Having a well-manicured and beautiful landscape enhances the beauty and curb appeal of your house. But what if you don’t want to keep unwanted trees in your lawn and are now looking for How Much Does It Cost To Cut Down A Tree? The cost of professional tree removal ranges from $150 to over $2,000, depending on several key factors, including tree type, size, and location.
Let’s discover the accurate tree removal prices, factors impacting it, tips for reducing tree removal costs, how to DIY cutting a tree, and what are the signs that you should remove your tree.
How Much Does It Cost To Cut Down A Tree In 2025?
Sometimes, tree removal is necessary and can cause damage, like invasive roots harming your asphalt driveway or foundations. So, it can be challenging and may cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, the national average cost to remove a tree is $850. But make sure to get multiple quotes before hiring professionals to safely remove trees.
1. What Is The Tree Removal Cost By Tree Size?
Tree removal greatly depends on its size. Simply, a small tree will cost you lower to remove compared to a large one. For example, a 5 to 30-foot tree may cost you $150 to $500, a 30 to 60-foot tree may cost $435 to $1,000, and a large 60 to 80-foot tree might cost $800 to $1,800. However, trunk thickness, multiple trunks, and tree type also impact the final price.
| Tree Height Range | Average Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5–30 feet | $150–$500 | Small trees, easier to remove, minimal equipment needed. |
| 30–60 feet | $435–$1,000 | Medium trees, may require specialized equipment like cherry pickers. |
| 60–80 feet | $800–$1,800 | Large trees, often need cranes or additional personnel for safety. |
| Over 80 feet | $1,000–$2,500+ | Very large trees, require heavy equipment like cranes and extensive safety measures. |
2. What Is The Tree Removal Cost By Tree Type?
Your tree type also affects removal costs because it may require specialized equipment. For example, hardwood trees with complicated branches or big root systems, like oak, take longer and cost more to remove, while softwood trees like spruce are easier and less expensive to remove. Additionally, Weaker wood trees are also more expensive to remove, as they’re harder to climb or use for rigging.
| Tree Type | Average Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ash | $800–$1,900 | Tall trees (60–120 ft); infested or dead ash trees (e.g., emerald ash borer) require cranes, increasing costs. |
| Cedar | $250–$1,500 | Small to medium trees (20–60 ft); dense foliage and resinous wood can complicate removal. |
| Fig | $200–$1,000 | Small to medium trees (10–30 ft); wide-spreading branches and shallow roots may require careful extraction. |
| Maple | $400–$1,900 | Medium to large trees (30–100 ft); dense wood and extensive branches add to removal difficulty. |
| Oak | $250–$2,500 | Hardwood with dense wood and thick branches; costs higher for mature trees (40–80 ft). Protected in some states like CA and FL. |
| Palm | $150–$900 | Costs vary by height (20–60 ft); heavy root balls make excavation challenging. Stump grinding adds $120–$400. |
| Pine | $200–$1,600 | Tall trees (50–100 ft+); complex root structures increase costs. Smaller pines (15–40 ft) are cheaper. |
3. What Is The Tree Removal Cost Per Acre?
If you have multiple trees to remove on your property, expect to pay between $500 and over $7,000 per acre, depending on the density of the wooded land as well as tree sizes and types.
| Wooded Density | Average Removal Cost Per Acre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lightly Wooded | $500–$2,500 | Few trees, mostly small (under 30 ft), minimal brush; requires basic equipment and less labor. |
| Moderately Wooded | $2,500–$4,000 | Moderate tree density, mix of small to medium trees (30–60 ft); may need specialized equipment like chippers. |
| Heavily Wooded | $4,000–$7,000+ | High tree density, large trees (60 ft+), dense brush; requires cranes, excavators, and extensive debris removal. |
Tree Cost Removal Calculator
Below is our free tree cost removal calculator to get a quick estimate for trees of different sizes and types to help you make informed decisions and get accurate prices.
Tree Removal Cost Calculator
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* This is an estimate. Actual costs may vary based on local rates, season, and specific conditions.
What Are The Factors That Impact Tree Cost Removal?
Apart from tree type and its height, many other factors like tree condition, location, and level of services, including debris removal, cutting, and stump grinding, impact the overall tree removal cost.
