Tree Removal Cost
Tree Removal costs most homeowners between$614 and $750 per tree, per homewyse.com. Your price depends mostly on tree size, location, and local labor rates.
π Read the full tree removal cost guide βNational β per tree
$614 β $750
Typical average: $682
Cost per tree, professionally removed. Excludes emergency/storm work.
Quick estimate
Pick a tree size and location:
Estimated cost
$550 β $950
Illustrative estimate. Get local written quotes before hiring.
Cost breakdown
Where your money goes on a typical job.
| Cost component | Typical range | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Removal Labor, Basic | $420β$512 | 68% |
| Tree Removal Equipment Allowance | $45β$68 | 9% |
| Tree Debris Disposal | $148β$170 | 23% |
What affects the price
Tree height & trunk diameter
The dominant factor. A 30 ft tree can cost 3β4Γ 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 β 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 | $250β$500 | Dogwood, small ornamental |
| Medium | 30β60 ft | $550β$950 | Maple, elm |
| Large | 60β80 ft | $950β$1,800 | Mature oak |
| Very Large | Over 80 ft | $1,800β$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 | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $816β$996 | +33% | |
| San Jose, CA | $771β$942 | +26% | |
| San Francisco, CA | $771β$942 | +26% | |
| Seattle, WA | $749β$914 | +22% | |
| Chicago, IL | $726β$887 | +18% | |
| Boston, MA | $726β$887 | +18% | |
| Los Angeles, CA | $704β$860 | +15% | |
| Philadelphia, PA | $681β$832 | +11% | |
| San Diego, CA | $681β$832 | +11% | |
| Minneapolis, MN | $681β$832 | +11% | |
| Columbus, OH | $601β$734 | -2% | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $592β$723 | -4% | |
| Denver, CO | $592β$723 | -4% | |
| Atlanta, GA | $569β$695 | -7% | |
| Houston, TX | $560β$684 | -9% | |
| Dallas, TX | $560β$684 | -9% | |
| Jacksonville, FL | $556β$679 | -9% | |
| Miami, FL | $556β$679 | -9% | |
| San Antonio, TX | $551β$673 | -10% | |
| Austin, TX | $547β$668 | -11% |
Frequently asked questions
οΌ οΌ How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Most homeowners pay between $614 and $750 to remove a single tree, per Homewyse data. Small trees can be lower, while very large trees over 80 ft can exceed $3,000.
οΌ οΌ Is stump removal included in tree removal cost?
Usually not. Stump grinding is typically quoted separately and adds $100β$400, or roughly $2β$4 per inch of stump diameter.
οΌ οΌ Why is tree removal so expensive?
Labor is the biggest cost β 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.
οΌ οΌ 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.
οΌ οΌ 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.