How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
This guide breaks down what tree removal actually costs in 2026 — by tree size, species, state, and situation — using pricing compiled from published contractor rates and industry cost data (methodology). For a personalized number, try the cost calculator.
Tree removal cost by size
Height is the single biggest price driver. Taller trees need more time, bigger equipment, and rope-and-lower rigging work that small trees don't.
| Tree height | Typical examples | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | Dogwood, Japanese maple, fruit trees, crape myrtle | $150 – $450 |
| 30–60 ft | Most maples, elms, black gum, smaller oaks | $450 – $1,000 |
| 60–80 ft | Mature oaks, most pines, sycamore | $800 – $1,500 |
| Over 80 ft | Tulip poplar, mature pines, cottonwood, sequoia | $1,100 – $2,000 |
Tree removal cost by species
Species matters because wood density, canopy shape, and typical mature height change the work. Ranges below are for a typical mature specimen of each species:
| Species | Typical removal cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | $700 – $2,000 | Dense hardwood, heavy limbs, slow cutting |
| Maple | $600 – $1,800 | Large canopy, moderate hardwood, often multi-trunk |
| Pine | $250 – $1,500 | Often very tall but soft, fast-cutting wood |
| Palm | $250 – $1,200 | No canopy to dismantle; height is the only variable |
| Cedar / cypress | $400 – $1,000 | Light wood, narrow profile |
| Elm | $600 – $1,400 | Wide spreading canopy, interlocked grain |
| Dead or storm-damaged tree | +10–25% over live-tree price | Unpredictable wood makes climbing and rigging riskier; +25–50% if badly decayed |
Tree removal cost by state
Labor, insurance, and disposal rates vary widely by region. The table shows typical ranges for a medium (30–60 ft) and large (60–80 ft) tree in every state:
| State | Medium tree (30–60 ft) | Large tree (60–80 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $395 – $880 | $705 – $1,320 |
| Alaska | $550 – $1,220 | $975 – $1,830 |
| Arizona | $440 – $980 | $785 – $1,470 |
| Arkansas | $390 – $870 | $695 – $1,305 |
| California | $565 – $1,260 | $1,010 – $1,890 |
| Colorado | $485 – $1,080 | $865 – $1,620 |
| Connecticut | $520 – $1,150 | $920 – $1,725 |
| Delaware | $470 – $1,040 | $830 – $1,560 |
| Florida | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Georgia | $420 – $930 | $745 – $1,395 |
| Hawaii | $585 – $1,300 | $1,040 – $1,950 |
| Idaho | $430 – $950 | $760 – $1,425 |
| Illinois | $460 – $1,020 | $815 – $1,530 |
| Indiana | $415 – $920 | $735 – $1,380 |
| Iowa | $405 – $900 | $720 – $1,350 |
| Kansas | $400 – $890 | $710 – $1,335 |
| Kentucky | $405 – $900 | $720 – $1,350 |
| Louisiana | $410 – $910 | $730 – $1,365 |
| Maine | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Maryland | $490 – $1,090 | $870 – $1,635 |
| Massachusetts | $540 – $1,200 | $960 – $1,800 |
| Michigan | $430 – $960 | $770 – $1,440 |
| Minnesota | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Mississippi | $385 – $850 | $680 – $1,275 |
| Missouri | $405 – $900 | $720 – $1,350 |
| Montana | $435 – $970 | $775 – $1,455 |
| Nebraska | $405 – $900 | $720 – $1,350 |
| Nevada | $465 – $1,030 | $825 – $1,545 |
| New Hampshire | $475 – $1,060 | $850 – $1,590 |
| New Jersey | $530 – $1,180 | $945 – $1,770 |
| New Mexico | $415 – $920 | $735 – $1,380 |
| New York | $550 – $1,220 | $975 – $1,830 |
| North Carolina | $425 – $940 | $750 – $1,410 |
| North Dakota | $420 – $930 | $745 – $1,395 |
| Ohio | $425 – $940 | $750 – $1,410 |
| Oklahoma | $390 – $870 | $695 – $1,305 |
| Oregon | $495 – $1,100 | $880 – $1,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Rhode Island | $510 – $1,130 | $905 – $1,695 |
| South Carolina | $415 – $920 | $735 – $1,380 |
| South Dakota | $410 – $910 | $730 – $1,365 |
| Tennessee | $410 – $910 | $730 – $1,365 |
| Texas | $430 – $950 | $760 – $1,425 |
| Utah | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Vermont | $470 – $1,040 | $830 – $1,560 |
| Virginia | $450 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Washington | $520 – $1,160 | $930 – $1,740 |
| West Virginia | $395 – $880 | $705 – $1,320 |
| Wisconsin | $430 – $960 | $770 – $1,440 |
| Wyoming | $425 – $940 | $750 – $1,410 |
What makes tree removal cost more
- Near a house, fence, or shed (+~25%): every limb must be roped down instead of dropped.
- Near power lines (+~40%): requires certified line-clearance work and sometimes utility coordination.
- Crane removal (+$500–$1,500): needed when there's no drop zone at all; complex crane jobs can push the total to $5,000–$7,000.
- Tight access (+~20%): no bucket-truck access means slower climbing work.
- Emergency or storm work (2–3× normal rates): see the emergency removal guide.
Common add-on costs
| Add-on | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 – $450 per stump |
| Full debris haul-away | $50 – $200 |
| Log splitting (keep the firewood) | $50 – $100 |
| Limb chipping | $65 – $125 |
| Permit (where required) | $25 – $150 |
How to save money on tree removal
- Get three written quotes. Prices for the same job routinely vary 20–40% between companies — sometimes more.
- Schedule in late winter. Off-season rates run 10–20% lower in most regions.
- Bundle trees. Mobilization is a fixed cost — removing three trees in one visit is much cheaper than three visits.
- Keep the wood. Skipping haul-away and taking the logs as firewood trims the bill.
- Verify insurance. A cheap uninsured crew is the most expensive mistake available — you're liable if someone is hurt on your property.
Tree removal cost FAQ
How much does tree removal cost in 2026?
Most homeowners pay between $400 and $1,200 to remove a tree in 2026, with a national average of about $750. Small trees under 30 feet run $150–$450, while very large trees over 80 feet run $1,100–$2,000 or more.
How much does it cost to remove a large tree?
A large tree (60–80 feet) typically costs $800–$1,500 to remove. If it stands near a house or power lines, or requires a crane, the price can climb to $2,000–$4,000.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Usually not. Standard removal cuts the tree to a low stump. Grinding the stump out costs an additional $100–$400 per stump, roughly $2–$4 per inch of stump diameter.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Only when the tree fell on a covered structure (house, garage, fence) due to a covered peril like a storm. Insurance almost never pays to remove a standing tree, even a dead one — that is considered maintenance.
When is the cheapest time of year to remove a tree?
Late winter (roughly February and March) in most regions. Demand is lowest, trees are bare and easier to work on, and many crews offer off-season rates 10–20% below summer pricing.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
It depends on your city. Many municipalities require permits for trees above a certain trunk diameter (often 10–24 inches) or for protected species, with fees of $25–$150. Your tree service usually knows local rules — but the fine for skipping a required permit can run into the thousands.