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True Trade Path

Cost guide

Tree Removal Cost

Cutting down and removing a tree, including stump grinding and debris hauling.

Typical range
$200–$2,500
Most people pay
$750

National cost range

National range, per tree

$200 – $2,500

Most homeowners pay around $750. The spread is real, not hedging — the drivers below determine which end of it you land on.

Low end
$200
Simple access, like-for-like
Typical
$750
What most jobs come in at
High end
$2,500
Upgrades, difficult access, code work

What you are actually paying for

Find the row that matches your situation. Quotes that differ wildly from each other usually differ in scope, not in price.

ScenarioTypical cost
Small tree, under 30 ft, open yardStraightforward felling and haul-away.$200–$500
Medium tree, 30–50 ft, near houseSectional takedown with rigging.$500–$1,200
Large tree, 60+ ft, complex riggingCrane-assisted removal possible for very large trees.$1,200–$2,500
Tree removal plus stump grindingStump grinding adds $100 to $400.$400–$1,500
Three trees, average size, same propertyPer-tree cost drops on multi-tree jobs.$1,200–$3,000

What moves the price

In descending order of impact. These are also the questions worth asking a contractor whose quote sits outside the range above.

  1. Tree size

    Small trees under 30 feet cost $200 to $500. Medium trees 30 to 60 feet cost $500 to $1,200. Large trees over 60 feet cost $1,000 to $2,500 or more.

  2. Location and access

    A tree in an open yard is straightforward. Trees near structures, power lines, or fences require rigging and sectional takedown at significantly higher cost.

  3. Stump grinding

    Stump grinding adds $100 to $400 depending on stump diameter. Full stump extraction costs more.

  4. Number of trees

    Per-tree cost drops on multi-tree jobs because mobilization is shared.

  5. Permit requirements

    Some cities require a permit to remove trees over a certain diameter, especially heritage or protected species.

Can you do it yourself?

Not a DIY job

Tree removal near structures, power lines, or at height requires professional arborists with rigging equipment and insurance. Homeowners insurance may not cover damage from DIY tree work. Small trees in open areas may be owner-felled with proper technique.

Permits and inspection

Tree removal permits are required in many municipalities for trees over 6 to 12 inches diameter. Protected and heritage trees have additional restrictions.
Run the DIY vs. pro decisionCheck a quote you already have

When this cannot wait

  • Tree leaning toward a structure after a storm
  • Dead or dying tree with large overhanging branches
  • Root damage to foundation, driveway, or sewer line
  • Tree diseased and posing spread risk to nearby trees

Common questions

How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Small trees (under 30 feet) cost $200 to $500. Medium trees (30 to 60 feet) cost $500 to $1,200. Large trees (over 60 feet) cost $1,000 to $2,500. Stump grinding adds $100 to $400.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Stump grinding runs $100 to $400 depending on stump diameter. A 24-inch stump costs roughly $150 to $250 to grind 6 inches below grade. Grinding is cheaper than full stump extraction.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Insurance covers removal if the tree fell due to a covered peril (storm, lightning) and damaged a structure. Preventive removal of a hazardous tree is not covered. Debris removal from a fallen tree may be covered up to policy limits.
When is the best time to remove a tree?
Late fall through winter when trees are dormant and ground is firm. Prices are often lower in winter when arborists have less demand. Emergency storm removal costs more.
Tree fell on the house during a storm — emergency removal cost?
Emergency storm removal with crane access runs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on size and position. Insurance covers sudden storm damage to structures. Preventive removal of a hazardous tree costs $500 to $2,500 — far less than emergency removal plus roof repair ($3,000 to $16,000).
Tree leaning toward the house after a storm — should I remove it, and what does it cost?
A leaning tree after soil saturation is a fall risk. Removal runs $500 to $2,500 depending on height and access. Cranes add $500 to $1,500. Stump grinding adds $100 to $400. Waiting risks $3,000 to $16,000 in structure damage.
Neighbor's tree roots damaging my driveway — removal cost?
Removing a neighbor's tree requires their permission or a municipal order. Removal runs $500 to $2,500. Root barrier installation ($1,000 to $3,000) may resolve the issue without removal. Document damage for potential neighbor liability claim.
Dead tree in the yard with branches falling — remove before winter cost?
Dead tree removal runs $500 to $2,500. Winter removal is often cheaper (10 to 20% less) when arborists have lower demand. Dead branches falling cause $500 to $5,000 in property damage. Remove before the first ice storm.
Tree too close to power lines and utility won't trim — private removal cost?
Utilities trim only service drops, not private lines to the house. Professional removal near power lines runs $1,000 to $3,000 with utility coordination. Never attempt DIY removal near energized lines — electrocution risk is fatal.
Large oak tree removal cost for a tree over 60 feet tall?
Large trees over 60 feet run $1,000 to $2,500 for removal. Crane-assisted removal in tight spaces runs $2,000 to $5,000. Stump grinding adds $150 to $400. Log splitting and removal adds $200 to $500. Permit may be required in some municipalities ($50 to $200).

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