rot or neglect might need additional supports put in place prior to their removal. A local arborist has specialized training in the health and care of trees and other woody plants and should inspect sick trees. Arborist fees vary depending on the job, but homeowners pay about $940 per visit. They'll inspect dangerously leaning trees before removal to determine how to cut them down. Factors affecting the tree's condition are:
History: Recent construction near the tree roots, certain landscaping activities, and general tree care can affect the tree's stability.
Lean: A slight trunk lean can be expected in most trees, but a significant lean indicates a serious stability problem, especially if combined with exposed roots and cracked ground on one side.
Multiple trunks: A tree can split into two or more trunks. If they're weakly attached, they could crack and fall during the removal.
Weak branches: Branches more prone to cracking and breaking, such as ones with a tight V-shaped connection at the trunk, make for a more hazardous condition.
Diseases and ailments: Tree illnesses such as cavities and decay can compromise the tree's structural integrity. This could result in the tree having surprising weak spots, affecting the removal process.
Tree Removal Costs by Tree
Some tree species—American ash, bur oak, and maple—can reach over 100 feet tall and are some of the hardest to remove. The type of tree growing on your property dictates how tall it'll grow at full maturity. Once you identify the type of tree you need to remove, you can better estimate the cost of removal.
| Tree Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pine | $250 – $1,500 |
| Palm | $65 – $1,500 |
| Oak | $200 – $2,000 |
| Cedar | $250 – $1,500 |
| Ash | $250 – $1,800 |
| Maple | $250 – $2,000 |
Accessibility to the Tree
Hard-to-access trees could cost 25% to 50% more to remove than average. Ideally, your tree should sit comfortably away from any structures or power lines. But if you need to remove a tree sitting right next to your house or with power lines weaving through the branches, the job will require more preparation and skill. Many tree service pros may require a utility company to handle anything dealing with power lines. A few things to note:
Trees close to structures need the branches lowered by rope instead of being cut loose.
Densely packed trees can complicate removal.
You can improve access to the tree by taking down fences, removing obstacles, and moving vehicles.
In addition, a tree removal service will charge extra for travel, particularly if you live in a remote area. The price varies widely, and if you live outside a pro’s service area, they may charge a mileage fee of around $0.50 per mile or a flat rate of $50 to $200 extra.
Emergency Tree Removal Costs
You can't plan all tree removals in advance and may find yourself with a tree removal emergency, like when a tree suddenly falls on your home or car. You'll need to remove it immediately before it can cause further damage, so you'll pay a premium for urgent service. If it's leaning on your property, it may also require extra care to avoid causing additional damage.
It'll vary by situation and the pro, but the fee could easily go up to $5,000. You may also pay a premium if you need a tree removal service during a busy period, such as after a natural disaster. Check to see if your homeowners insurance can help you in these situations.
Tree Removal Costs by Number of Trees
You may be able to pay by acreage if you want to clear a wooded area of multiple trees. A sparsely wooded area might cost between $500 to $2,500 per acre, and a densely wooded one could range between $3,000 and $6,000 per acre.
Additional Tree Removal Services
Removing trees may incur other related services, including grinding the leftover stump or chipping the wood to turn into mulch. Read below to find out other tree services you may need.
Stump Grinding or Removal
The cost to remove a tree stump isn't always included in the price to remove a tree. The stump's remaining root system may not be obvious from above the ground, making its removal a job for a specialized stump removal pro near you. Removing a stump and its roots can cost between $175 and $560, depending on the complexity of the root system. Other factors that could affect the price include the labor time, age of the stump, soil conditions, and wood hardness.
You can consider the cost of stump grinding, where a hydraulic machine mulches the stump and some of the roots. This option is a little cheaper at $150 to $500. For smaller stumps, you might be able to rent a stump grinder and DIY this job yourself.
Fallen Tree Removal
The average price for removing a fallen tree is about $75 to $150, depending on the tree size and species. You might pay additional costs to have the pieces hauled away.
Wood Chipping and Logging
Many tree removal services include chipping and removal in their estimate. But if wood debris is left behind, you might want to consider these additional services.
Chipping: The cost of chipping averages from $75–$125 per hour. This will turn debris into mulch you can use for landscaping.
Log splitting: Splitting the logs for firewood costs an additional $75–$100 per tree.
Hauling away debris: This can cost an extra $50–$150.
Tree Moving
Moving a tree costs anywhere from $400 to $750 for a professional service to move a small tree. Medium and large ones can cost anywhere from $700 to $5,000.
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
If your tree is easy to access and there aren't any local codes against cutting it down, you can cut it down yourself. But always check with your local code enforcement office or local tree service about licensing and restrictions first. "Free" might cost you far more than hiring a local tree removal pro if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Some areas require a permit to remove trees, while others only permit pros who can then remove trees. Each location has its own rules and regulations covering tree removal. It’s always best to ask a pro about the permitting process before hiring them. You should always contact your local government agency to confirm all permit requirements before removing a tree.
It’s OK to cut down some trees, but in many areas, trees are protected species or have historical value, meaning you cannot cut them down. Always check with your local tree service or arborist before cutting down trees. This is especially true if you live in an area with robust environmental protections.
Generally, you should trim your tree when you want to enhance your tree’s aesthetics and encourage growth. Prune your tree when you need to remove broken, damaged, or diseased branches or otherwise focus on the tree’s health. Have your tree cut down when:
The trunk has hallowed
Your tree has multiple dead or dying branches
A storm has severely damaged it
There’s no new growth for some time
The tree has succumbed to disease, died, and risks falling on your or your neighbor’s home
You should consider removing a tree within 15 to 20 feet of your home, depending on its age, size, and condition. If the trees’ branches hang over your house, you risk damage to your home if a large, heavy branch falls during a storm or from disease or age. Always work with a local arborist to determine if you should have the tree removed.
