Tree Removal Cost Calculator and Free 2026 Estimate
Tree removal costs $150–$5,000 depending on size, type, and access. Enter your details below for an instant estimate based on September 2026 national averages.
Estimate tree removal cost
September 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. National averages current as of September 2026 for mixed hardwood. Species-specific prices are on each tree type page. 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 – $5,000 | Dense hardwood (~47 lb/ft³), wide canopy, limb-drop risk |
| Maple | High | $300 – $4,000 | Heavy hardwood, canopy spread exceeds height; silver maple adds a hazard premium |
| Elm | Medium | $250 – $3,000 | Moderate density; Dutch elm disease may add a disposal surcharge |
| Pine | Low – Med | $250 – $2,500 | Softwood cuts fast (~25 lb/ft³), but mature pines pass 80 ft |
| Palm | Low | $190 – $1,500 | No branches, fibrous light trunk, the cheapest common species, but tall palms need a lift |
| Dead tree | Medium – High | $300 – $3,500 | Brittle and unpredictable; hazard premium, and no salvage value to offset the bill |
Source: Angi, HomeGuide, LawnLove. National averages current as of September 2026 across all heights. Each species page breaks these ranges down by height.
Reading a quote
How a tree removal quote is built
A real quote is a sum of parts, not a single number. Knowing the parts is how you spot padding, and how you negotiate the two line items that are genuinely optional.
| Line item | Typical amount | Optional? | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base removal labor | $9.50 – $14.50 / ft | No | Crew time to fell or rig the tree. Rises steeply above 50 ft. |
| Rigging | +30 – 50% of labor | No | Sectional lowering when the tree cannot be felled whole, which is usually unavoidable near structures. |
| Crane or lift | $800 – $2,000 | Situational | mobilized above roughly 80 ft or for confined access. Sometimes avoidable with careful rigging. |
| Hauling & disposal | $75 – $200 | Yes | Keeping wood and chips on site removes this entirely. |
| Stump grinding | $100 – $700 | Yes | Separate service at $3–$5 per inch. Cheaper bundled than standalone. |
| Permit | $25 – $500+ | Sometimes | Required in many cities above 6–12 inches DBH. Reputable arborists handle the filing. |
Source: Angi, HomeGuide, LawnLove. National averages current as of September 2026. Line items marked optional are genuinely negotiable; the rest are not.
Two line items you can almost always remove. Hauling and stump grinding together account for $175–$900 on a typical job, and both are optional. Keep the wood on site and defer the stump, and the same removal costs dramatically less, provided you accept the trade-offs.
By tree type
Detailed pricing for each species
Species changes the bill more than any factor except height. Each page below covers height brackets, what drives the cost for that tree specifically, and how to pay less.
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, so a second trip would add a mobilization charge of $75–$150. Ask for a combined quote before the crew leaves.
Hardwood stumps such as oak, maple and 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. National averages current as of September 2026. $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 / ftAccessibility
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 rateNear 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% surchargeEmergency 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-hoursTree health
Dead or diseased trees cut faster but are structurally unpredictable, and 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 – $200Permits
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 cityServices
Guides for each service
Removal is only one line on a tree care bill. These pages cover the services that usually come with it, and the ones you can skip.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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Tree removal costs $150–$5,000 depending on size, species and access, with most single residential trees landing between $450 and $1,200. Small trees under 25 ft run $150–$450; a large hardwood over 80 ft near a structure can reach $5,000 once a crane is required. Use the calculator above for a size-specific estimate.
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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.
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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.
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Palm tree removal costs $190–$1,500 on average. Palms are lighter and structurally simpler than hardwood trees, which keeps costs lower. Palms over 60 ft, or those in tight urban spaces may require a crane, pushing costs toward the higher end of the range.
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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.
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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.
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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, since deductibles are often lower than the removal cost itself.