1. Tree Removal Costs By Condition
Tree removal costs vary based on the tree’s health. Healthy trees are typically easier and cheaper to remove, ranging between $400 to $1,200, while diseased or damaged trees can be more expensive due to safety risks and complexity, costing $800 to $2,500. While, removal cost for fallen trees in open areas is usually the most affordable, costing between $100 and $600.
| Tree Condition | Average Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy | $400–$1,200 | Stable trees, straightforward removal; costs align with size-based averages (e.g., $150–$500 for small, $800–$1,800 for large). |
| Dead/Diseased | $800–$2,500 | Brittle or pest-infested (e.g., emerald ash borer); requires careful handling, cranes, or special disposal to prevent disease spread. |
| Fallen | $100–$600 | Already down, less labor; costs depend on size and accessibility. Debris removal or chipping adds $75–$150/hour. |
2. Emergency Tree Removal Cost
Emergency tree removal services may cost you between $500 to $5,000, due to the urgency and increased risk. This high price depends on circumstances, especially if the tree poses an immediate risk to your home. After the removal, you may start building your home or renovating it.
3. Tree Removal Cost By Location
The cost of removing a tree varies by location. Rural areas have easy-to-access trees in open areas that typically cost less to remove, while urban areas with a higher cost of living, limited access, and tight spaces can also increase tree removal prices. Moreover, Northern states have higher tree removal costs due to demand differences compared to the Southern states.
4. Tree Removal Cost By Accessibility
The accessibility of your tree location may also impact the overall cost of removing tree. For example, trees in hard-to-reach areas, like steep slopes, rough terrain, or dense surroundings, may cost you more, just like trees near structures like buildings, power lines, houses, and other obstacles. Sometimes, workers might also need specialized and large equipment, like cranes and manual tools, to use or climb for more careful planning and execution.
5. Assessment & Permits
Removing a tree might require a permit, which further leads to extra charges. Acquiring permits from your local government or homeowner’s association may cost you between 50 to over $500. However, it’s better to assess your tree’s health and surroundings is key before removal, which may require hiring an arborist, costing you $30 to $150 per hour.
6. Tree Stump Removal
After removing the tree, the next thing is the tree stump, which is often not included in a tree removal package. Tree stumps can be dangerous, inconvenient, and ugly, and their removal may cost you $80 to over $525, depending on factors like location, tree type, removal difficulty, and stump size.
A quick and more efficient option for you is stump grinding, which is less costly compared to stump removal.
7. Debris Removal & Cleanup
Tree removal results in debris that is left behind. Debris trucks and specialized disposal sites are needed for this debris. Large trees require multiple trips for debris removal, compared to the small ones.
The debris removal service costs between $50 to $100 per hour for basic cleanup like branches, smaller debris, and over $100 per hour for full cleanup like large limbs and trunks. Please note that some contractors include a debris removal fee in their tree removal cost.
8. Wood Chipping & Log Splitting
Apart from debris removal costs, additional services like wood chipping and logging can also increase tree cutting costs. Wood chipping typically costs $75 to $150 per hour, while logging ranges between $50 to $100 per tree, depending on tree size and type.
9. Season
When looking for the cost to cut down a tree, consider early spring and late winter to save money. Try to avoid peak seasons like summer and spring, or heavy rainfall, or harsh winters, due to higher prices and demand.
Important Tips for Reducing Cutting Down A Tree Costs
To save on tree removal costs, try to get multiple quotes from different local contractors and check for off-peak season discounts. Try to cut the trees in bundles to avoid spending extra. If you’re an experienced DIYer, consider doing it yourself. However, you may hire a contractor, offering bundled services like stump removal and debris cleanup, apart from tree removal.
How To Remove A Tree Yourself?
Before moving to the DIY tree removal method, you’ll have to arrange the following equipment and make sure that you’re an experienced DIYer because it can be dangerous. However, if you’re inexperienced, it’s recommended to hire a professional to ensure safety and proper removal.
