Large Tree Removal Cost

Big oaks, pines, maples and poplars that tower over a house are the most expensive trees to take down. Above about 60 ft, crews can rarely fell a tree in one piece; they climb, rig and lower it in sections, or bring in a crane or bucket truck when climbing isn't safe.

This guide covers prices by height, what cranes and hazards add, permit costs for big trees and how to keep the bill in check. For smaller trees and general pricing, see our tree removal cost guide, and budget separately for stump grinding, since large stumps cost more.

Average cost

Prices to remove one large tree, national averages as of October 2026:

Large tree removal cost by height

Add-ons for large trees

Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras

Line-item estimate for removing one 60–80 ft hardwood in a backyard by climbing and rigging, with haul-away. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.

A full day or more of crew time is typical for large trees, which is why labor dominates the bill.

What affects the price

• Height. Trees 60–80 ft typically cost $800–$2,000, and trees over 80 ft $1,000–$2,500+. Fixr notes large trees often take a full day or more of work.
• Crane or bucket truck. When a tree can't be climbed safely or is leaning over a structure, a crane adds about $500 as a line item, and crane-assisted removals generally total $1,500–$2,500. Complex crane jobs can reach $6,000–$7,000.
• Hazards. Dead, storm-damaged or leaning trees and trees near houses or power lines carry more risk. Difficult access adds 25%–50%, emergency work can reach about $5,000, and large trees near power lines can top $10,000.
• Permits. Many cities require a permit for large trees, typically $60–$150, and protected or heritage trees may need an arborist report (about $860 on average).

Ways to save

• Get at least three written quotes; large-tree pricing varies widely depending on whether a company owns a crane or has to rent one.
• Book in the off-season. HomeGuide reports summer and fall prices run 10%–20% higher.
• Don't wait for a storm. Removing a declining tree on your schedule avoids emergency rates of 2–3 times normal.
• Bundle other tree work, like trimming or a second removal, into the same visit; HomeGuide reports multi-tree discounts of 10%–25%.
• Keep the logs for firewood or the chips for mulch to avoid hauling fees.

How to get an accurate quote

Ask at least three licensed, insured tree services, ideally with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, for written quotes after a site visit. Give each the same details:

• Tree species, approximate height and trunk diameter, and its condition (healthy, dead, leaning, storm-damaged).
• Distance to the house, other structures and power lines, plus where a crane or truck could set up.
• Cleanup you want: chipping, hauling, log cutting and stump grinding.
• Ask whether a crane is included, who pulls the permit, and for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.

FAQ

When is a crane needed for tree removal?

Cranes are typically used for trees over about 80 ft, or for trees leaning over a house or too unstable to climb. The crane itself adds about $500, and complex crane removals can run $6,000–$7,000.

Who removes a large tree near power lines?

Call your utility first; work near energized lines requires specialized, line-clearance crews. Private removals of large trees near power lines can exceed $10,000.

Does insurance cover large tree removal?

Often only when a tree falls on a covered structure due to a covered event like a windstorm. Policies may exclude trees that were dead, diseased or poorly maintained, so check before the tree comes down.

For the big picture, start with our complete tree removal cost guide.

Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.