Tree Removal Cost Calculator — Free 2026 Estimate

Tree removal costs $150–$3,000 depending on size, type, and location. Enter your details below for an instant estimate based on 2026 national averages.

Estimate tree removal cost

Estimated cost $450 – $900 Based on 2026 national average cost of tree removal · Final cost varies after on-site inspection.
Removal: $450 – $900

2026 pricing data

Tree removal cost by size

Height is the single biggest cost driver. Taller trees require more crew time, larger equipment, and more complex rigging to fell safely.

Size Height Cost range National avg.
Small Under 25 ft $150 – $450 $300
Medium 25 – 50 ft $450 – $1,200 $825
Large 50 – 80 ft $1,200 – $2,500 $1,850
Extra large 80 ft + $2,500 – $5,000 $3,750

Source: Angi, HomeGuide, LawnLove — 2026 national averages. Prices vary by region and site conditions.

Tree removal cost by type

Tree species, wood density, and root system complexity all affect the cost to cut down a tree. Hardwood species take longer and drive up the final bill.

Species Difficulty Cost range Why it varies
Oak High $600 – $4,500 Dense hardwood, complex branch structure, large canopy
Pine Low – Med $250 – $1,500 Softwood cuts faster, but mature pines grow very tall
Palm Low $190 – $875 Lighter trunk, simple structure — but requires specialist in some regions
Maple High $1,000 – $3,500 Wide canopy and hardwood add crew time significantly
Elm Medium $400 – $1,200 Disease risk (Dutch elm) may require disposal surcharge
Dead Tree Medium – High $300 – $1,800 Brittle wood and rot create unpredictable hazards; rigging adds labor cost

Source: Angi, HomeGuide, LawnLove — 2026 national averages. Prices vary by region and site conditions.

Stump removal

How much does stump grinding cost?

Stump grinding costs $3–$5 per inch of stump diameter, with a minimum service fee of $100. A 12-inch stump runs $100–$120; a 30-inch stump runs $180–$250. Most arborists measure diameter at ground level, not at chest height.

Bundling stump grinding with tree removal almost always saves money. The crew is already on site with equipment staged — a second trip would add a mobilization charge of $75–$150. Ask for a combined quote before the crew leaves.

Hardwood stumps — oak, maple, hickory — take longer to grind and typically cost 15–20% more than softwood stumps of the same diameter. Root flares that spread wide at the base can also push the price up.

Stump diameter Cost range Notes
6 inches $100minimum fee applies Minimum service fee covers most small stumps
12 inches $100 – $120 Typical small tree stump
18 inches $130 – $175 Medium tree; add 15% for hardwood
24 inches $170 – $230 Large tree; wide root flare may increase cost
36 inches $250 – $350 Old-growth or large hardwood; allow extra time

Source: Angi, HomeGuide, LawnLove — 2026 national averages. $3–$5/inch with $100 minimum service fee.

Tree removal rates

What affects tree removal cost?

Six variables account for most of the difference between a $200 job and a $5,000 job. Understanding each helps you read a quote accurately and spot padding.

Height & size

The single biggest cost driver. Taller trees require more crew time, larger equipment, and staged felling. The per-foot labor rate runs $9.50–$14.50, rising steeply above 50 ft where aerial rigging becomes necessary.

$9.50 – $14.50 / ft

Accessibility

A tree tucked against a fence, on a slope, or reachable only through a gate applies a ×1.25–1.45 multiplier to the base rate. Tight access prevents large chippers and cranes from getting close, forcing slower hand-work.

Up to ×1.45 on base rate

Near power lines

Any tree within falling distance of a power line requires specialized insulated rigging and, in many states, coordination with the utility company. Expect a +25% surcharge at minimum. Some utilities mandate their own crew on-site, adding cost outside the arborist's control.

+25% surcharge

Emergency removal

After-hours calls, storm-season response, or same-day service typically add 25–50% to the standard rate. During active storm events demand spikes sharply and crews can charge premium rates. If the tree is not an immediate hazard, scheduling 2–4 weeks out saves significantly.

+25% – 50% after-hours

Tree health

Dead or diseased trees cut faster but are structurally unpredictable — brittle limbs can break without warning during felling. Many arborists charge the same as a live tree, and some add a hazard premium of $50–$200. Diseased wood (Dutch elm, oak wilt) may also require special disposal.

Hazard premium $50 – $200

Permits

Many cities require a permit to remove trees above a set trunk diameter (commonly 6–12 inches DBH). Fees range from $25 in rural areas to $500+ in cities like Atlanta, Portland, and across California. Reputable arborists handle permitting; confirm this is included before signing.

$25 – $500+ depending on city

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

  • Tree removal costs $400–$1,200 for most residential jobs, with a national average of $906 in 2026. Small trees under 25 ft run $150–$450; large trees over 80 ft can reach $5,000 when near structures or power lines. Use the calculator above for a size-specific estimate.
  • Trees over 80 ft with dense hardwood (oak, maple, hickory) located near structures or power lines are the most expensive to remove. The combination of height, wood density, and tight access can push costs to $3,000–$5,000+. Crane removal may be necessary when the tree cannot be felled in sections.
  • Stump grinding costs $3–$5 per inch of diameter with a minimum service fee of $100. A 12-inch stump runs $100–$120; a 30-inch stump runs $180–$250. Bundling with tree removal saves the second mobilization charge of $75–$150.
  • Palm tree removal costs $190–$875 on average. Palms are lighter and structurally simpler than hardwood trees, which keeps costs lower. However, very tall palms (over 60 ft) or those in tight urban spaces may require a crane, pushing costs toward the higher end of the range.
  • It depends on your city and the tree's trunk diameter. Many municipalities require permits for trees above 6–12 inches DBH. Cities with strict regulations include Atlanta, Portland, and most California cities. Permit fees range from $25 to $500+. Ask your arborist — reputable contractors handle permitting and include it in the quote.
  • Emergency or after-hours tree removal adds a 25–50% premium to the standard rate. During storm season, when demand spikes, some crews charge double. If the tree is not an immediate structural hazard, waiting 2–4 weeks and scheduling during business hours saves significantly.
  • November through February is the cheapest window. Demand is at its lowest, trees are dormant and lighter, and many arborists offer off-season discounts of 10–25%. Avoid scheduling right after major storms, when crews are fully booked at premium rates.

Before you hire

How to get a lower tree removal estimate

Tree removal estimates vary 30–50% between contractors. These five steps consistently produce lower final bills.

  • Schedule November–February. Off-season demand drops sharply and most arborists offer 10–25% discounts. Avoid post-storm scheduling when crews are fully booked at surge rates.
  • Bundle stump grinding. Adding stump removal while the crew is on-site avoids a second mobilization fee of $75–$150 and often nets a bundled discount of 10–15%.
  • Keep wood chips on site. Hauling away chipped debris typically adds $75–$200. Keeping chips for mulch eliminates that line item entirely and improves soil around other plantings.
  • Get at least three quotes. ISA-certified arborists from the same area routinely quote the same job 30–50% apart. Verify each contractor carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation before signing.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance. If a tree fell due to a named storm peril, removal may be covered. File a claim before paying out-of-pocket — deductibles are often lower than the removal cost itself.