Tree Removal Cost (2026)
Tree Removal costs most homeowners between$614 and $750 per tree, per January 2026, homewyse.com. Your price depends mostly on tree size, location, and local labor rates.
National — per tree
$614 – $750
Typical average: $682
Cost per tree, professionally removed. Excludes emergency/storm work.
Quick estimate
Pick a tree size and location:
Estimated cost
$550 – $950
Illustrative estimate. Get local written quotes before hiring.
Cost breakdown
Where your money goes on a typical job (January 2026).
| Cost component | Typical range | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Removal Labor, Basic | $420–$512 | 68% |
| Tree Removal Equipment Allowance | $45–$68 | 9% |
| Tree Debris Disposal | $148–$170 | 23% |
What affects the price
Tree height & trunk diameter
The dominant factor. A 30 ft tree can cost 3–4× a 15 ft tree because of added rigging time and risk.
Species & wood density
Hardwoods (oak, maple) are slower to cut than softwoods (pine); heavy wood also raises hauling cost.
Accessibility
Trees near houses, power lines, or fences need careful rigging or a crane, adding hundreds of dollars.
Health & lean
Dead, diseased, or leaning trees are higher-risk and often priced at a premium.
Local labor rates
Crew wages vary widely by metro — the same tree costs far more in San Francisco than in Houston.
Permits
Some cities require a permit to remove protected or heritage trees, adding fees and lead time.
Cost by tree size
Editorial size brackets spanning the wider market. The national Homewyse figure reflects a typical single 'basic' removal.
| Tree size | Detail | Typical cost | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 30 ft | $250–$500 | Dogwood, small ornamental |
| Medium | 30–60 ft | $550–$950 | Maple, elm |
| Large | 60–80 ft | $950–$1,800 | Mature oak |
| Very Large | Over 80 ft | $1,800–$3,500 | Pine, eucalyptus, large conifer |
Tree Removal cost by city
Local labor and disposal rates move the price up or down. Tap a city for local detail.
| City | Typical range | vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $816–$996 | +33% |
| San Jose, CA | $771–$942 | +26% |
| San Francisco, CA | $771–$942 | +26% |
| Seattle, WA | $749–$914 | +22% |
| Chicago, IL | $726–$887 | +18% |
| Boston, MA | $726–$887 | +18% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $704–$860 | +15% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $681–$832 | +11% |
| San Diego, CA | $681–$832 | +11% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $681–$832 | +11% |
| Columbus, OH | $601–$734 | -2% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $592–$723 | -4% |
| Denver, CO | $592–$723 | -4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $569–$695 | -7% |
| Houston, TX | $560–$684 | -9% |
| Dallas, TX | $560–$684 | -9% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $556–$679 | -9% |
| Miami, FL | $556–$679 | -9% |
| San Antonio, TX | $551–$673 | -10% |
| Austin, TX | $547–$668 | -11% |
Frequently asked questions
＋ － How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Most homeowners pay between $614 and $750 to remove a single tree, per January 2026 Homewyse data. Small trees can be lower, while very large trees over 80 ft can exceed $3,000.
＋ － Is stump removal included in tree removal cost?
Usually not. Stump grinding is typically quoted separately and adds $100–$400, or roughly $2–$4 per inch of stump diameter.
＋ － Why is tree removal so expensive?
Labor is the biggest cost — roughly 70% of the total. Removing a tree safely near homes and power lines requires skilled climbers, rigging, heavy equipment, and disposal, all of which add up.
＋ － Does the price change by city?
Yes, significantly. Local labor rates, disposal fees, and permit rules mean the same tree can cost 30%+ more in high-cost metros like New York than in lower-cost cities like Austin.
＋ － Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
It depends on your city. Many municipalities require a permit for protected, heritage, or street-adjacent trees. Check local rules before scheduling removal.