How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

Tree service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.

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Cost Insights:
  • Professional tree removal averages $750 but removing large trees near power lines can cost you upward of $10,000.

  • The tree height and its proximity to your home are the primary factors that change your total cost.

  • Remember to account for stump grinding and wood disposal when you create your final project budget.

  • Hiring a local tree removal professional keeps your household safe by removing hazardous branches before heavy storms arrive.

In 2026, the national average cost for tree removal is $750, though most homeowners pay between $200 and $2,000 depending on tree height, trunk diameter, and proximity to structures. For taller or more hazardous trees, costs can reach $10,000.

Tree Removal Cost Calculator

Removing Tree Cost1 pine tree$250–$1,500
Cleanup and Debris Removal1 pine tree $70–$95
Tree Removal Permit1 permit$60–$150
Optional: Stump Removal Cost1 stump$100–$150
Optional: Wood Chipping2 hour rental$150–$250
Total$380–$1,745
Total with Options$630–$2,145

Tree Removal Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Tree removal costs vary widely based on height, trunk diameter, number of trees, and accessibility, whether you're dealing with an invasive tree species or simply clearing space for landscaping. The key factors that drive your final price are covered in the breakdown below.

Size of Tree

Tree size comparison illustrated, including small, medium, and large trees
Nadzeya_Dzivakova / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

A tree's size is one of the most significant cost drivers in tree removal, influencing how long the job takes, how accessible the upper branches are, and whether nearby power lines or structures complicate the work. Tree removal costs vary considerably depending on the tree's height, and the breakdown below shows how prices differ by size:

Tree SizeAverage Removal Cost in 2026
Up to 30 feet$150–$450
30–60 feet$450–$1,200
60–80 feet$800–$1,500
Over 80 feet$1,000–$2,000

The price tends to increase once the tree grows over 80 feet high. At this stage, your team will need to bring in a crane to access its branches, which will cost about $500, including the truck rental and additional staff.

Also, keep in mind that trees get wider with age, making the diameter of their trunk more difficult and take longer to cut. In many species, branches and root systems also extend quite far in either direction, making it a possible multi-day project to safely remove the tree from the area without affecting other utilities.

Type of Tree

A large oak tree in the yard of a house during fall
ferrantraite / E+ / Getty Images

Some trees can grow to a very stately 100 feet tall or more. American ash, bur oak, and maple are considered more difficult to remove than others and therefore more costly. The table below breaks down the average cost to remove various types of trees:

Type of TreeAverage Removal Cost in 2026Key Insights
Oak$200–$2,000Some states forbid the removal of these heritage trees
Japanese Knotweed$2,000–$10,000Highly invasive shrub, some states prohibit their possession
Aspen$1,000–$1,800Enormous poplar tree, have complex root systems
Pine$250–$1,500Older pine trees may have a tap root buried in the soil requiring specialist removal
Palm$650–$1,500Extremely heavy, expensive to remove
Maple$250–$2,000Can grow 100 feet high and have large branches
Ash$250–$1,800Striking leaf colors in Autumn, can reach 80 feet in height
Cedar$250–$1,500False cedars are common in North America while “true” cedars are native to places with high altitudes

Health of the Tree

Poor health and structural issues can account for up to 15% of the final cost of tree removal. On one hand, a diseased tree with soft or easily breakable wood can be easier and less expensive to remove, at just $400 to $900. On the other hand, a tree removal team may also need specialized rigging methods and equipment to bring it down safely. 

Uprooted or fallen trees can cost as little as $300 to $500, as the team will just need to cut up and haul away the lumber. In this case, check your homeowners’ insurance policy to see whether it covers tree removal. It may depend on the reason it fell and whether it affected your home's structure.

Number of Trees

A two-story house with trees in its yard
Philippe Gerber / Moment / Getty Images

When removing multiple trees from a plot of land, companies often price by the acre rather than by the number of individual trees. Costs range from $500 to $6,000 per acre depending on how densely forested the land is, the health of the trees, and their variety. A lightly wooded acre typically runs up to $2,500 per acre, while a very densely wooded acre can exceed $6,000.

Emergencies

Emergency tree removal commands a premium when services are in high demand after a storm, and costs can reach up to $5,000 depending on the circumstances. Home insurance policies often cover storm-related tree removal, so it's worth reviewing your policy conditions before paying out of pocket. If a tree has fallen on your home, hold off on removal until you understand how to make an insurance claim for roof damage, since your insurer may need to send an agent to assess the damage before approving your claim, and removing the tree prematurely can eliminate evidence adjusters need to process it.

Fallen Tree

Removing a fallen tree costs $75 to $150 because the crew skips the climbing and careful sectioning, focusing instead on chopping or mulching the wood before hauling it away. If you have a dead or dying tree still standing, address it before it falls on its own, since a collapse can cause serious property damage, injure people nearby, and in some areas result in fines from local authorities.

Accessibility

Removing a tree in a tight, hard-to-reach, or unsafe location often adds 25% to 50% to the overall cost, particularly when the tree sits near power lines or has heavy branches overhanging your property. Clearing fences or other major obstacles from the area before the crew arrives can help reduce that premium.

Additional Tree Removal Costs: What to Expect

A professional removing a tree from a house’s yard
Halfpoint / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Beyond the base cost of cutting down a tree, unforeseen circumstances and ongoing maintenance needs can add to your total bill, so it's worth budgeting for the additional costs covered below.

Cleanup and Debris Removal

Tree removal leaves behind branches, bark, and leaves, as well as the trunk itself, so most homeowners factor debris cleanup into their budget. Your tree removal company can haul away the material for about $70, run it through a chipper for an average of $95, or split it into firewood for your home for around $70.

