Although a tree can add beauty and shade to your yard, there may be a time you want to remove it. Maybe it was damaged in a storm or it’s growing too close to your house. Or, maybe it’s dropping too many leaves or branches. Regardless of why you wish to remove a tree, you’re likely wondering how much the job will cost.
There are a number of factors that will determine how much you’ll pay for a tree removal project. However, the average cost to remove a tree ranges from $75 – $1,500. It’s important to note that these figures do not include related services like stump removal or stump grinding.
Why You (Probably) Shouldn’t Try To Remove A Tree On Your Own
While it may be tempting to try to remove a tree by yourself to save some money, doing so is not a good idea. Even if you consider yourself handy or watch a couple of YouTube videos on tree removal, it’s highly unlikely that you’re equipped to handle this dangerous task on your own.
The reality is that tree removal takes a great deal of training and expertise. It’s not something you can learn how to do in a few hours or pick up on instantly. Tree removal professionals have years of experience and know which pruning and trimming techniques to use in order to get the job done in a safe and efficient manner. Without the proper training and expertise, you put yourself at great risk for harming your home, yourself and/or people nearby.
Tree removal professionals also have the appropriate tools for the job. These include chainsaws, pole saws, cranes, ropes, harnesses, hard hats and other tools that you can’t expect to simply pick up at your local home improvement store. In addition, they are licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
Fortunately, there are other ways you can save on tree removal that we’ll discuss later on in the article.
Trees Are Tough
Trees are quite sturdy and difficult to get rid of. Believe it or not, a yard tree can range in weight from 2,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds or more. Also, since trees can live anywhere from 100 years to more than a few thousand years, it’s likely that the tree you want to get rid of is pretty old. The toughness of typical yard trees makes it clear that DIY tree removal is not a good idea, no matter how strong you think you are.
It’s A Risk
DIY tree removal is risky, to say the very least. There are a number of things that can go wrong and compromise your safety and the safety of those around you. First and foremost, if you attempt to cut down a tree near a telephone or power line, you may get electrocuted. If you’re not familiar with chainsaw use, you risk sawing off your fingers, toes, or other vital body parts.
Your tree may also fall on your house or even worse, a person. Speaking of falling, you may fall as you’re trying to get the job done and suffer from life-threatening injuries or death.
Tree removal requires expertise, tools, and insurance, not to mention hours upon hours that you may not have or want to give up.
Variables That Can Impact Tree Removal Costs
There’s no easy answer to the question, “how much will it cost to get rid of this tree?” A qualified tree removal service will take into account a number of factors including:
Location
Your location will play a vital role in how much the project will cost you. You may pay more if you live in a big city than if your home is situated in a small rural town.
Tree Height/Size
You’ll find that many tree removal companies charge a certain fee per foot of height. If your tree is 30 feet tall or less, your project will be more affordable than if your tree is 60 – 80 feet tall.
Hazards
The hazards associated with your project will definitely be considered when a tree removal company prices it out. If the tree is away from any power lines or structures, you can expect to pay much less than if it is close to your house or has power lines weaving through its branches.
Obstacles
Fences, sidewalks and heavy rocks are examples of obstacles that can make your tree removal project more expensive. Unfortunately, you may not be able to get rid of many of these obstacles easily.
Emergencies
Sometimes, tree removal is an emergency situation. For instance, if a storm caused a tree to fall on your house or car, you’ll need to get it removed as soon as possible. Or, if someone you love like your child or grandparent is under there, immediate tree removal will be necessary. Of course, an emergency tree removal situation will cost you more than one that isn’t as pressing.
Other Variables
There are other miscellaneous factors that may also be considered when pricing out your tree removal project. Some of these factors include how far the contractor has to travel to your house, if there are any unusual growth angles or patterns, the condition of the soil, and whether the tree is dead or decayed.
Extra Services
Most tree removal jobs require more than just getting rid of the tree. If limb trimming, debris removal and hauling, or stump grinding is involved, your project will cost a bit more. Of course, the price will increase as well if you’d like to remove multiple trees.
Typical Tree Removal Costs (By Type/Species)
If you’re looking for a more precise estimate of tree removal cost based on the type of tree, you’re in luck! We’ll outline typical costs by type and species below.
Oak Trees
Since oak trees are made of an incredibly strong wood, they are more difficult to take down than other tree types. An oak tree can reach up to 60 feet in height and cost you anywhere from $400 – $1,000 to remove. The height, strength, and girth of your particular oak tree will help determine the cost.
Pine Trees
If you have a pine tree that’s around 40 feet tall, you can expect to pay about $400. However, if your pine tree is taller and closer to the 80-foot mark, you may be charged about $1,500 as your job will require more work and poses a greater risk.
Also, if branches and pine cones need to be removed, your price will likely increase. You’ll find that a tree-removal professional will be forced to wear a great deal of safety gear to prevent pine from obstructing their eyesight.
Palm Trees
For a smaller palm tree that’s around 30 feet tall, removal will cost you anywhere from $150 – $500. If your palm tree is larger, it may run you between $1,100 – $1,500. Since palm trees feature teeth, they can’t be cut with chainsaws and will need to be roped down. The taller your palm tree is, the heavier it is, and the greater the risk of its roots breaking and falling on your home.
Poplar Trees
Poplar trees are very common in North America and refer to three main groups: aspens, cottonwood and balsams. Since these types of trees can grow up to 90 – 115 feet, it may cost $1,100 – $1,800 to remove one. Their roots are expansive and typically spread out to two to three times their height, making them particularly challenging to remove.
Maple Trees
If you have a large maple tree you’re looking to get removed, you may be charged $1,100 – $1,800. The price will decrease substantially if your tree is smaller than some of the tallest maples that are up to 100 feet.
Other Common Tree Types
There may be another kind of you’d like removed. This table can give you an overview of several other types and how much you can expect to pay to get rid of them.
| Tree Type | Average Cost |
| Dogwood | $125-$437 |
| Crabapple | $175-$900 |
| Red Oak | $400-$1,000 |
| American Ash | $962-$1,400+. |
How To Save Money On Tree Removal
Although DIY tree removal is not a wise move, there are a variety of other ways you can save money, including:
Do Certain Things Yourself
Remove the stump on your own or leave it on the ground. You can also clear the site for your contractor by removing any debris.
Schedule Service In The Winter
Winter is considered the “off season” for tree contractors, so you may be able to land a better price if you schedule removal during the colder months.
Save The Wood For Firewood
Firewood can be used to build a cozy fire, make furniture, or a multitude of other things. You can always save the wood from your tree removal project and attempt to sell it.
Shop Around
Don’t just go with the first tree removal contractor you find. Take the time to get quotes from multiple services. Also, be sure to look for quantity discounts if you’d like multiple trees removed. Additionally, try to solicit “free” work from lumber companies that may want to sell the wood.
Have any tips on tree removal? Let fellow readers know in the comments below!
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