Typical price ranges
| Service | Typical range | What pushes it higher |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under ~30 ft) | A few hundred dollars | Near a structure, no access, haul-away |
| Medium tree removal (~30–60 ft) | Several hundred to around $1,500 | Over a roof or line, dead/brittle wood |
| Large tree removal (60 ft+) | $1,500 and up; can reach several thousand | Crane needed, tight access, hazardous lean |
| Trimming / pruning, per tree | A few hundred to $1,000+ | Tree size, climbing vs. bucket, amount removed |
| Stump grinding | Often around $100–$400 per stump | Large diameter, surface roots, haul-away |
| Emergency / storm work | Usually above normal rates | After-hours, tree on structure, hung-up trees |
| Land clearing | Priced per acre or per job | Dense growth, large timber, stump removal |
How much to take down a 30-foot tree?
A 30-foot tree in an open yard, with easy access and the wood left on site, is usually toward the low end — often a few hundred dollars. Put that same tree between a house and a garage, with a line running through it, and the price can double or triple because it has to come down in pieces.
The six things that set the price
- Height and trunk diameter. The bigger the tree, the more time and the bigger the equipment.
- Targets. What it could hit: houses, garages, fences, power lines, septic systems.
- Access. Can a bucket truck, lift or chipper reach it, or is everything carried by hand?
- Tree condition. Dead trees can't be climbed safely, which often means a lift or crane.
- Cleanup. Chipping and hauling everything costs more than leaving the wood.
- Stump. Grinding is usually separate from removal.
Ways to lower the cost
- Keep the wood. Having logs cut to firewood length and left on site cuts hauling time.
- Bundle jobs. Several trees or stumps in one visit is cheaper per tree than separate trips.
- Book off-season. Late fall and winter are often easier to schedule than storm season.
- Clear the way. Move vehicles, campers, furniture and anything else out of the work area before work day.
- Send good details. Photos, height and trunk size in the request help you get an accurate number faster.
What a good quote includes
A quote you can compare should spell out:
- Exactly which trees (or limbs) are being removed or trimmed
- Whether brush is chipped and hauled, or left
- What happens to the wood: hauled, cut to firewood length, or left in logs
- Whether the stump is ground, how deep, and what happens to the grindings
- Who is responsible if the lawn, driveway or a fence is damaged
- When payment is due — a reputable tree service typically doesn't need the full amount up front
Removal or trimming — which do you need?
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Healthy tree, a few dead or low limbs | Trimming |
| Branches over the roof, healthy trunk | Clearance trimming |
| Tree mostly dead, or a dead ash | Removal |
| Trunk split, or a new lean with heaving soil | Removal, often urgent |
| Large hollow or decay at the base | Have it assessed; often removal |
| Tree too big for the spot, roots in the foundation | Removal and replant something smaller |
Comparing quotes
When two prices are far apart, the difference is almost always in what's included. Check that each quote says whether cleanup, wood removal and stump grinding are included, and whether the company carries liability insurance. A low quote without insurance is a risk you take on yourself if something goes wrong on your property.
More cost questions
Can seniors get free tree removal?
There isn't a general free program, but it's worth calling your local Commission on Aging or community action agency — some run home repair or assistance programs that occasionally cover hazardous trees. Your utility may also remove trees that are a hazard to its lines at no charge.
Does insurance cover tree removal?
Usually only when a tree damages a covered structure. A dead tree that hasn't fallen is typically the homeowner's cost. See the storm damage page for details.
Is it worth getting more than one quote?
For a large or expensive job, yes. For a small job, one fair quote from a company with good reviews and insurance is usually fine.