Quick Answer: Average Tree Removal Cost
The national average for tree removal is roughly $630–$850 for a medium-sized tree, based on aggregated data from national home services platforms. Most residential projects fall in the $385–$1,070 typical range, though large or complex removals can run $1,400–$2,800 or higher in some markets.
Small Tree (under 30 ft)
$250 – $500
e.g., ornamental, young maple
Medium Tree (30–60 ft)
$450 – $900
e.g., mature oak, 40-ft pine
Large Tree (60–80 ft)
$900 – $1,600
e.g., large elm, eucalyptus
Very Large Tree (80+ ft)
$1,400 – $2,800
e.g., old-growth oak, redwood
Estimate disclaimer: These are estimated ranges based on national contractor pricing data. Your actual quote will vary based on your specific tree, contractor, and local market conditions. Always get at least 2–3 written quotes before scheduling work.
Cost by Tree Size — Full Breakdown
Height is the single biggest cost factor, but trunk diameter, canopy spread, and species also affect difficulty and disposal cost.
| Tree Size | Typical Height | Trunk Diameter | Avg Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 30 ft | Under 6 inches | $250 – $500 |
| Medium | 30–60 ft | 6–18 inches | $450 – $900 |
| Large | 60–80 ft | 18–36 inches | $900 – $1,600 |
| Very Large | Over 80 ft | 36+ inches | $1,400 – $2,800+ |
What's Included in a Tree Removal Quote
Most quotes include:
- Cutting and sectioning the tree
- Rigging and lowering sections (when needed near structures)
- Chipping branches and smaller limbs
- Hauling away debris from the site
Usually not included: stump removal, log splitting, permit fees, and debris disposal beyond standard haul-away.
Six Factors That Drive Tree Removal Cost
1. Tree Height and Trunk Diameter
Height determines how long the job takes and what equipment is needed. A small tree in an open yard might take one person two hours with a chainsaw. An 80-ft tree near a house may require a crew of 4 and a bucket truck for a full day.
2. Location and Access
A tree in the middle of an open lot is dramatically cheaper to remove than one growing next to your house, along a fence line, or near power lines. Restricted access forces the crew to hand-lower sections on ropes — which multiplies labor time significantly. Expect a 25–55% access premium for difficult sites.
3. Tree Condition
Dead and severely diseased trees are structurally unpredictable. Crews must work with greater caution, and sometimes additional rigging or equipment is required. Budget a 15–25% premium over healthy-tree rates for dead or storm-damaged trees.
4. State and Local Labor Rates
Labor costs vary 40–60% across the US. States with high costs of living like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii run 30–45% above the national average. Southern and Midwestern states typically run 10–20% below. See cost by state for specific numbers.
5. Stump Removal (Separate Line Item)
Almost always a separate charge. Stump grinding runs $100–$400 per stump depending on diameter. Full root extraction is $200–$650+. Always ask when comparing quotes whether stump work is included or separate — many homeowners are surprised by the add-on cost. Use the stump removal calculator to estimate this.
6. Emergency and Off-Hours Timing
Storm damage, fallen trees, and same-day removals command 30–50% premiums. If the tree is not an immediate hazard, scheduling during the slow season (January–March) can save 10–20% compared to peak fall demand.
Extra Services That Add to Your Total
| Service | Typical Added Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 – $400 | Per stump; depends on diameter |
| Full stump removal | $200 – $650 | Root ball extracted entirely |
| Log splitting | $50 – $100 | If you want firewood-ready logs |
| Permit fees | $50 – $200 | Varies by city/county requirements |
| Emergency removal | +30 to +50% (or $450–$3,000 flat depending on scope) | Applied to base quote; after-hours dispatch costs more |
How to Get a Fair Quote
Always get at least three written quotes. Ask each contractor to provide:
- Itemized pricing (labor, stump, debris, permits)
- Proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation
- ISA certification number for complex or large-tree jobs
- A clear scope of what "cleanup" includes
Use the free calculator to set your budget before calling anyone.
How Your State Affects the Price
Labor rates vary 40–60% across the US. A tree that costs $600 in Georgia might cost $1,100 in California or $1,300 in New York. See state-specific planning ranges for the most-searched states:
How These Estimates Are Generated
Tree removal base costs are derived from national pricing data (Angi, LawnLove, LawnStarter, Fixr) and adjusted by tree height, condition, access difficulty, and state labor-rate multipliers.
What these estimates cover: Typical residential removal in a standard access situation, including labor, equipment, and debris hauling. They do not include permits, log splitting, or emergency premiums unless those options are selected.
What they don't replace: A professional site assessment. Actual contractor prices vary based on individual overhead, seasonal demand, equipment availability, and site conditions no formula can fully capture.Always get at least 2–3 written quotes.