Quick answer: Tree removal cost averages about $850 nationally and usually runs $400 to $1,200. Small trees under 30 feet cost about $200 to $500, medium trees $500 to $1,500, large trees $850 to $2,000 and very large trees over 80 feet $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Stump grinding, emergency storm work and trees near houses or power lines add to the bill.
Removing a tree is dangerous, specialized work, and pricing varies more than almost any other home service. Two trees of the same height can cost very different amounts depending on where they stand, what they might fall on and whether a crane is needed.
This guide explains tree removal cost using 2026 national figures from HomeGuide, what changes the price, when insurance helps and how to hire a crew that won’t turn a tree job into a roof repair.
Tree removal cost at a glance
| Tree size | Typical removal cost |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 feet) | $200 to $500 |
| Medium (30 to 60 feet) | $500 to $1,500 |
| Large (60 to 80 feet) | $850 to $2,000 |
| Very large (over 80 feet) | $1,200 to $2,500 or more |
Add-on costs
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Stump removal or grinding | $100 to $500+ per stump |
| Wood chipping | $50 to $100 |
| Log splitting | $50 to $100 |
| Emergency removal | 2 to 3 times standard rates |
| Hourly crew rate | $100 to $400+ per hour |
Many quotes don’t include stump grinding or hauling away the wood unless you ask, so confirm what’s included.
What drives the price
- Height and trunk size: Bigger trees take more time, more cuts and more equipment.
- Location: A tree in an open yard can sometimes be felled in one piece. A tree leaning over a house, garage, fence or power line has to be taken down in small sections, often with ropes or a crane.
- Condition: Dead, diseased or storm-damaged trees can be brittle and unpredictable, so they often cost more despite looking simpler.
- Wood type: Dense hardwoods such as oak take longer to cut than softer trees. Palms are often cheaper to remove.
- Access: Backyards with no vehicle access mean carrying everything out by hand.
- Emergencies: A tree on your house after a storm is priced at emergency rates, often two to three times normal.
- Permits: Some cities require a permit to remove certain trees, especially large or protected species.
Tree removal prices where you live
- Urban areas usually cost more than rural ones because of tighter lots, traffic control, disposal fees and higher labor rates.
- Storm-prone regions such as the Gulf Coast, Florida, the Southeast and the Plains see price spikes after hurricanes, ice storms and tornadoes, when demand surges and crews are booked for weeks.
- Wildfire regions in the West may have defensible space rules that require clearing trees and brush near homes, and some areas offer assistance programs.
- Cities with tree ordinances may require permits or replacement plantings for protected or heritage trees. Check with your city before hiring anyone.
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
Insurance generally covers removing a tree that falls and damages an insured structure such as your house, garage or fence, often up to a set limit per tree. It usually doesn’t pay to remove a healthy tree as a precaution, or a tree that falls without hitting anything. If a neighbor’s healthy tree falls on your house, your own policy typically handles it. Photograph everything before cleanup and call your insurer.
Removal vs. trimming
Not every problem tree needs to come down. Removing dead branches, raising the canopy or thinning a tree to reduce wind resistance can cost much less and keep the shade and property value a mature tree provides. A certified arborist can tell you whether a tree is truly hazardous or can be saved.
How to hire a safe tree service
Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs in home services. The wrong crew can drop a limb through your roof or get badly hurt on your property.
- Check insurance first. Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance sent from the insurance agent.
- Look for certified arborists. The International Society of Arboriculture’s Find an Arborist directory lets you verify ISA-certified professionals, who are held to a code of ethics and industry standards.
- Get two or three written quotes that list stump grinding, cleanup and wood removal.
- Avoid “tree toppers.” Topping a tree weakens it and is a red flag for an untrained crew.
- Beware storm chasers who knock on doors after big storms asking for cash up front.
- Never let anyone climb near power lines except utility-qualified crews. Call your utility company first.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost?
Tree removal averages about $850 nationally and usually costs $400 to $1,200. Small trees can cost as little as $200, while very large or complex removals can exceed $2,500.
How much does it cost to remove a large tree?
Trees 60 to 80 feet tall typically cost $850 to $2,000 to remove, and trees over 80 feet cost $1,200 to $2,500 or more, especially near houses or power lines.
Does tree removal include stump grinding?
Often it doesn’t. Stump grinding usually costs an extra $100 to $500 or more per stump, so ask whether it’s included in your quote.
Is it cheaper to remove a dead tree?
Not usually. Dead trees can be brittle and unpredictable, which makes them more dangerous to climb and cut, so they often cost the same or more.
Will homeowners insurance pay to remove a fallen tree?
Usually, if the tree damaged a covered structure like your house or garage. Insurance rarely pays to remove a healthy tree before it falls or a tree that falls without hitting anything.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
It depends on your city. Many places require permits for large, protected or heritage trees. Check with your city or county before work starts.
When is the cheapest time to remove a tree?
Late winter and early spring are often less busy for tree services, and dormant trees without leaves are easier to work on. Emergency removals after storms cost the most.
Who is responsible for a tree on the property line?
Rules vary by state, but neighbors often share responsibility for a tree on the line. Talk with your neighbor first and check local rules before removing it.
What does an arborist do that a tree service doesn’t?
A certified arborist is trained in tree health and safe care. They can diagnose disease, recommend pruning instead of removal and plan a safe removal. Many tree services employ arborists.
Can I remove a tree myself?
Small trees well away from structures may be a DIY job, but anything tall, leaning or near buildings or power lines should be handled by an insured professional crew.
Get tree removal quotes from local pros
The best way to know your real tree removal cost is to have a local crew look at the tree. Find tree services near you on We Got Your Guys, check their reviews and insurance, and call them direct.