As a homeowner, the tree removal cost is one of the many expenses you might have in regards to landscaping. When planning to have a tree removed from your home, it is essential that you understand the financial obligations you will need to prepare for.
A one-size-fits-all way to determine the tree removal cost does not exist. The cost generally varies depending on a wide range of factors, including the tree size, location, tree species, etc. What this tells you is that it is almost impossible to give you a quick answer for how much your tree will cost to remove. Luckily for you, however, guidelines you can use to estimate the
amount of money you may have to spend on tree removal do exist. In this tree removal cost guide, we will look at the guidelines.
How Much Does Removing a Tree Cost?
Tree removal cost ranges between $100 and $1,800. Most homeowners tend to pay about $700. For a small tree whose height does not exceed 30 feet, you should expect to spend an average of $250. For trees whose height ranges between 30 and 60 feet, the price ranges between $300 and $700. To get rid of a tree whose height exceeds 60 feet, you should be prepared to pay approximately $700 to $1800.
The amount of money you will have to part with will be largely dependent on the tree height and the complexity of the job. The more complex the job, the higher the tree removal cost.
To make the above cost table clearer for you, we will take a deeper look at each tree size:
Average Tree Removal Cost
On average, you should expect to spend approximately $700 on the removal of a single tree. Most tree service providers base tree removal on price per foot, with the average cost ranging between $12 and $13 per foot. In terms of the tree size, the common price classifications are as shown below:| Size | Height | Average Tree Removal Cost |
| Small | 30 feet and below | Between $100 and $300 |
| Medium | 30 feet to 60 feet | Between $300 and $700 |
| Large | 60 feet to 80 feet | Between $700 and $1,100 |
| Very Large | 80+ feet | Between $1,100 and $1,800 |
Small Tree Removal Cost
If the height of the tree you intend to remove does not exceed 30 feet, you should expect to pay approximately $100 to $300. As you have probably guessed, small trees are the easiest (and hence least expensive) to remove. In most instances, one professional can handle removing a tree whose height is below 30 feet. Examples of trees whose height falls below 30 feet include:- Ornamental pear
- Silver birch
- Corkscrew hazel
- Hawthorn
- Apple trees
- Other fruit trees
Medium Tree Removal Cost
If you have a tree whose height ranges between 30 and 60 feet, you should expect to pay an average of $300 to $700 to get it removed by professionals. Some of the trees which fall in this height category include:- Elm – Elm trees are usually 40 to 60 feet tall and about 40 to 60 feet wide.
- Maple – Maple trees have an average height of 40 to 60 feet and a width of 20 to 40 feet.
- Linden – Linden trees are pretty tall since their height ranges between 60 and 70 feet. Their width ranges between 30 and 40 feet.
- Hornbeam – Hornbeam trees feature an average height of 20 to 40 feet and are 30 to 40 feet wide.
Large Tree Removal Cost
For a tree whose height ranges between 60 and 80 feet, the average removal cost ranges between $700 and $1,100. The trees are pretty pricey to remove since they require high-powered machinery and more personnel. Some of the trees which fit in this category include:- Zelkova – This tree will have an average height of 50 to 80 feet. Its width ranges between 50 and 75 feet.
- Oak – When fully grown, oak trees feature a height of 70 to 80 feet. On average, they are 80 feet wide.
- Pests and diseases
- Storm damage
- Close proximity to the plumbing pipes or power lines
Very Large Tree Removal Cost
Trees classified under this category feature a height of more than 80 feet. On average, these trees will cost between $1,100 and $1,800 to remove. Generally, the number of personnel needed to handle the removal of a tree increases as the tree height increases. Very large trees may need up to 4 people. Trees falling under the “very large tree” category include:- Pine – Pine trees have an average height of 80 to 100 feet when fully grown.
- Tulip – Tulip tree will have a height of 70 to 90 feet and a width of 35 to 50 feet.
