🌲 Tree Removal Cost Guide
Tree removal is priced by height, access, and risk. Most homeowners pay between $385 and $1,850 per tree, but a single job can swing 2 to 4x between companies for the exact same tree — always compare at least three written quotes.
What moves your quote
- Tree height: Under 30 ft: $150–$500 · 30–60 ft: $450–$1,200 · 60–80 ft: $800–$2,000+ · 80 ft+: $1,500–$3,000+
- Trunk diameter: Thick trunks need more cuts and haul loads; add roughly $2–$4 per inch of diameter over 12 inches.
- Access & equipment: Backyard trees with no gate access, trees near power lines, or jobs needing a crane add 25–100% to the base quote.
- Condition: Dead, leaning, or storm-damaged trees cost more — crews can't climb them the normal way.
- Cleanup options: Haul-away of logs and branches adds ~$50–$100; keep the wood on site and you skip it.
Tree Removal cost by city
Prices swing a lot between metros — labor and disposal fees explain most of it. Pick your city for a localized 2026 range:
- New York, NY — $560–$2,700
- Los Angeles, CA — $555–$2,670
- Chicago, IL — $445–$2,150
- Houston, TX — $395–$1,890
- Phoenix, AZ — $320–$1,535
- Philadelphia, PA — $520–$2,490
- San Antonio, TX — $325–$1,565
- San Diego, CA — $495–$2,375
- Dallas, TX — $365–$1,750
- San Jose, CA — $565–$2,705
- Austin, TX — $365–$1,765
- Jacksonville, FL — $315–$1,510
- Fort Worth, TX — $365–$1,765
- Columbus, OH — $385–$1,855
- Charlotte, NC — $355–$1,700
- Indianapolis, IN — $340–$1,630
- San Francisco, CA — $635–$3,050
- Seattle, WA — $535–$2,575
- Denver, CO — $385–$1,855
- Nashville, TN — $395–$1,890
Compare at least 3 quotes
Homeowner reports consistently show the same job quoted 2–4x apart within one metro. Written, itemized quotes are the only defense — verbal numbers evaporate the moment the crew arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost to remove a tree?
Nationally, expect roughly $385–$1,850 for a standard residential removal, with an average around $750–$1,200 for a mid-size tree. Quotes above $5,000 usually involve crane work, tight access, or very large trees — get them in writing.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Many US cities require a permit for trees above a certain trunk size, on corner lots, or in historic districts. Check your city's forestry or code office before cutting — fines for unpermitted removal can exceed the job itself.
Is tree removal cheaper in winter?
Often yes. Late fall through winter is the slow season in most markets and companies discount 10–20%. Emergency and storm work is the exception — demand spikes and so do prices.
Should I get the stump removed at the same time?
Bundling stump grinding into the same visit typically saves $50–$100 versus a separate trip. See our stump removal pages for city-level pricing.