How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Removing a tree costs $200–$2,000 in the US, depending mostly on height and access. A small tree (under 30 ft) runs $200–$500; a 30–60 ft tree, $500–$1,000; a 60-ft tree near a house, $800–$1,500; large or hazardous removals can exceed $2,000. Stump grinding is usually a separate $100–$400 charge.
Whether you call it tree removal or cutting down a tree, the job and the price are the same. Height is the biggest factor because it sets how the crew has to work. A short tree can be cut at the base and dropped. A tall tree, or any tree close to a house, driveway, or power lines, has to be climbed and taken apart from the top down, one section at a time. That takes more people, more equipment, and more hours.
The table below shows what homeowners across the US typically pay. Local prices vary by region, season, and how easy your yard is to reach, so treat these as ballparks and get a written, itemized quote from a vetted company.
| Tree size | Typical cost | What usually drives the price in this band |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) — dogwood, crabapple, young maple | $200–$500 | Can often be felled in one piece; one or two workers, half a day at most. |
| Medium (30–60 ft) — mature fruit trees, most ornamentals, small pines | $500–$1,000 | Usually needs a climber or bucket truck; branches chipped on site. |
| Tall (60–80 ft) — mature oak, maple, pine, ash | $800–$1,500 | Sectional dismantle, rigging, full crew and dump truck; more if near a structure. |
| Very large (80 ft+) or hazardous — dead, storm-damaged, or over a house | $1,500–$3,000+ | Crane or specialty rigging, extra crew, extra insurance risk. |
Add $100–$400 if you want the stump ground out. Most quotes leave the stump unless you ask; see how much stump grinding costs.
Why is cutting down a tree so expensive?
You are paying for a trained crew of two or three people, a bucket truck or climber, a chipper, a dump truck, and insurance. A crew typically bills $150–$300 per hour, and a medium tree takes about half a day. Add fuel, disposal fees, and the real chance of injury, and the price is mostly labor and risk. Tree work is one of the more dangerous trades in the country, and insurance premiums for a legitimate company are steep. A quote that seems too cheap often means the company is skipping that insurance, which becomes your problem if something goes wrong on your property.
Does the price include hauling away the tree?
Usually the quote includes cutting the tree down, chipping the branches, and hauling the debris, but you should confirm this in writing. Some companies leave the trunk in log lengths unless you pay a $50–$150 haul-away fee. Stump grinding is almost never included and runs $100–$400 extra. If you want the wood cut and split for firewood, expect another $50–$100. Our page on what tree removal includes and whether you can keep the wood walks through each line item.
How much extra does a tree near a house or power lines cost?
Expect the high end of the range for your tree's size, or above it. A 60–80 ft tree that can be dropped in one piece in an open yard might be $800, while the same tree beside a house that must be dismantled in sections and lowered by rope is $1,500 or more. If the crew needs a crane to lift sections over a roof, add $500–$1,500. Trees within 10 ft of power lines are a special case: the utility company often has to handle or supervise that part, and some companies will not touch it at all. See how professionals remove a tree close to a house for what that work looks like.
Does the type of tree change the price?
Species matters less than size, but it does matter. Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory are heavier and slower to cut than pine or poplar. Trees with wide, spreading crowns take longer to chip than tall narrow ones. Dead trees can cost more, not less, because brittle wood is unpredictable and unsafe to climb, so the crew may need a bucket truck or crane instead. If you are not sure whether your tree is dead, our guide on how to tell if a tree is dead or dying can help before you call anyone.
Is it cheaper to remove a tree in winter?
Often, yes. Demand drops in late fall and winter in most of the US, and crews are more willing to negotiate. Leaves are off the tree, which makes it lighter and faster to chip. Frozen ground also protects your lawn from truck damage. The exception is right after a major storm, when everyone is calling at once and emergency work can run roughly 1.5×–2× the normal price. More on timing in the cheapest time of year to remove a tree.
How do I get an accurate quote for tree removal?
Have one insured, vetted company come to the property in person and put the job in writing. Phone estimates are guesses. Ask the company to spell out what is included: felling, chipping, haul-away, stump grinding, and cleanup. Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance and check that it is current. Ask whether a permit is needed and who will pull it; some cities require one over a certain trunk size (see do I need a permit to remove a tree?). A price far below the typical range is often missing something.
No independently confirmed professional review is on file yet.
Not yet independently reviewed. Figures are typical US ranges for planning purposes, not quotes.