How much does tree removal cost in 2026?
Five modeled examples from this calculator’s presets, at national prices: one tree each, with an 18-inch trunk, near the house or fence. They are planning examples, not calibrated market quotes; the publisher averages in the next table run lower.
Sizing your tree (the main cost driver)
Removal is priced by height band, because height tracks trunk diameter, canopy, and how long the crew spends in it. HomeGuide (February 2026) publishes these average removal costs by height:
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).
Access is the hidden multiplier
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 per tree, and when a crane is the only safe option it adds $1,470–$2,500 per tree, sometimes exceeding the removal itself. An emergency or storm-damage call-out adds a $470–$800 premium per call-out, once for the job however many trees it covers. All three are this calculator’s rates before location and contractor markup.
Stump: grind or fully remove?
Removal quotes usually stop at the stump — dealing with it is a separate line. Stump grinding ($176–$300 per stump) 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 per stump) 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 (about $120–$200 per tree) unless you want it left as firewood or chips. These are rates before location and contractor markup.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in 2026?
HomeGuide (February 2026) lists average removal costs of $200-$500 for small trees under 30 ft, $500-$1,500 for 30-60 ft, $850-$2,000 for 60-80 ft and $1,200-$2,500+ for trees over 80 ft. This calculator's default job, one medium tree near the house with stump grinding and haul-off, is about $1,900-$3,400 at national prices. A crane, when one is needed, is priced at $1,470-$2,500 per tree before markup.
Stump grinding vs full removal?
Stump grinding ($176-$300 per stump before markup) takes the stump 4-12 inches below grade — fine for lawn replanting. Full stump removal ($470-$800 per stump before markup) includes the root ball — required if you're building over the spot.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
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.
Can I DIY?
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.
Who pays if tree is on property line?
Usually whoever owns the trunk. State law varies. Document with photos and surveyor before removing.
How much does it cost to remove a large tree?
HomeGuide (February 2026) lists average removal costs of $850-$2,000 for a 60-80 ft tree and $1,200-$2,500+ for one over 80 ft. In this calculator, a 60-80 ft tree with difficult access, stump grinding and haul-off is about $3,000-$5,400. An XL tree that needs a crane, near the house, with stump grinding, haul-off and a permit is about $5,700-$10,200; the crane is already included. For other jobs, stump grinding is priced at $176-$300 and full stump removal at $470-$800 per stump, before markup.
Does tree removal include the stump?
Usually not - the stump is a separate line. Grinding it 4-12 inches below grade is priced at $176-$300 per stump before markup; fully excavating the root ball (needed if you will replant or build there) is $470-$800.
Why does removing a tree near my house cost more?
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 per tree, and a crane - sometimes the only safe option - adds $1,470-$2,500, both before markup.