Average Tree Removal Cost Based on Species
Different tree species will have varying tree removal costs. For example, an old Oak tree will cost an average of $950 to remove. If you have a pine tree that you would like to get rid of, you may have to part with $1,100. Palm trees cost approximately $650 to remove. Depending on how old the tree is and its actual diameter and height, these prices may vary. However, the following chart for the removal of the most common tree species should give you a better idea of the cost to expect:| Tree Species | Dimensions | Average Tree Removal Cost |
| Maple | Up to 100 feet tall | $1,100+ |
| Poplar | 90 to 115 feet tall | $1,100+ |
| Palm | 35 to 60 feet tall and about 9 feet wide | $650 |
| Pine | 2 feet wide, 90 feet tall and weighing an average of 10 tons | $1,100 |
| Oak | 26 feet wide, 80 feet tall, and weighing about 3.9 tons | $950 |
Oak Tree Removal Cost
A wide range of states, including California, have already banned the removal of oak trees. However, if the oak tree happens to pose a health or safety risk, then, you can go ahead and remove it. To remove an oak tree featuring a height of 80 feet, a width of 26 feet, and weighing an average of 3.9 tons, you will have to part with $950. Being one of the strongest woods, taking an oak tree down is not that easy. Professionals are often forced to use heavy-duty equipment. If your tree requires special equipment to bring it down, you may have to pay more than $950.Pine Tree Removal Cost
To remove a pine tree that is 2 feet wide, 90 feet tall, and weighing an average of 10 tons, you will have to pay approximately $1,100. If the pine tree is less than 40 feet tall, it may cost you an average of $400 to remove. Depending on the pine tree breed, additional work and gear may be involved. For example, some pine tree breeds feature cones and branches which have to be removed before felling the tree. Also, for some breeds, the tree removal professionals may need safety gear to protect themselves from scratches and to keep the pines from getting in their eyes. The amount you will have to pay for the pine tree removal will increase if more work and gear are necessary – sometimes, you may have to part with over $1,500. Note: Pine trees are known to leave the soil in a more acidic state after their removal. To normalize the soil pH, you may need to add lime to it and then allow it to rest.Palm Tree Removal Cost
As noted earlier, the palm tree weight ranges between 100 and 1,000 lbs. per trunk foot depending on the palm tree variety. This can increase the removal cost significantly, especially if part of the tree has to be roped down. However, in general, a palm tree featuring a width of 9 feet and a height of between 35 and 60 feet should cost an average of $650 to remove. Sometimes, palm trees can grow to more than 80 feet. If your palm tree is taller than 80 feet, you may have to spend an average of $1,100 to $1,500 on its removal.Poplar Tree Removal Cost
The root systems for Balsam Poplar, Cottonwoods, and Aspens are pretty invasive. For this reason, most property owners are often eager to get rid of the trees. Growing to an average height of 90 to 115 feet, poplar trees cost between $1,100 to $1,800 to remove.Maple Tree Removal Cost
Popularly considered ornamental trees, maple trees are generally available in almost all size variations. However, these trees are capable of growing to a height that exceeds 100 feet. The largest poplars will cost an average of $1,100 to $1,800 to remove.Other Tree Removal Costs
Sometimes you may not want to cut down a tree – you may just want to remove an already fallen tree. Also, in some instances, you may just want to transplant a tree or just remove a couple of branches to make the tree safer. In this section, we will look at the costs you should expect for these activities.Tree Transplanting Cost
If you would like to transplant a tree to a different part of your home, you may have to work with at least 2 professionals. In most instances, the service for moving a tree from one position to the other will add about $100 to $150 to the final cost. This cost will increase depending on the distance you would like the tree to be transported.Fallen Tree Removal Cost
Compared to a tree that is currently standing, fallen trees cost significantly less to remove – they cost about a 1/3 of the cost of removing a standing tree. On average, you should expect to pay $100 to $600 to remove a dead or fallen tree. Fallen trees won’t carry precautions for structures and workers as the standing tree would. However, depending on the length of the tree, significant work may still be required.Tree Branch Removal Cost
Maybe your tree can be allowed to stay in place if you manage to get rid of the extra-long branches. When working with professionals, branch removal cost ranges between $98 and $173 per hour. The average total is usually $428. If you will be doing the work yourself, you will obviously have to purchase the branch removal tools. On average, you will have to spend $260 to $350 on the necessary branch removal tools.Tree Removal Cost Factors
From the pricing perspective, tree removal is one of the more standardized tree services. The service has a set of variables that govern its main pricing factors. In this section, we will take you through the main factors which affect the tree removal cost:
Tree Height
The weight of a tree is directly proportional to its height. Basically, the taller the tree, the heavier it will be. Taller and heavier trees feature more risks to those working on the removal. Also, bigger trees have the potential of inflicting more damage to your property. Ensuring that all these risks are mitigated is extremely crucial. Mitigation often requires more manpower and better equipment. This is the reason why taller trees tend to have a high removal cost compared to the shorter trees.Tree Diameter
In some instances, a shorter but thicker tree may take more time and money to get rid of, compared to a tall but thin tree. This is because, the thicker the tree trunk, the more the sections the tree will be cut into once it has been brought down. Professionals measure the trunk diameter at chest height, which is approximately 4.5 feet from the ground. Once measured, the diameter is rounded to the nearest half-inch.Tree Condition
The cost of removal is usually affected by the condition of the tree. Trees that appear to be in a dangerous condition have to be inspected by an arborist before their removal can be commenced. This ensures the safety of both your property and the people involved in tree removal is safeguarded. Some of the factors which affect the condition of a tree include:- History – For example, recent construction close to the tree’s roots and landscaping activities have the potential to affect the stability of your tree.
