Estimate the cost to remove a tree. Pick size, access, and stump treatment. 2026 data; not a contractor bid.
| Item | Quantity | Estimated range |
|---|
Got an arborist quote? Compare it to the planning range.
What this is: a planning-range tree removal calculator informed by 2026 cost guides (HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor) and ISA Certified Arborist trade data.
Labor is modeled from per-unit installed rates with a crew-rate sanity check ($75-$150/crew-hr loaded billing rate), informed by BLS OEWS 37-3013 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). Higher than other trades due to specialized risk + crane operator + insurance.
Last updated: May 2026. Full methodology →
| Size | Removal only | + stump grind | + crane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $200-$700 | $275-$1,000 | $700-$3,200 |
| Medium (30-60 ft) | $500-$1,400 | $575-$1,700 | $1,000-$3,900 |
| Large (60-80 ft) | $1,000-$2,500 | $1,075-$2,800 | $1,500-$5,000 |
| XL (80+ ft) | $1,800-$4,500 | $1,875-$4,800 | $2,300-$7,000 |
Removal is priced by height band, because height tracks trunk diameter, canopy, and how long the crew spends in it:
| Size | Height | Removal only |
|---|---|---|
| Small | under 30 ft | $200 – $700 |
| Medium | 30–60 ft | $500 – $1,400 |
| Large | 60–80 ft | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| XL | 80+ ft | $1,800 – $4,500 |
Quick height check: on a sunny day, measure the tree's shadow and your own shadow, then multiply the tree's shadow by (your height ÷ your shadow).
Two identical oaks can differ by thousands based purely on what's underneath them. A tree with a clear drop zone can be felled in pieces quickly. A tree leaning over the house, power lines, a pool, or a neighbor's fence has to be rigged down limb by limb — difficult-access work adds $294–$500, and when a crane is the only safe option it adds $1,470–$2,500, sometimes exceeding the removal itself. Emergency or storm-damage removal ($470–$800 premium) also costs more than a scheduled job.
Removal quotes usually stop at the stump — dealing with it is a separate line. Stump grinding ($176–$300) chews the stump 4–12 inches below grade and is enough for most lawns; the roots stay and decay over time. Full stump removal ($470–$800) excavates the root ball and is what you want if you're replanting in the same spot or building over it. Add haul-off of the wood ($117–$200) unless you want it left as firewood or chips.
Small trees (under 30 ft) cost $200-$700 to remove. Medium trees (30-60 ft) $500-$1,400. Large trees (60-80 ft) $1,000-$2,500. XL trees (80+ ft) $1,800-$4,500. Add $500-$2,500 if a crane is required (over house / power lines).
Stump grinding ($75-$300) takes the stump 4-12 inches below grade — fine for lawn replanting. Full stump removal ($200-$800) includes the root ball — required if you're building over the spot.
Most private-property trees don't require permits. But heritage/protected species (oaks in some CA counties, live oaks in TX, certain species in HI), trees in public right-of-way, and trees over a certain DBH (diameter at breast height) often need permits. Check local code.
Small trees (under 20 ft, away from structures, with proper PPE) maybe. Medium+ trees, near structures, or with chainsaw inexperience: hire pro. Tree work kills 100+ workers/yr; homeowner DIY accidents are common.
Usually whoever owns the trunk. State law varies. Document with photos and surveyor before removing.
A large 60-80 ft tree runs $1,000-$2,500 for removal, and an XL 80+ ft tree $1,800-$4,500. Add stump grinding ($176-$300) or full stump removal ($470-$800), and crane access if needed ($1,470-$2,500).
Usually not - the stump is a separate line. Grinding it 4-12 inches below grade adds $176-$300; fully excavating the root ball (needed if you will replant or build there) adds $470-$800.
Access. A tree over your roof, power lines, or fence must be rigged down piece by piece rather than felled. Difficult access adds $294-$500, and a crane - sometimes the only safe option - adds $1,470-$2,500.