Tree Removal Costs by State

Different states have different requirements, such as permits or environmental laws, that can change the cost of tree removal. Here are average tree removal costs in various states across the U.S.:

LocationAverage Cost in 2026
California$650–$1,300
Illinois$535–$730
Colorado$350–$650
Florida$750–$1,500
Maine$515–$700
New York$750–$1,100
North Carolina$600–$900
Texas$300–$850
Washington$550–$800
Washington, D.C.$250–$700

Location

Where you live affects what you pay for tree removal: urban homeowners generally avoid travel fees since crews are nearby, while rural customers can expect a charge of about $0.50 per mile or a flat travel fee ranging from $50 to $200.

Machinery

When a compromised tree threatens your roof, vehicle, or surrounding property, pros bring in a crane to safely remove branches, adding roughly $500 per day—ranging from $250 to $600 per day—for crane service. For particularly difficult removals, the total crane-related cost can climb to $6,000 to $7,000.

Permits

Most municipalities require a permit to remove trees taller than 10 feet, and the permit costs $60 to $150. If your local government also requires an arborist's report to obtain that permit, budget an average of $860 to hire an arborist.

Why You Should Hire a Tree Removal Pro

A local tree removal pro will be familiar with different tree species and the unique requirements for removing them from your property. They'll also know which permits you may need and can significantly reduce the risk of the tree damaging a structure or causing injury during the removal. Additionally, many tree removal specialists are trained arborists who understand the necessary tools required and the risks associated with tree removal.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a tree removal pro

Tree removal comes with inherent risks, so here are some reasons you should hire a pro to take care of the project:

  • Tree removal professionals know the techniques necessary to remove trees safely without damaging your home or nearby structures.

  • Beyond the obvious safety benefits, tree removal pros are trained to understand root systems and other details that can make removal more challenging.

  • They're trained to operate tree removal machinery and specialized tools.

  • Tree removal leaves behind debris that your pro can haul away.

  • They'll know the permitting requirements and whether you need one to remove a tree.

If you want to DIY tree removal

Tree removal can be dangerous, potentially leading to injury, and is better left to the professionals. That said, there are a few things you can do to make the process more efficient:

  • Remove brush, debris, yard ornaments, or other obstacles from the area before the tree removal pros arrive.

  • Check with your insurance company to see if the cost of removal is covered under your plan.

  • Clean up debris left behind after removal on your own.

How Much Do Tree Removal Add-Ons Cost?

A person digging around a tree stump
Toshiro Shimada / Moment / Getty Images

Several add-on services commonly accompany a tree removal job, and knowing their costs upfront helps you build a complete budget.

Stump Removal

Stump removal costs $100 to $150 for the first stump, with $50 per additional stump. Attempting to remove a stump without professional equipment is both labor-intensive and potentially dangerous, so it's best left to the pros.

Tree Trimming and Pruning

If you decide to keep a tree rather than remove it, the cost to prune a tree ranges from $75 to $1,500 depending on whether you're dealing with a small sapling or a large mature tree. Trimming is a separate, aesthetics-focused service that ranges from $200 to $760 and is typically done annually.

Transplanting

The cost to transplant a tree starts at around $400 but can reach $5,000 or more for long-distance moves involving large trees with sprawling root systems. Transplanting is worth considering only when a tree holds particular sentimental or prize-winning value.

How You Can Save Money on Tree Removal

There are a few ways to save on tree removal, the first is confirming that you need the tree removed in the first place. Here are ways to save on tree removal:

  • Contact an ISA Certified Arborist to see if the tree needs removal.

  • Get quotes from at least 3 tree removal specialists.

  • Negotiate tree removal costs by removing multiple trees at once.

  • Book during the off-season, spring, summer, and early fall are the busiest seasons.

  • Remove limbs and branches yourself.

  • Clear the debris yourself.

  • Make the area accessible by removing bird baths, fences, and yard items.

  • Save trunks and limbs and cut them into firewood.

  • Leave the stump.

Angi Tip

Not sure whether you should remove a tree from your yard? Hire a professional arborist to inspect the tree and help you determine if you should take the next steps to cut it down.

Kaitlyn Pacheco
Content Editor, Angi

How to Know if a Tree Needs Removal

There are a few signs to heed that might indicate a tree that should be removed:

  • The tree is dead, or over 25% of its branches are dead.

  • The trunk is hollowed or in otherwise poor health; a weak trunk cannot support the rest of a tree.

  • There are signs of pest infestation or fungus.

  • The tree is too close to power lines or an existing structure.

  • The tree is leaning 15 degrees or more, indicating a problem in its root system.

Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
  • If you know the type of tree you need removed, tell the tree removal specialist so they can give you an accurate estimate.

  • Request the project timeline so you know how much time you'll have to clear the area and how long your yard will be off-limits.  

  • Ask who is responsible for the cleanup and how much it costs for the tree removal company to haul away leftover debris.

  • Inform the tree removal pro if you would like them to cut the wood for you to use as firewood.

  • If you’re going through insurance, be sure to discuss this with your pro and ask what documentation they require.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

For small trees, tree removal should take just a couple of hours to complete. Assume that a mid-sized tree will take between four and eight hours, depending on the extent of the equipment required and the health of the tree. Remember to add up to two hours for stump removal. Larger trees could take as long as one or two working days, about eight hours each.

Unless it’s dead or dangerous, think twice about cutting down a tree in your yard. They’re good for health, well-being, wildlife, and the environment. Plus, local authorities often have regulations prohibiting the removal of trees, especially protected species or individual trees with historical value.

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