How much does a tree removal cost is the primary focus of this article, aiming to clarify factors and considerations that influence the tree removal service cost.
Hiring professionals to remove small and large trees is highly recommended for homeowners to ensure compliance with legal regulations and dispose of trees safely and without causing damage to the environment and property.
Factors Affecting Tree Removal Cost
The total cost to remove a tree depends on a variety of factors, including tree type and size, location, and overall complexity of the job which may require additional skills and equipment to perform the removal properly.
Tree Size and Height
Companies charge the most for oak and elm removal since those are hardwoods that require extra strength and skills to remove the stunt safely without damaging plumbing, wiring, or property.
However, most companies remain consistent in their pricing according to the tree size:
| Tree size | Height | Trunk diameter | Removal cost range |
| Small | Under 20 feet | Under 6 inches | $200 – 500$ |
| Medium | 20 – 50 feet | 6 – 12 inches | $500 – 1,500$ |
| Large | 50 – 80 feet | 12 – 24 inches | $1,500 – 3,000$ |
| Extra-large | Over 800 feet | Over 24 inches | $3,000 + |
Tree Location
How much does it cost to remove a tree depends on the tree’s position regarding other structures, homes, power lines, plumbing, terrain, etc. Trees that are close to homes and commercial buildings require careful handling to prevent roof damage or breaking the windows.
So, professionals have to do precise cutting and lowering, which ultimately increases labor costs. On the other hand, if the tree is close to power lines, it can only be removed by qualified arborists holding the necessary licenses.
In addition, the harder it is to get to the tree and if it is surrounded by obstacles, or located on a steep slope, the tree removal company needs to use specialized equipment, such as cranes, which increases the total cost.
Tree Condition
The tree conditions are a significant influencing factor for how much is tree removal. Healthy trees easier to cut and remove, and diseased or dead trees cost more money for several reasons:
- Disposing of diseased or dead trees requires careful handling because the structure is compromised
- With diseased trees, safety measures are at the highest levels
- Depending on the area, and the type of the tree diseases, the company may have to include a specialized measure to pull the tree and reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Lastly, storm-damaged trees often need immediate assistance, because they can be a severe safety hazard. The cost to remove a small tree or a big one, damaged in the storm, depends on the scope of damage, size, accessibility, etc.
Complexity of the Job
If the tree is easily accessible and lonely in a large and flat area, the costs will be minimal. Oppositely, if there are obstacles around the tree, it can increase even the small tree removal cost because of the extra time needed for safe removal.
Also, for large trees or those on hostile terrain, arborists need to use specialized machines and tool equipment which raises the cost.
Emergency Tree Removal
If a storm or the diseased tree splits in half, becoming a safety hazard, you’ll have to sign up for emergency tree removal services, which are always more expensive than a slow-paced project.
Most commonly, these urgent fixes happen after hours to reduce the risk of trees falling onto people, cars, or homes as soon as possible, so companies charge more.
Debris Removal and Cleanup
Additional costs that you need to keep in mind when anticipating how much to remove a tree include:
- Stump removal – Digging, grinding, or chemical treatment are techniques most companies charge extra with their tree removal service
- Wood disposal – In most cases, wood disposal is included in the price, but if there are a lot of branches and leaves, the company may charge extra
- Cleanup services – If you want raking and wood chip removal, expect to pay extra for thorough site cleanup
The Average Cost to Remove a Tree
Refer to the table to get a sense of how much does it cost to remove a small tree, a large one, or an extra large one on the location with access difficulties and compare prices across regions.
| Region | Average Cost |
| National average | $1,000 – 2,000$ |
| Northeast | $1,200 – 2,500$ |
| Midwest | $800 – 1,800$ |
| South | $700 – 1,500$ |
| West | $1,500 – 3,000$ |
Average costs of various tree removal projects, based on size and project complexity:
| Tree size and complexity | Cost range |
| Small and easy | $200 – 500$ |
| Small and complex | $400 – 800$ |
| Medium and easy | $500 – 1,200$ |
| Medium and complex | $800 – 2,000$ |
| Large and easy | $1,200 – 2,500$ |
| Large and complex | $2,000 – 4,000$ |
| Extra large and easy | $3,000+ |
| Extra large and complex | $4,000+ |
Additional Services and Costs
Several more factors may become relevant in case-specific tree removal projects.
Stump Grinding and Removal
Stump grinding is more affordable because it is a machine-done process, where the stump is grinded below ground level. But, with this method, homeowners risk root regrowth and landscape disruption.
- Grinding average cost: $75 – 400$ per stump
Stump removal is a better alternative for trees with complex root systems because the professionals will dig out the entire stump with roots. It is expensive, but it is a thorough process that eliminates root regrowth.
- Stump removal average cost: $250 – 400$ per stump
Wood Chipping and Log Splitting
Chipping branches and logs depend on the quality, and can be included with the tree removal service. On the other hand, most companies charge extra for splitting large logs into firewood.
Certain companies offer a log-splitting service, while others may outsource it at the request of a client.
Tree Trimming and Pruning
Different companies offer regular maintenance packages which include trimming and pruning to keep the trees healthy.
Moreover, trimming hazardous branches is recommended to prevent them from causing harm to humans, vehicles, and properties. Professionals will remove dead or diseased branches to prevent the infection from taking over the entire tree.
How to Choose a Tree Removal Service
Choosing a reputable contractor for tree removal is essential for several factors, including safety, time-saving, legal compliance, liability protections, and damage control. Here are key factors to hiring a professional:
- Credentials and Insurance
Licensed professionals provide:
- High quality results and adherence to industry standards
- Liability protection – In case of accidents, insured companies cover damage
- Professional behavior and fair-payment policy
- Reputation and Reviews
To get references from tree removal companies, look online for reviews and references on home improvement forums and discussion groups in your local community. Ask around and consider business longevity to get a better sense of the company’s service quality.
- Cost Estimates
Getting at least three cost estimates to outline the scope of work, and details around tree removal. That way you choose the company which guarantees the best value for the money. Pick companies with written detailed estimates and consider hidden costs, such as disposal fees or equipment rental.
Tips for Reducing Tree Removal Costs
If you paying several thousand dollars to remove a single tree is a budget constraint for you, maximize savings with:
- Off-season tree removal – Winter is off season for tree removal and you are more likely to decrease the cost to remove small tree or large one, because of lower demand, easier removal, and discount programs
- Bundling services – Consider including tree removal into your landscape or hardscape project to save money
- Prevention: Keep the trees healthy with pruning, trimming, pest control, fertilizing, and soil care to remove the need for removal.
Conclusion
Removing a dead or damaged tree from your backyard can be expensive, especially if the tree is large, you need a total root removal. Professionals need to use specialized equipment and machines to access the site and dispose of it safely.
In addition, how much does emergency tree removal costs depends on the labor costs after hours and damage assessment.
Overall, taking good care of your trees reduces the risk for emergency responses and allows you to control when and how you’ll remove the trees, maximizing money savings.
FAQ
Why is removing trees after a storm expensive?
After storms, there is a higher demand for emergency removal services which will increase the price. Often, because the tree needs to be removed urgently, arborists work outside typical work hours, which costs more.
How much money will I pay for the removal of a 50 foot tree?
The typical cost to remove tree of that size is between $500 and 1,500$. Removal of trees on difficult terrains and large ones is more expensive.
Can I remove the small tree myself?
Yes, but it isn’t recommended because of various safety risks. The cost to remove small tree is negligible compared to the damage an improper removal can cause to your property and environment.
