How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? Size, Type, Permits, and More

The cost of removing a tree by its type, or species, often goes hand-in-hand with size. Some trees like Japanese maples rarely exceed 20 to 30 feet. Black haw, deciduous holly, downy serviceberry, hawthorn, and dogwoods all remain below 30 feet, as well.

Evergreen trees like bald cypress, eastern white pine, red pine, and shortleaf pine all have the potential of reaching 60 feet or taller.

Tree Removal Permits

Permits for tree removal start at around $50 per tree and can range up to $600 to $800. Most tree removal permits cost around $200.

Municipalities will often fast-track permits to remove dead or hazard trees or they may allow you to remove the tree first and then apply for the permit retroactively.

Arborist Reports

An arborist’s report on a tree can cost from $450 to $950. An arborist can issue an opinion on whether a tree should or should not be removed.

Dead or Hazard Tree

Removing a dead or hazard tree costs from $140 to $1,200, for an average cost of $670.

A dead or hazard tree is a tree that is completely or mostly dead and poses a danger to people and nearby structures. These trees should be removed. 

A tree maintenance crew cannot climb a dead tree to reduce the height of the tree. Dead trees cannot be used as firewood, but they can be chipped. 

Emergency Tree Removal

Emergency tree removal costs an average of $2,990 per tree, ranging from a low of $1,475 to a high of $4,500.

Emergency tree removal is a tree removal service that arrives usually within hours to remove fallen trees from homes, cars, fences, yards, and other private property.

Wood Chipping

Wood chipping after tree removal costs an average of $145 per hour, ranging from $75 to $215.

Tree removal produces a considerable amount of debris. You can always opt to leave the branches and logs in place, but removal is difficult for all but the smallest trees.

Chipping the wood in a professional-level chipper-shredder reduces the tree to small, dense piles of large wood chips that you can use to mulch around trees or in beds.

Grind or Remove Tree Stump

Tree stump grinding costs an average of $290. Smaller tree stumps may cost as little as $150 to grind down, while larger stumps can cost up to $425. Tree stump removal costs roughly the same as tree stump grinding.

A stump grinder’s rotating circular blade shreds a tree stump until it is about four to eight inches below ground level. The cavity can be filled in with soil.

Stump removal uses chemical or mechanical methods to hollow out most of the stump. Generally, stump removal does not include removing the root system.

Crane Rental

Cranes can add from $875 to $1,040 to the tree removal cost, or an average of $1,200.

Cranes may be needed for tall trees or trees located in tight spaces. With some trees, removal is done from the top down. A worker on a crane starts at the top and then progressively cuts the tree down to ground level.

Traffic Management

Traffic management costs an average of $200 per hour, for a range of $175 to $225 per hour.

When private tree removal work infringes on public roadways, most communities require that traffic be diverted or otherwise kept clear of the tree removal project.

The tree maintenance company may have staff on hand to manage the traffic (at extra cost) or a traffic management company may need to be contracted for the job.

DIY Tree Removal vs. Professional Removal

You can cut down a tree safely as long as it is small enough and you observe all safely precautions. Trees with a trunk of about two inches in diameter or less and around eight to 12 feet high should be safe to cut by yourself. You can cut larger trees, but the danger exponentially increases with the size of the tree.

In most cases, it’s best to hire a tree maintenance company to remove the tree. Trees might look simple to fell, but they can drop in unpredictable directions. If you misjudge the tree’s height, it might hit a power line, fence, or a building. 

7 Ways to Save on Tree Removal Costs

Tree removal is expensive. So, it’s worthwhile to explore tips for saving on the cost of tree removal—from avoiding tree removal altogether to taking on some of the work yourself.

1. Maintain the tree: Keep the tree healthy in the first place to avoid the need to cut down the tree due to poor condition.
2. Trim, don’t remove: Trim, thin, or top the tree to reduce the sail effect, provide more light to the home, or reduce the chance of the tree toppling.
3. Consult an arborist: Hire a qualified arborist for an expert opinion on tree removal.
4. Call the city or power company: Trees on or near the property line might actually be on municipal property, so it’s the responsibility of the power company or city to remove it, not you.
5. Check with your insurer: Speak to your homeowner’s insurance company about trees that have toppled and caused damage to insured structures—insurance may pay for this.
6. Clean up the job yourself: Save on the cost of mulching or disposing of the debris by doing it yourself.
7. Use or sell the wood: The best firewood comes from hardwoods like hickory, red oak, maple, or ash. So, if your trees produce high-quality firewood, sell it or season it for your own use.