1. Choose the height
Select a height band from a safe observation point. If you are unsure, compare adjacent bands rather than climbing or measuring near hazards.
Tree Removal Cost Calculator
Estimate a budget for one standing tree, adjust for access, and add stump grinding. See the assumptions before comparing your result with local quotes.
Estimate the cost to remove a tree
Access percentages are planning assumptions, not surveyed local prices.
Use the widest ground-level measurement, not trunk width at chest height.Enter a whole number from 1 to 120 inches.
Planning range · USD$500 – $1,500One standing tree. Permits, crane hire, unusual disposal and repairs are not separately priced.
Tree removal cost by size
HomeGuide publishes a typical overall range of $400–$1,200. Height-specific ranges are broader. The calculator starts with the following figures, before access adjustments or stump grinding.
| Tree height | Published planning range | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | $200 – $500 | Before illustrative access adjustments and stump grinding. |
| 30 to under 60 ft | $500 – $1,500 | Before illustrative access adjustments and stump grinding. |
| 60 to 80 ft | $850 – $2,000 | Before illustrative access adjustments and stump grinding. |
| Over 80 ft | $1,200 – $2,500+ | Large or complex jobs need a site-specific quote. |
Height bands are normalized so a 30-foot or 60-foot tree belongs to only one category. The upper figure is not a price cap.
Reference: HomeGuide tree removal cost guide. Checked October 12, 2026.
How to use the tree removal estimate
2. Describe access
Restricted and difficult access add illustrative allowances of 25% and 50%. These are model assumptions, not measured contractor premiums.
3. Add the stump separately
Use the widest stump measurement at ground level. Grinding is a separate task; leaving it unchecked excludes it from the total.
Prices are in US dollars. This tool does not use your ZIP code, identify tree condition, or assess a safe removal method. Read the calculation method.
Worked example: a medium tree and a 30-inch stump
For a 30-to-under-60-foot tree with restricted access and one 30-inch stump, the model adds the grinding estimate after adjusting the removal range.
| Step | Calculation range |
|---|---|
| Height reference | $500 – $1,500 |
| Removal with 25% access allowance | $625 – $1,875 |
| Stump grinding | $80 – $180 |
| Combined planning range | $705 – $2,055 |
This is an illustration of the formula, not an observed customer bill or contractor quote.
Does the tree species change the cost?
Species can affect the work, but height, canopy, condition and access still matter. These broad published species ranges provide context; they are not extra charges added to the calculator.
| Tree | Published range | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Oak tree removal | $300–$2,500 | Canopy spread, protected status and rigging access. |
| Maple tree removal | $600–$1,200 | Multiple stems and nearby structures. |
| Pine tree removal | $250–$1,600 | Total height and haul-away scope. |
| Palm tree removal | $200–$1,200 | Trunk height, fronds and disposal. |
Reference: HomeGuide. Checked October 12, 2026. Species ranges describe different jobs and should not be combined with height ranges.
Compare what each removal quote includes
Ask each contractor to price the same tree and the same work. A low headline price may exclude tasks you need.
- Identify the exact tree and the planned work.
- List equipment, access restrictions and any crane charges.
- Specify whether logs, branches and chips leave the property.
- Separate stump grinding, root work and ground restoration.
- Confirm who checks and pays for required permits.
- Ask about exclusions, additional charges and property protection.
TreeRemovalPrices is an independent information site. We do not book crews or match visitors with contractors.
Tree removal cost questions
How much does it cost to cut down a tree?
The answer depends on the job. Start with the height table above, then compare itemized local quotes. Cutting down the tree, hauling it away and grinding the stump are different tasks.
Can I use this for a fallen tree?
The calculator models one standing tree. See fallen-tree cleanup costs for a different scope. A tree resting on a structure or power line needs specialist assessment.
Are permits and crane hire included?
No separate allowance is calculated for these. Check local permit requirements and have the contractor list any special equipment costs.
Why is my quote above the estimate?
A site assessment can reveal work this model does not capture. Ask the contractor to explain the scope and compare equivalent quotes; exceeding a planning range does not by itself mean overcharging.
Is this a local tree removal price?
No. The tool does not calculate city or ZIP-code rates. Use our local quote comparison guide to check the factors that differ in your area.