- Lean – Not 100% of the trees grow up straight. Slight lean in the tree’s trunk may not affect the tree removal cost significantly. However, a significant lean, combined with cracked and exposed roots could indicate a stability issue.
- Multiple Trunks – It is not uncommon for trees to split into 2 or more trunks. If these trunks do feature a crack in between them, this is an indication that they may crack and fall when the tree is being removed.
- Weak Branches – A branch featuring a tight V-shaped connection on the trunk is more prone to cracking and falling. This usually makes for a potentially hazardous condition.
- Decay/Cavities – Cavities and decays usually compromise the tree’s structural integrity. They make for weak spots which can affect the process of removing a tree.
Dead Trees
When it comes to the tree removal cost, dead trees are generally a mixed bag. Smaller dead trees are usually considered easy to remove – this is because they are brittle and weak and hence can be cut pretty easily. Large dead trees are also weak and brittle. However, their being brittle and weak makes them dangerous to work on – this is because the tree can fall unexpectedly during the removal process. Some tree removal services won’t consider the dead trees any different from the living trees. Since this factor is quite unpredictable, it is a good idea to assume that the cost of removing a dead tree may be higher compared to that of removing your living tree. Ultimately, the amount of money you will have to pay to remove a dead tree will be largely dependent on how comfortable the service company is with the tree. Note: Dying or dead trees in urban areas are considered to be a hazard. If one falls, one may have to face neglect charges.Tree Location
The location of a tree has the potential to affect the cost of removal by approximately 25% to 50%. If your tree is sitting away from power lines and structures, it will be much easier to remove compared to a tree that is sitting close to utility lines or next to your house. If power lines are weaving through the tree’s branches, you may have to pay a certified lineman to ensure that the power lines do not cause any negative effects. If a tree is close to an important structure, its branches may have to be lowered down using ropes to avoid damaging the structure. If the tree you would like to remove is surrounded by other trees that you would like to keep in perfect health, this can complicate the removal process. How easily the tree removal professionals can access your tree is another factor that has the potential to significantly affect the removal cost. If the tree is sitting on your front yard, accessing it should be easy. For such a tree, the service provider can use a crane and bucket to cut the higher branches and the crown. On the other hand, if the tree is in your backyard, using the crane and bucket may not be possible. Someone may have to climb up the tree. If someone has to go up the tree, you should expect the tree removal cost to go up.Additional Tree Removal Cost Factors
Emergency Tree Removal
If your tree is damaged and something has to be done quickly in order to protect your property, yourself, and other people residing close to the tree, you have to be prepared to pay a premium fee to fast track the tree removal. Companies offering emergency tree removal services usually work directly with insurance companies. Before paying for the emergency removal, check with your insurance company to see if the policy you have can cover for the emergency tree removal. Companies offering emergency tree removal services usually work directly with insurance companies. Before paying for the emergency removal, check with your insurance company to see if the policy you have can cover for the emergency tree removal.Travel Fee
Most tree removal service providers do charge a travel fee if they have to travel for a long distance to get to the tree you would like to remove. On average, the travel fee ranges between $50 and $100, depending on the type of equipment the service provider has to bring and the size of the crew.Soil Condition
If the tree you would like to remove is on a hill that is basically a mud pit, on very rocky land, or in danger of a landslide, the tree removal cost may be more than the expected average.Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Expect to Pay to Remove a Single Tree?
For a tree whose height does not exceed 30 feet, you should expect to pay approximately $200. For a medium-sized tree (30 feet to 60 feet tall), you should expect to pay an average of $500. For a tree whose height ranges between 60 feet and 90 feet, you will have to pay approximately $900. Trees featuring a height of 80+ feet will cost $1,800 to remove.Will My Insurance Policy Cover the Tree Removal Cost?
If an otherwise healthy tree happens to damage your home, say, due to a lightning bolt, a car collision, or a windstorm, your insurance company can help pay for the necessary repairs. Most insurance policies will cover separate structures, including carports, sheds, and more. To make your insurance claims viable, it is a good idea to invest in tree inspection after major storms, especially if the trees can damage your home if they fall. A visual inspection will cost you approximately $150 to $200.Tips to Help You Save Money on Tree Removal
To reduce the amount of money you pay to remove trees, consider doing the following:
