How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? Size, Type, Permits, and More

Tree removal is sometimes necessary to clear a property for building or to improve sightlines or to add natural light. Hazard trees may need to be removed to protect safety and property.

While you can remove some small trees by yourself, tree removal is a complicated, potentially dangerous project that's best left in the hands of an experienced tree maintenance crew.

Tree removal costs an average of $875 per tree. The cost of tree removal starts at around $295 and ranges up to $1,455.

Cost By Size

Tree removal costs increase with the height of the tree. Taller trees are more expensive to remove on a linear-foot basis. That's because increasingly expensive tools and services like cranes, power shut-off service, or traffic management may be required for taller trees.

Small Trees: 10 to 20 Feet

The cost to remove a small tree starts at $135 and ranges up to $405, for an average cost of $270.

Small trees can be removed by the homeowner. Small trees can be pared down to a more manageable size with a pole trimmer or a hand saw before being cut down.

Types of small trees:

• Dawn redwoods

• Harlequin gloryblowers

• Japanese maples

Medium Trees: 20 to 30 Feet

The average cost to remove a medium-size tree is $335. The price range to remove a medium size tree is between $215 and $450. Medium-size trees can be up to around 30 feet tall.

Types of medium-size trees:

• Crabapples

• Crepe myrtles

• Dogwoods

• Paper birches

Large Trees: 30 to 50 Feet

Removing a large tree costs about $690. The cost to remove a large tree may start as low as $475 and range up to a high of $900.

Large trees are up to 50 feet tall. Harnessed climbing workers may need to access the tree to trim away problem branches before the tree is cut down. A crane may be needed.

Type of large trees:

• Maples

• Oaks

• Pines

• Spruces

Extra-Large Trees: 50 Feet or More

The cost to remove an extra-large tree is an average of about $1,335. The price range to cut down an extra-large tree is from $960 to $1,705.

Removing extra-large trees requires extra tools and services.

Types of extra-large trees:

• Cottonwoods

• Oaks

• Palm trees

• Weeping trees

• Weeping willows

Cost By Type of Tree (Species)

The cost of removing a tree by its type, or species, often goes hand-in-hand with size. Some trees like Japanese maples rarely exceed 20 to 30 feet. Black haw, deciduous holly, downy serviceberry, hawthorn, and dogwoods all remain below 30 feet, as well.

Evergreen trees like bald cypress, eastern white pine, red pine, and shortleaf pine all have the potential of reaching 60 feet or taller.

Tree Removal Permits

Permits for tree removal start at around $50 per tree and can range up to $600 to $800. Most tree removal permits cost around $200.

Municipalities will often fast-track permits to remove dead or hazard trees or they may allow you to remove the tree first and then apply for the permit retroactively.

Arborist Reports

An arborist's report on a tree can cost from $450 to $950. An arborist can issue an opinion on whether a tree should or should not be removed.

Tip

Look for an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist, a person who is trained and knowledgeable in arboriculture, takes continuing education classes, and adheres to the ISA Code of Ethics.

Dead or Hazard Tree

Removing a dead or hazard tree costs from $140 to $1,200, for an average cost of $670.

A dead or hazard tree is a tree that is completely or mostly dead and poses a danger to people and nearby structures. These trees should be removed.

A tree maintenance crew cannot climb a dead tree to reduce the height of the tree. Dead trees cannot be used as firewood, but they can be chipped.

Emergency Tree Removal

Emergency tree removal costs an average of $2,990 per tree, ranging from a low of $1,475 to a high of $4,500.

Emergency tree removal is a tree removal service that arrives usually within hours to remove fallen trees from homes, cars, fences, yards, and other private property.

Wood Chipping

Wood chipping after tree removal costs an average of $145 per hour, ranging from $75 to $215.

Tree removal produces a considerable amount of debris. You can always opt to leave the branches and logs in place, but removal is difficult for all but the smallest trees.

Chipping the wood in a professional-level chipper-shredder reduces the tree to small, dense piles of large wood chips that you can use to mulch around trees or in beds.

