How Much Does Tree Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

Tree maintenance cost is a key part of home care, averaging $460 per visit, with homeowners spending between $270 and $1,800 on average. Prices vary based on tree size, type, and the specific services needed. Some pros charge per tree, while others offer bundled rates for multiple trees or ongoing maintenance plans. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tree maintenance costs, so you can care for your trees and budget wisely.

Tree Maintenance Cost Factors

Understanding what drives your tree maintenance cost helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. Let’s look at the main factors that influence what you’ll pay.

Type of Tree Maintenance

Tree maintenance involves a range of services, each with its own cost. The type of service—such as trimming, pruning, fertilization, pest or disease management, health inspections, cabling or bracing, and debris removal—affects your total bill. Routine care, like seasonal pruning or fertilizing, is less expensive than emergency storm cleanup or hazardous limb removal.

Emergency services cost more due to the need for rapid response and added safety risks. Routine pruning or fertilization, on the other hand, can be scheduled in advance and grouped with other services for savings.

Size

The size of your tree is one of the most important cost factors. Small trees (under 30 feet) are easier and safer to maintain, so they cost less. Medium trees (30 to 60 feet) require more effort, while large trees over 60 feet often need specialized equipment and a bigger crew, resulting in higher costs. Very large or mature trees, especially those with wide canopies or difficult access, can increase your tree maintenance cost significantly.

Frequency

How often you schedule tree maintenance impacts your annual cost. One-time visits are convenient, but regular contracts—annual, semiannual, or quarterly—provide better value per visit. Neglected trees may require more intensive and costly maintenance, while proactive care keeps costs manageable over time.

Materials

Materials used during tree maintenance, such as mulch, fertilizer, pest control products, and cabling hardware, also affect the total cost. Organic materials or eco-friendly options cost more than standard products. Some homeowners prefer to buy their own mulch or fertilizer, while professionals may provide them as part of the service.

Labor

Labor is a major component of tree maintenance cost. Certified arborists command higher rates due to their expertise, ranging from $150 to $250 per hour, while general tree trimming crews or landscape workers may charge less. Labor is billed per hour, tree, or project. The size and experience of the crew, as well as regional labor rates, influence your final bill.

Labor charges include equipment, basic cleanup, and debris disposal. Emergency service, hazardous conditions, or complex jobs may result in extra surcharges for safety and overtime.

Location

Where you live and where the tree sits on your property both affect cost. Geographic region changes the price based on cost of living, local tree service demand, and climate. Trees located near homes, power lines, or fences, or in tight or sloped spaces, are more expensive to maintain due to the extra care and equipment needed to work safely.

Tipping

Tipping for tree maintenance professionals is not required, but it’s appreciated for exceptional service or difficult jobs. Standard tips are $10 to $50 per worker, or 10% of the total cost. Homeowners may also show appreciation by offering cold drinks, snacks, or leaving a positive review for the crew.

How Often Should You Maintain Your Trees?

Tree maintenance schedules depend on the type and age of your trees. Young trees benefit from annual inspections and light pruning to encourage healthy growth. Mature trees need pruning every one to three years, with more frequent checks for signs of disease or damage.

Spring and late winter are the best times for pruning, while fertilization and pest control may be timed for early spring or late fall. Your local climate also plays a role—trees in storm-prone or drought-prone areas may need extra attention. Watch for warning signs like dead branches, sudden leaning, or visible disease. Addressing issues quickly prevents bigger problems and higher costs down the line.

Proactive, regular tree maintenance keeps your landscape healthy and attractive, while reactive care after storms or visible decline is more expensive and stressful.

Cost of Common Tree Maintenance Add-Ons

Tree maintenance goes beyond basic trimming or pruning. Add-on services can address specific issues or improve your landscape’s health and appearance. Here are some popular options and their costs:

• Tree removal: $200–$2,000

• Stump grinding: $100–$150

• Debris removal: $75–$500

• Lawn aeration: $45–$400

• Soil testing: $20–$200

• Mulching: $75–$325

Add-ons are necessary when trees are diseased, damaged by storms, or need structural support. While they increase your total tree maintenance cost, they can prevent even more expensive repairs or tree removal later.

DIY Tree Maintenance vs. Hiring a Pro

Taking care of your trees yourself can save money, but it comes with risks and hidden expenses. DIY tree maintenance requires tools like hand pruners, saws, ladders, and safety gear. You’ll also need to buy mulch, fertilizer, or pest control products and pay disposal fees for debris, which can add up quickly. DIY tree maintenance is less expensive for simple tasks, but the risk of injury, property damage, or improper pruning can outweigh the savings.

Always call a tree maintenance pro for complex, high, or hazardous jobs. Large trees, hazardous branches, or work near power lines should always be handled by a certified arborist for safety. Hiring a pro ensures proper care, reduces risk, and includes cleanup and debris disposal.

Tips to Reduce Tree Maintenance Cost

Keep your tree maintenance budget trim with these cost-saving strategies:

• Schedule regular maintenance to prevent costly emergencies.

• Bundle multiple trees or services for discounts.

• Choose off-peak seasons for lower rates.

• Perform minor upkeep yourself, but hire pros for large or risky jobs.

• Request multiple quotes and check for local promotions.

• Maintain healthy soil and proper watering to reduce future issues.

• Consider annual contracts for better pricing.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.