Trees are wonderful. They provide shade and visual appeal and give your home an established feel. But like all landscaping, they also need TLC. On average, you can expect to pay between $412 and $612 per tree for trimming services.
A number of factors affect the cost, of course, including the type, size, and number of trees on your property, the tree’s health, and accessibility. You might pay as little as $80 to trim a small tree and up to $1,840 for a large tree.
This guide draws data from both big and small cities across the U.S., so you can better estimate how much trimming a tree will cost in your region.
Cost by location
Location matters. Tree services cost more in areas where labor costs are higher, such as urban and coastal areas.
Location is especially relevant if you live in an area prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Tree service companies are typically extra busy after big storms, and they may jack up their prices for a while.
The table below offers a snapshot of the average costs to trim a tree across the country:
| City | Average cost per tree (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $390 – $579 |
| Boston, MA | $493 – $731 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Orlando, FL | $402 – $598 |
| Atlanta, GA | $397 – $591 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Madison, WI | $427 – $634 |
| Detroit, MI | $438 – $650 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $390 – $580 |
| Boise, ID | $396 – $588 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Las Vegas, NV | $392 – $583 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $403 – $600 |
Cost estimator by tree size
Unquestionably, the greatest factor affecting the cost of tree trimming is the size of the tree. Taller trees and trees with large canopies are more difficult to trim, so you’ll typically pay more.
Pros typically consider a tree “small” if it’s less than 30 feet tall and “tall” if it’s 60 feet tall or more. Anything in between could be considered medium or average in size.
| Tree height | Typical cost for trimming (per tree) |
| Under 30 feet | $80 – $420 |
| 30 – 60 feet | $210 – $790 |
| Above 60 feet | $470 – $1,840 |
In general, the larger the tree and the more work required, the higher the cost to trim it. To get a precise quote for your specific tree, consult with a local tree service company.
Cost by type of tree
Aside from size, the cost of tree trimming also depends on the type of tree. Some types of trees are taller, have thicker branches, or present other challenges that make them harder (and therefore more expensive) to trim.
The following table provides an estimate of the cost to trim some of the most common types of trees in the U.S.:
| Type of tree | Average cost to trim (per tree) |
| Oak | $230 – $1,480 |
| Pine | $210 – $1,630 |
| Palm | $100 – $1,330 |
| Cypress | $150 – $1,200 |
| Crepe Myrtle | $80 – $350 |
- Oak: An oak tree needs trimming when its branches are too close to power lines or buildings. It’s important to trim an oak tree regularly to keep it healthy and prevent it from causing damage.
- Pine: Pine trees typically require trimming every two to four years to keep them healthy and prevent them from growing too big.
- Palm: Palm trees grow pretty quickly in warm climates, so they need to be trimmed regularly to get rid of dead fronds and prevent overgrowth. However, avoid cutting all the fronds off your palm tree during trimming, as this could kill the tree.
- Cypress: You’ll need to have cypress trees trimmed annually to maintain their neat and tidy conical shapes.
- Crepe myrtle: Crepe myrtles require trimming once a year to prevent them from becoming overgrown or diseased.
Cost of DIY tree trimming
In general, you can expect to pay between about $140 and $1,100 for the tools you need to trim a tree, including pruning shears and a tree trimming saw. The cost will depend on the tools you already own.
That being said, once you’ve bought the equipment, you own it for life. The best argument against DIY tree trimming is safety. The combination of chainsaws, heavy limbs, and great heights makes this job extremely perilous. Our advice: Let a pro handle it.
Other factors that affect cost
There are still more factors that can affect the cost of tree trimming for your property, such as:
Number of trees
Pros generally charge by the tree, so naturally your cost rises for each additional tree.
That said, some pros give discounts on trimming multiple trees since the tree service company is already onsite at your property. So, the second or third tree probably won’t cost as much to trim as the first.
Accessibility
Think about the location of your tree. Will it be easy for the tree service company to reach its branches? If so, you can expect lower costs because the job will be quicker and less difficult than it would be for a tree in a tough spot.
Trees are less accessible, and therefore more difficult and expensive to have trimmed, when they are:
- Near power lines
- Near your home or another building
- Near a body of water
- Very tall
Tree health
If the tree is in good health, it will be easier to trim, and your service will cost less. However, if the tree’s health is poor–such as if it has many dead branches or is infested by pests–it will be more difficult to trim, and you’ll have to pay your tree care pro more to trim it.
Time of year
For most trees, winter is the best time of year to trim because growth is dormant and the lack of leaves makes it easier to see and trim the branches. For this reason, tree care companies tend to be busier in winter, and they may raise their prices.
While you might be able to save money by hiring a tree trimming service in the off-season, trimming at the wrong time of year could be bad for your trees.
FAQ
The best time to trim trees is in the late fall or early winter. This is when the tree’s leaves have dropped, and the branches are at their weakest.
For more information, read our guide: When to Trim Bushes and Trees
Generally, trees should be trimmed every 3-5 years.
There are several dangers associated with tree trimming, including electrocution, falls, and injuries from flying debris. These are some of the many reasons it’s a good idea to hire a trained professional.
Healthy Trees, Happy Home
Tree trimming is an important part of maintaining the health of your trees, and it can also be a great way to improve the look of your property. However, if you have a large tree or a complicated trimming job, you may end up paying more.
Get quotes from multiple tree care companies in your area to find the best price without sacrificing quality work. We also provide yard cleanup services.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
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– Lawn Fertilization Cost Guide
Main Image: Two workers in a lift trimming a tree branch. Image Credit: bilanol / Adobe Stock
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