The average cost to hire a tree service to remove a tree from your property is between $385 and $1,070, with a national average cost of $850.
You could save money by removing the tree yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Not only could it be dangerous, but, if something goes wrong, it could end up costing you more than you would pay a professional.
Table of contents:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average tree removal costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $850 |
| Typical Price Range | $385 – $1,070 |
| Extreme Low End Cost | $230 |
| Extreme High End Cost | $2,000 |
There are a few factors that will affect the cost of tree removal, such as the height and width of the tree, as well as how close it is to power lines or buildings. If the tree is located in a difficult spot to reach, this will also drive up the cost.
For example, removing a small tree that is up to 30 feet tall will cost between $285 and $435. On the other hand, if you need to remove a large tree that is over 80 feet tall, the cost will be between $1,160 and $2,000.
Tree removal cost estimator by tree size
Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the prices to remove them. The height of the tree will affect how much it costs to remove, with taller trees generally being more expensive. For example, a tree that is around 30 to 60 feet tall will cost between $435 and $870 to remove, while a tree that is 80 feet tall will cost between $1,160 and $2,000.
On average, the cost to remove a tree is between $9.50 and $14.50 per foot. So, if you have a tree that is 30 feet tall, the cost to remove it will be between $285 and $435.
| Tree height | Average cost to remove |
| Up to 30 feet | $285 – $435 |
| 30 – 60 feet | $435 – $870 |
| 60-80 feet | $870 – $1,160 |
| Over 80 feet | $1,160 – $2,000 |
Other factors that affect cost
From the type of tree to its location, there are a number of other factors that can affect the cost of tree removal.
Type of tree
Some trees are more difficult to remove than others. For example, palms and fig trees tend to be more expensive to remove because they have extensive root systems.
| Tree type | Average size per tree type (based on typical mature height) | Average removal cost |
| Pine tree | 50-100 feet | $475 – $1,450 |
| Palm tree | 30-50 feet | $310 – $475 |
| Oak tree | 40-80 feet | $380 – $1,160 |
| Cedar tree | 60-120 feet | $570 – $1,740 |
| Ash tree | 50-80 feet | $475 – $1,160 |
| Maple tree | 60-90 feet | $570 – $1,305 |
Tree removal costs per acre
On average, it will cost between $850 and $6,000 per acre to remove trees in bulk. The cost depends on the number of trees, as well as the size and type of tree. The advantage of removing trees by the acre is that you can negotiate a lower price with the tree removal company.
Fallen tree removal cost
If a tree has fallen on your property, it will generally cost between $90 and $300 to have it removed. The cost will depend on the size of the tree and how difficult it is to remove.
Tree removal costs by condition
On average, it will cost between $400 and $1,000 to remove a tree that is in good condition. The cost will increase if the tree is in bad condition, such as if it is diseased or has been damaged by a storm, because it will be more difficult to remove.
Emergency tree removal cost
If you need to have a tree removed immediately – such as if it falls through the roof of your home or on a power line – it will generally cost between $450 and $3,000. The cost will depend on the size of the tree and how difficult it is to remove.
Cost of travel
| Extra travel cost on average | Average cost per mile |
| $50 and $200 | $0.50 per mile |
Some tree removal companies will charge a travel fee if they need to travel more than 30 minutes to get to your property. This fee will generally be between $50 and $200.
Whether you need tree moving services or stump removal, there are a few related services that you may need to complete the job.
Tree trimming cost
If you need to have your trees trimmed, it will generally cost between $255 and $655 with a national average price of $420. The cost of tree trimming will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as how difficult it is to trim.
Tree stump removal cost
If you want the stump removed as well, it will cost an additional $180 to $525. Stump removal cost is usually a separate charge from tree removal cost.
Factors that affect stump removal cost include:
- The size of the stump
- The type of tree
- The location of the stump
- How difficult it is to remove the stump
Tree moving cost
On average, moving a tree will cost between $90 and $300. The cost to move a tree will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as how far it needs to be moved. To transplant a tree, the tree removal company will need to dig up the entire root system, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Factors that affect tree moving cost include:
- The size of the tree
- The type of tree
- The distance the tree needs to be moved
- How difficult it is to move the tree
Wood chipping and logging cost
If you want the tree removed and the wood chipped or logged, there will be an additional cost. While the cost of wood chipping is usually around $75 to $125 per hour, logging cost will generally depend on the size and type of tree being removed.
| Service | Average cost |
| Chipping | $75 to $125 hourly rate |
| Log splitting | $75 to $100 per tree |
| Hauling away debris | $100 to $200 total |
Cost of DIY tree removal
Removing a tree yourself is generally cheaper than hiring a professional, although the cost of DIY tree removal can vary depending on the size and type of tree, as well as the tools and equipment required.
Depending on the size of the tree, you may need to buy a chainsaw or other equipment, which will add to your cost.
Note: Tree removal can be difficult and dangerous. We recommend hiring a pro for this job if you’re inexperienced.
DIY cost breakdown
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Chainsaw | $60 – $200 |
| Axe | $60 |
| Felling wedges | $20 |
| Hard hat | $25 |
| Safety glasses | $15 |
| Hearing protection | $25 |
| Work gloves | $15 |
| Total DIY Cost | $220 – $360 |
How to remove a tree DIY in 8 steps
These are the basic steps to cut down a tree yourself:
Step 1: Assess the tree and the surrounding area. Make sure that there are no power lines or other structures that could be damaged during the removal process.
Step 2: Estimate where the tree will fall using rope or another method to mark out the proposed path of the falling tree.
Step 3: Water the soil around the tree base to soften it. This will make it easier to dig out the roots later on. It should be done the day before you plan to start the removal process.
Step 4: Cut a notch in the tree trunk. This will help you control the direction of the fall. The notch should be about a third of the way through the trunk and should be facing in the direction you want the tree to fall.
Step 5: Make sure there are no people or animals in the vicinity of the tree. Once you are sure that the area is clear, you can begin to cut through the trunk from the top of the notch downwards.
Step 6: Apply pressure to the side of the tree that is opposite to the direction you want it to fall as you cut through the trunk. This will help to control the tree as it falls.
Step 7: Once the trunk is cut through, the tree should begin to fall. If it does not, you can use a rope or another method to pull it in the desired direction.
Step 8: Remove the branches and cut the tree into smaller pieces for easier disposal once you’ve got it on the ground.
WARNING: Removing a tree can be dangerous, so you must use safety equipment, including a hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, and work gloves. If you’re inexperienced with a chainsaw, we highly recommend hiring a professional tree service.
DIY cost vs. professional cost
Most of the time, you can save money by removing a tree yourself rather than hiring a professional – but that’s only if you do everything right. If something goes wrong, you could hurt yourself and end up with hefty medical bills or cause expensive damage to your home, car, or landscaping.
Look beyond the price and consider the risks carefully before deciding to cut down a tree on your own.
| Average Pro Removal Cost | Average DIY Cost |
| $385 – $1,070 | $220 – $360 |
Cost of tree removal by location
The cost of tree removal will also depend on where you live. In general, tree removal costs less in rural areas, where there’s more space to work, than it does in urban areas, where worksites are often cramped and full of obstacles.
What’s more, the cost of tree removal in Southern states is generally lower than in Northern states because there is a higher demand for tree removal services in Northern states.
FAQ
Yes, you can remove a tree yourself if you have the proper equipment and knowledge. However, it is generally not recommended, as it can be dangerous. An arborist or tree removal company will have the experience and equipment to remove a tree safely.
The type of equipment used to remove a tree will depend on the size and type of tree. In general, a chainsaw will be used to cut down the tree. Once the tree is down, a stump grinder can be used to grind up the stump.
The amount of time it takes to remove a tree will depend on the size and type of tree. In general, it will take 1 to 2 hours to remove a small tree and 3 to 4 hours to remove a large tree.
If you want to get rid of a tree without cutting it, you can move it. However, this is generally only possible with small trees. To move a tree, you will need to dig up the roots and replant it in another location.
No, depending on how long the tree has been dead, it can be more difficult to cut down. This is because the wood can be more brittle and less flexible than a healthy tree.
Final thoughts
Trees add beauty to your property and can increase its value. However, there may come a time when you need to have a tree removed.
For an accurate estimate of the tree removal cost, it’s best to get an estimate from a tree service company in your area. The cost of tree removal can vary depending on the size and type of tree, as well as the location.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: m_e_mccarron / Filckr / CC BY-SA 2.0
