Cost guide

Tree removal cost: national pricing guide

Tree removal in the US typically runs $730 to $1,350 for an average-sized tree (30-60 ft), according to TreeNerd's cost model. Small trees under 30 ft can come in as low as $220, while large trees in the 60-80 ft range can push $1,750 or higher. Where you live, how close the tree sits to your house, and whether the crew can get a truck in will all move that number.

National tree removal cost

Small tree (under 30 ft)$220–$430

Average tree (30-60 ft)$730–$1,350

Large tree (60-80 ft)$1,200–$1,750

Get your exact price

What the job actually costs

Three size tiers cover most residential jobs:

Small tree (under 30 ft): $220 to $430
Average tree (30-60 ft): $730 to $1,350
Large tree (60-80 ft): $1,200 to $1,750

Those numbers assume a suburban lot with reasonable access. A 40-ft maple in an open backyard sits at the lower end. A 70-ft oak wedged between the house and the fence sits at the top.

Stump grinding is almost always separate. Budget an extra $100 to $300 depending on stump diameter and root spread.

What changes the price

Tree size is the biggest driver. Taller trees mean more cuts, more lift time, and more wood to haul. A tree that's wide in the canopy but short in height costs more than its height alone suggests, because canopy spread controls how many rigging moves the crew makes.

Access matters more than most homeowners expect. A crew with a bucket truck can knock out a job in two hours that would take half a day if they're hand-climbing in a tight space. Gates narrower than 36 inches, overhead wires, and close-set structures all slow things down and add to the bill.

Species affects difficulty. Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory are heavier per linear foot than pine or poplar. Dead or diseased wood is unpredictable to cut and may require slower, more careful rigging.

Hazards raise prices. A tree leaning toward the house, one with a hollow trunk, or one with visible decay calls for more controlled work. Some companies charge a hazard premium of 20-50% over a standard removal.

Time of year can shift the quote. Late fall and winter are slower seasons in most of the country, and some companies offer lower rates. Hurricane season and post-storm periods push prices up because demand spikes.

How prices range across states

TreeNerd's cost model uses Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data to build state-level multipliers. The spread is wide.

Lowest-cost states for a typical job:

Mississippi: $600 to $1,100
Alabama: $610 to $1,150
Oklahoma: $630 to $1,150

Highest-cost states and districts:

Hawaii: $980 to $1,850
Washington DC: $930 to $1,750
California: $910 to $1,700

That's roughly a 3x difference between the cheapest and most expensive markets at the high end. Labor costs, insurance rates, and local licensing requirements all feed into the gap.

How to get an accurate quote

Get at least two in-person estimates. Photos sent over text won't capture the access situation or the tree's lean. Any company quoting a firm price without seeing the job is guessing.

Ask each company for proof of liability insurance and workers' comp before they set foot on your property. If a crew member is injured on a job with no workers' comp, the claim can land on your homeowner's policy.

Ask directly whether the quote includes all wood removal, brush chipping, and cleanup. Some companies leave rounds and chips unless you specify otherwise. Some charge extra to haul the wood; others include it.

For a local estimate based on your tree's size and your state, use TreeNerd's free cost estimator to get a starting number before you call anyone.

Tree Removal cost by state

Typical tree removal for an average (30–60 ft) job, from TreeNerd's cost model.

Alabama$610–$1,150

Alaska$870–$1,600

Arizona$710–$1,300

Arkansas$630–$1,200

California$910–$1,700

Colorado$740–$1,400

Connecticut$790–$1,450

DC$930–$1,750

Delaware$720–$1,350

Florida$680–$1,250

Georgia$650–$1,200

Hawaii$980–$1,850

Idaho$710–$1,300

Illinois$760–$1,400

Indiana$660–$1,200

Iowa$660–$1,250

Kansas$670–$1,250

Kentucky$640–$1,200

Louisiana$630–$1,200

Maine$770–$1,450

Maryland$760–$1,400

Massachusetts$860–$1,600

Michigan$690–$1,300

Minnesota$760–$1,400

Mississippi$600–$1,100

Missouri$680–$1,250

Montana$730–$1,350

Nebraska$680–$1,250

Nevada$710–$1,300

New Hampshire$780–$1,450

New Jersey$840–$1,550

New Mexico$680–$1,250

New York$870–$1,600

North Carolina$690–$1,300

North Dakota$680–$1,250

Ohio$680–$1,250

Oklahoma$630–$1,150

Oregon$800–$1,500

Pennsylvania$730–$1,350

Rhode Island$790–$1,450

South Carolina$650–$1,200

South Dakota$670–$1,250

Tennessee$650–$1,200

Texas$640–$1,200

Utah$750–$1,400

Vermont$820–$1,500

Virginia$700–$1,300

Washington$840–$1,550

West Virginia$630–$1,150

Wisconsin$740–$1,350

Wyoming$670–$1,250

Tree Removal cost: common questions

What does tree removal cost on average in the US?

For a tree in the 30-60 ft range, the national average runs $730 to $1,350 according to TreeNerd's cost model. Small trees under 30 ft start around $220. Large trees from 60 to 80 ft can reach $1,750 or more.

Does the price include stump removal?

Not usually. Most companies quote tree removal and stump grinding as separate line items. Stump grinding typically adds $100 to $300 depending on the stump's diameter and how extensive the root system is.

Which states have the lowest tree removal costs?

Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma are among the lowest, with typical jobs running $600 to $1,150. Labor costs and insurance rates in those markets are lower than the national average.

Why is tree removal so much more expensive in California and Hawaii?

Higher labor costs, steeper insurance premiums, and in some cities stricter licensing requirements all push prices up. Hawaii adds the cost of operating in an island market with limited equipment supply. A typical job in Hawaii runs $980 to $1,850.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

It depends on your city and county. Some municipalities require permits for trees above a certain diameter, or for any tree on a protected species list. There's no single national rule. Check with your local planning or public works department before scheduling the work.

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