How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]

Whether it’s for removing a hazardous tree hit by high winds or reclaiming valuable green space, tree removal services are a common necessity in Chicago. The average tree removal cost in Chicago, IL ranges between $207 and $2,072, with most homeowners paying around $777, depending on factors like tree size, location on the property, and accessibility for equipment. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to pay for tree removal in the Windy City.

Tree Removal Cost Factors 

If it’s the right time to cut the tree down, here are the main factors to consider when planning your budget for tree removal in Chicago, Illinois. 

Size

A tree's size affects several main tree removal cost factors—how long it takes to cut down, the accessibility to higher branches, and possible interference from other trees, power lines, or structures. For example, take a look at the primary tree removal price ranges by size:

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, and the larger trunk diameter makes the tree removal process more difficult and time-consuming. In many species, branches and root systems also expand quite far in either direction, adding up to a possible multi-day project to safely remove the tree from the area without affecting other utilities.

Type

Some trees can grow to a very stately 100 feet tall or more. American ash, bur oak, and maple are considered to be more difficult to remove than others, and therefore, removing them costs more. Here are the costs for various types of tree removal:

Cleanup and Debris Removal  

Most of the time, you aren’t going to want to keep the tree stump after the tree is removed, and it’s more affordable to include it in your service rather than paying for the separate cost of stump removal later on. Removing a tree can also leave behind a trail of branches, bark, leaves, and the tree itself. The company might haul away your tree for about $70, put it through a chipper for an average cost of $95, or split it into firewood for your home at about $70.

Location and Accessibility 

Locations in Chicago with tight or difficult-to-access trees take more time and labor, which will increase costs. For instance, if trees are located close to homes, garages, fences, or alleyways, this can make it more challenging to maneuver equipment, plus it calls for a more careful and labor-intensive removal process to avoid any collateral damage. 

Tree Removal Pro Costs

While it’s possible to learn how to remove a tree, tree felling can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous, so it’s best to enlist the services of a tree removal pro. These are the main factors that impact your cost for professional tree removal services in Chicago. 

Local Labor Rates

Tree removal costs in Chicago are comparable to the national average, with slight increases due to factors like higher costs of living in metro areas and accessibility challenges. Homes in densely packed neighborhoods or areas with limited equipment access may see slightly higher labor costs, but the overall pricing remains in line with national norms.

Permits

On private property in Chicago, tree removal and general landscaping work typically do not require a permit. However, projects tied to larger construction or site work must follow strict tree protection guidelines, especially when excavation or grading is involved near structures or the public way. For larger development projects, a tree removal permit is only issued if the City of Chicago determines that all reasonable efforts have been made to avoid removing the tree through design changes or alternative construction plans. In any case, trees and plants in the public way must be protected, and cannot be removed without approval from the City.

Licensing and Insurance

Tree removal companies in Chicago are typically required to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Many also employ ISA-certified arborists, which ensures proper tree handling and safe removal practices, but often comes with a higher cost.

Does Removing Trees Increase Home Value?

Removing trees won’t have a major impact on your Chicago home’s value unless they’ve become a major eyesore or safety hazard. However, if you’re looking ahead rather than planning to sell immediately, keep in mind that rogue tree roots can damage foundations, sidewalks, and surrounding structures, potentially leading to expensive repairs and plummeting home value down the line. Removing hazardous or poorly placed trees can help prevent these problems and maintain your home’s long-term structural integrity—and, by extension, its value on the market.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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