Grind or Remove Tree Stump

Tree stump grinding costs an average of $290. Smaller tree stumps may cost as little as $150 to grind down, while larger stumps can cost up to $425. Tree stump removal costs roughly the same as tree stump grinding.

A stump grinder's rotating circular blade shreds a tree stump until it is about four to eight inches below ground level. The cavity can be filled in with soil.

Stump removal uses chemical or mechanical methods to hollow out most of the stump. Generally, stump removal does not include removing the root system.

Crane Rental

Cranes can add from $875 to $1,040 to the tree removal cost, or an average of $1,200.

Cranes may be needed for tall trees or trees located in tight spaces. With some trees, removal is done from the top down. A worker on a crane starts at the top and then progressively cuts the tree down to ground level.

Traffic Management

Traffic management costs an average of $200 per hour, for a range of $175 to $225 per hour.

When private tree removal work infringes on public roadways, most communities require that traffic be diverted or otherwise kept clear of the tree removal project.

The tree maintenance company may have staff on hand to manage the traffic (at extra cost) or a traffic management company may need to be contracted for the job.

DIY Tree Removal vs. Professional Removal

You can cut down a tree safely as long as it is small enough and you observe all safely precautions. Trees with a trunk of about two inches in diameter or less and around eight to 12 feet high should be safe to cut by yourself. You can cut larger trees, but the danger exponentially increases with the size of the tree.

In most cases, it's best to hire a tree maintenance company to remove the tree. Trees might look simple to fell, but they can drop in unpredictable directions. If you misjudge the tree's height, it might hit a power line, fence, or a building.

Tree Removal Safety

• Wear safety gear

• Learn how to use the chainsaw

• Sharpen the chainsaw

• Create a large tree-felling area

• Control the tree's fall with a wedge

7 Ways to Save on Tree Removal Costs

Tree removal is expensive. So, it's worthwhile to explore tips for saving on the cost of tree removal—from avoiding tree removal altogether to taking on some of the work yourself.

1. Maintain the tree: Keep the tree healthy in the first place to avoid the need to cut down the tree due to poor condition.

2. Trim, don't remove: Trim, thin, or top the tree to reduce the sail effect, provide more light to the home, or reduce the chance of the tree toppling.

3. Consult an arborist: Hire a qualified arborist for an expert opinion on tree removal.

4. Call the city or power company: Trees on or near the property line might actually be on municipal property, so it's the responsibility of the power company or city to remove it, not you.

5. Check with your insurer: Speak to your homeowner's insurance company about trees that have toppled and caused damage to insured structures—insurance may pay for this.

6. Clean up the job yourself: Save on the cost of mulching or disposing of the debris by doing it yourself.

7. Use or sell the wood: The best firewood comes from hardwoods like hickory, red oak, maple, or ash. So, if your trees produce high-quality firewood, sell it or season it for your own use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my backyard?

You may need a permit to cut down a tree in your backyard, subject to the size of the tree, the tree's location, and your local laws. Often, trees that have trunks greater than a certain diameter (for example, four or six inches) may need a permit for removal. If the tree is protected or in a critical area (an easement, wetland, landslide area, etc.), a permit most likely will be required. Each area has its own approach to timber law, so first consult an attorney in your area.

Can I cut tree branches overhanging on my property?

In most areas of the U.S., you can legally cut tree branches overhanging your property, unless cutting the tree branches harms the tree. You cannot enter the neighbor's property without permission, as that would be trespassing. Laws in your area may be different, so first seek legal advice from a licensed attorney before cutting overhanging tree branches.

How close to my neighbor's boundary can I plant a tree?

Generally, you can legally plant a tree up to, but not on, the boundary between your yard and your neighbor's yard. However, planting a tree so close to the boundary line will create problems over time with overhanging limbs and encroaching root systems. So, it's best to plant the tree at least three or four feet away from your neighbor's boundary. Property laws vary, so be sure to seek legal advice in your area.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.