DIY Tree Removal Cost
Cutting a tree yourself can be much cheaper than hiring a contractor. It may cost you between $250 to $930 and more, depending on tree type, size, and equipment needed. Make sure to have the following equipment to start removing the tree.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Axe | $60 | Essential for manual cutting; quality varies by brand. |
| Chainsaw | $60–$200 | Core tool for larger branches; cost depends on power and brand (e.g., gas vs. electric). |
| Felling wedges | $20 | Helps control tree direction; typically sold in sets. |
| First Aid Kit | $10–$30 | Crucial for safety; includes bandages and antiseptic for minor injuries. |
| Hard hat | $25 | Protects against falling branches; ANSI-approved recommended. |
| Hearing protection | $25 | Ear muffs or plugs to reduce chainsaw noise; reusable options available. |
| Rope | $20–$50 | Used for guiding falls or securing branches; strength (e.g., 3/4-inch nylon) affects cost. |
| Safety glasses | $15 | Protects eyes from debris; impact-resistant models preferred. |
| Stump Grinder | $100–$500 | Optional for stump removal; rental or purchase cost varies by size and power. |
| Work gloves | $15 | Protects hands from cuts and blisters; leather or reinforced types recommended. |
| Total DIY Cost | $250–$930 | Range reflects minimum and maximum equipment costs; excludes labor. |
Method To Cut Down A Tree DIY
First, wear your safety glasses, gloves, and hard hat. Now, check the area around the tree for any obstacles. Next, decide which way you want the tree to fall and mark the path. After that, make a small cut or mark on the trunk to guide the fall using the axe or chainsaw.
Now, clear the area, cut through the trunk, and apply pressure to control the direction. Once the tree is down, you can remove branches and cut it into smaller pieces.
DIY vs Professional Tree Removal Method
You can cut down a tree DIY or hire a pro, considering the factors like tree condition, size, type, and location, as per your expertise and demands.
If you cut down a tree DIY, wear protective gear, be careful, and plan for debris cleanup. Small trees are easier to handle alone, but big trees can be dangerous and cause injury, property damage, or even fines. Think about the tree’s size, location, and your skills before starting. It’s often better to hire a professional if you’re unsure.
Hiring pros costs more at first, but they’re experts. They can safely cut big trees or ones near dangers. They have the right tools, training, insurance, and knowledge to control the fall and prevent accidents.
In simple words, DIY tree removal can save money if done correctly, but mistakes can lead to serious injuries and costly damages. So, it’s important to think about the risks before deciding to remove a tree yourself.
What Are The Signs That You Should Remove Your Tree?
If you’re wondering when to remove the tree, some warning signs can help you with that.
- Look for signs like fungal growths on the bark or roots, which can indicate decay.
- Check for structural flaws like weak branches or cracks in the trunk.
- Pests like termites or ants can weaken the tree.
- A tree with damaged roots, that is dead or dying, or is leaning a lot, might be a safety risk.
- Upcoming construction near the tree can harm its roots.
- Some diseased or infected trees can’t be fixed and can cause the tree to get worse and even fall.
- A tree too close to your home or power lines can also cause damage.
These signs can indicate the tree is unstable and might fall, causing damage or harm. Keep an eye on your trees by looking for these signs to keep your luxurious landscape and pool secure and stunning. Otherwise, you’ll have to remove them. However, you may hire a professional or a certified arborist to assess the tree and decide if removal is necessary.
Summary
Cutting down a tree might cost you between $150 to $2,000 and even more, depending on the tree’s size, location, and condition. Experienced DIYers can do it on their own in case of small or medium-sized trees, but hiring a professional is recommended for any type or size of tree removal. Just get multiple quotes to compare prices and services before hiring one for your home repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover tree removal, depending on your policy and provider, if it falls on your house or other structures due to things like wind or hail. It doesn’t cover if you’re just trying to prevent a problem.
How Long Does It Take To Remove A Tree?
Tree removal time varies from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the tree’s size and type. However, professionals can do it in a shorter time compared to a DIYer. Moreover, bigger and multiple trees might even take many days to remove.
When Should I Trim My Tree Vs. Removing It?
Do tree trimming if it needs shaping, or if you see dead limbs or overgrown branches. Removing is necessary if it is damaged, dead, severely diseased, or poses a safety risk. Trimming maintains the tree, while removal is necessary when the risks are too high.
Is Professional Tree Removal Worth It?
Yes, professional tree removal is worth the investment for safety and efficiency. DIY tree removal may be less costly, but it can be risky. While pros know their job well and execute it effectively and efficiently without causing any damage.
How To Get Tree Removal For Free?
You can get free tree removal from the electric company if it’s near power lines, or from the local government if it’s a hazard. Firewood companies might take it for firewood, and loggers might remove big or multiple trees. Insurance might also cover it if a storm makes the tree fall on your house.
