Tree Removal Cost (2026): DIY vs Hiring a Pro

Professional tree removal costs $200 to $5,000 depending mostly on height. A small tree under 30 ft runs $200–$750, a medium 30–60 ft tree $600–$1,600, and a large 60–80 ft tree $1,200–$2,800. Trees over 80 ft or near structures can exceed $3,000.

In cash, usually yes: chainsaw rental, safety gear and disposal come to $400–$900 for a medium tree versus about $1,000 for a pro. But the gap narrows fast if you have to rent a chipper or stump grinder, and the injury and property-damage risk makes DIY a poor bet for anything over about 20 ft.

Often, yes. Many cities and counties require a permit for trees above a set trunk diameter — commonly 6 to 12 inches measured at chest height — and some protect specific species regardless of size. Permits usually cost $0–$150. Check with your local planning department before cutting.

Usually not. Most quotes cover felling the tree and hauling away the wood; stump grinding is a separate line item that adds $100–$450. Ask specifically what's included before you agree to a price.

If a tree threatens their lines, many utilities will trim or remove it at no charge, because it's cheaper than an outage. Call your utility before doing anything near a power line — contact with a line can be fatal.

Tree services rarely bill hourly to homeowners, but for reference a crew with equipment costs roughly $150–$300 per hour of crew time, and most quotes are built from an estimate of that. Expect $200–$750 total for a small tree that takes an hour or two, and $1,000+ for a medium tree that needs a half-day.

As a rough rule, $10–$25 per foot of height for a straightforward removal. A 40 ft tree at $15/foot is $600; the same tree beside a house that has to be dismantled in sections might be $25/foot or more. It's a planning number, not how pros actually quote.

Small trees under 30 ft cost $200–$750 to remove, typically around $450. Ornamental trees, fruit trees and young shade trees fall here. This is also the only tier where DIY is realistic for most homeowners.

Large trees 60–80 ft tall cost $1,200–$2,800, typically around $1,800. Very large trees over 80 ft run $2,000–$5,000 or more, especially if a crane is needed to lift sections over a house. Access and proximity to structures can push a large removal past $5,000.

Palm tree removal costs $200–$1,500 depending on height. Palms under 30 ft run $200–$500; tall palms of 60 ft+ can reach $1,200–$1,500. Palms are lighter and simpler to fell than hardwoods, but the fronds and trunk are hard to chip and disposal fees are often higher.

Pine removal costs $200–$2,500 depending on height, similar to other species. Pines grow tall and thin, so a 60 ft pine is common in yards and costs $1,000–$1,800. Dead pines (from beetles or drought) are brittle and unpredictable and often cost more, not less.

Oak removal costs $300–$3,000+. Mature oaks are heavy, wide-canopied and often close to houses, which usually means sectional dismantling: expect $1,500–$3,000 for a mature oak of 50–70 ft, and more if a crane is needed. Some cities specifically protect oaks, so check permit rules.

Removing a tree that has already fallen typically costs $75–$500 if it's on open ground, since the dangerous part is done and the job is cutting, chipping and hauling. If it's resting on a house, car or power line, the removal is more delicate and costs $500–$2,500, and in many cases your homeowners insurance covers it.

Dead tree removal costs about the same as a live tree of the same size, and often 10–30% more. Dead wood is brittle and unpredictable, so crews work more carefully and may need a bucket truck instead of climbing. Don't wait: a dead tree only gets more dangerous and more expensive.

Emergency removal — same-day, after-hours, or after a storm — typically runs 1.5 to 2 times the normal rate, so $500–$1,500 for a job that would ordinarily be $300–$750. If the tree is on a structure, call your insurer first; they often have arrangements with contractors and will cover the removal.

Per-tree prices drop when a crew is already on site with equipment. Expect a 10–25% discount per additional tree of similar size, and more for clearing a lot, where pricing shifts to per-acre: roughly $2,000–$6,000 per acre for light clearing and much more for heavily wooded land.