Most homeowners pay $400–$1,200 to remove a tree, with national averages of about $750–$900 for a medium 30–60 ft tree. Small trees can cost as little as $150, while very tall trees, crane jobs or trees over power lines can run $2,000–$10,000+ (Angi, HomeGuide, This Old House and Lawn Love data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 5 more. National US estimates.
Homeowners usually call a tree service when a tree is dead, diseased, leaning toward the house, damaging a foundation or blocking a project. The price depends mostly on how tall the tree is, how close it stands to buildings and lines, and how much cleanup you want.
This guide covers average prices by height and species, a line-item breakdown of a typical removal, the add-ons that raise the bill, and how to save. If the tree only needs dead limbs cut out, our tree trimming cost guide may save you money, and if you want the stump gone too, see tree stump removal cost.
Average cost
Prices to cut down and remove one tree, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (under 30 ft), open yard | $150–$500 | A few hours for a small crew |
| Medium tree (30–60 ft), typical backyard | $450–$1,500 | Most common job; average about $750–$900 |
| Large tree (60–80 ft) | $800–$2,000 | Climbing and rigging, more debris |
| Very large (80+ ft), crane, power lines or emergency | $1,000–$10,000+ | Crane jobs can reach $6,000–$7,000 |
Tree removal cost by height
Angi, HomeAdvisor and This Old House report the same height brackets; HomeGuide runs slightly higher.
| Tree height | Typical cost | HomeGuide range |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 ft | $150–$450 | $200–$500 |
| 30–60 ft | $450–$1,200 | $500–$1,500 |
| 60–80 ft | $800–$1,500 | $850–$2,000 |
| Over 80 ft | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,500+ |
Cost by tree species
| Species | Typical removal cost |
|---|---|
| Pine | $250–$1,500 |
| Oak | $200–$2,000 |
| Maple | $250–$2,000 |
| Ash | $250–$1,800 |
| Cedar | $250–$1,500 |
| Palm | $200–$1,500 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for removing one medium (30–60 ft) backyard tree with chipping and haul-away, stump ground optionally. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Crew labor & equipment (felling, rigging, cutting) | $350–$900 | Climbing crew, saws, truck and chipper |
| Debris chipping & haul-away | $0–$165 | Often included; otherwise about $70 haul + $95 chipping |
| Permit | $0–$150 | $60–$150 where your city regulates tree removal |
| Stump grinding (optional) | $0–$150 | $100–$150 for the first stump |
| Access contingency | $0–$200 | Fences, slopes or tight spots add time |
| Estimated total | $350–$1,550 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Ask whether chipping, hauling and stump grinding are in the quote; leaving them out is the easiest way to cut the price.
What affects the price
- Height and trunk diameter. Height drives most of the price: under 30 ft runs about $150–$450, while trees over 80 ft cost $1,000–$2,000 or more. Wide trunks (HomeGuide flags anything over 24 inches) take longer to cut and haul.
- Species and condition. Hardwoods like oak and maple can cost up to $2,000. Dead or diseased trees can be cheaper to cut but riskier to climb; a fallen tree that only needs cutting and hauling often costs $300–$500.
- Location (near houses or power lines). A tree near a house, fence or power lines can't simply be felled; it must be lowered in sections. Difficult access adds 25%–50%, and large trees over power lines can top $10,000.
- Equipment and access (crane, bucket truck). Cranes are used for very tall or hazardous trees and add about $500 or more; complex crane removals can reach $6,000–$7,000. Bucket trucks and lifts also raise the bill when climbing isn't safe.
- Stump removal. Most removal quotes leave the stump. Grinding typically costs $100–$150 for a small first stump (most average stumps run $250–$275; see our stump removal cost guide) and about $50 for each extra one, and large stumps can run $500+.
- Debris hauling. Chipping (about $95), haul-away (about $70) and log splitting ($50–$100) are sometimes extra. Keeping the wood for firewood or mulch can trim the bill.
- Emergency or storm work. Emergency and storm work costs 2–3 times the normal rate, and urgent jobs can reach about $5,000. Busy seasons push prices up 10%–20%.
Ways to save
- Get at least three written quotes; Angi recommends comparing several specialists because bids for the same tree can vary widely.
- Remove several trees in one visit: HomeGuide reports per-tree prices drop 10%–25% on multi-tree jobs.
- Book in late fall or winter. Spring, summer and early fall are peak seasons, when prices run 10%–20% higher.
- Leave the stump or keep the wood. Skipping grinding, chipping and hauling saves $100–$300 or more.
- Have an ISA Certified Arborist confirm the tree really needs to come down; trimming a healthy tree costs far less.
- Check your homeowners insurance if a storm brought the tree down onto a covered structure; part of the removal may be covered.
Related questions people ask
How much does tree removal cost?
Tree removal usually costs $400–$1,200 per tree. Small trees under 30 ft start around $150, and very tall, hazardous or crane-assisted removals can cost $2,000–$10,000+.
What is the average cost of tree removal?
The average cost of tree removal is about $750–$900. Angi and HomeAdvisor report an average of $750, HomeGuide and Lawn Love $850, and This Old House about $906.
What does tree removal cost near me?
Prices vary by region. Angi reports typical ranges of about $650–$1,300 in California, $300–$850 in Texas, $600–$1,100 in New York City and $450–$850 in St. Paul. Get local quotes, since travel fees ($50–$200 in rural areas) and permit rules differ by town.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured tree services for written quotes after they see the tree in person. Give each the same information:
- The species, approximate height and trunk width, and the tree's health (dead, leaning, storm-damaged).
- How close it is to the house, fences, driveways and power lines, and whether a truck can reach it.
- What cleanup you want: chipping, hauling, log splitting or leaving the wood, and whether the stump should be ground.
- Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance and whether the quote includes any required permit.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Often, yes. Many cities require a permit for trees over a certain size; Angi notes it's usually needed for trees taller than about 10 ft, at $60–$150 per permit. Protected or heritage trees may also need an arborist report.
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
Sometimes. Policies often cover removal when a tree falls on a covered structure because of wind or another covered event. Trees that were dead or poorly maintained usually aren't covered, so check your policy.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Usually not. Most quotes cover felling and cleanup only; stump grinding typically adds $100–$150 for a small stump, or about $250–$275 for an average one. Ask for it as a separate line item.
More Trees costs
Sources
- Angi — Tree Removal Cost [2026 Data] (updated Jul 8, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? (2026) (Feb 4, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? (2026 Pricing) (updated Mar 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Lawn Love — How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in 2026? (updated Oct 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree? (updated Jun 19, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Today's Homeowner — How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? (2026) (updated Sep 3, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.