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Whether a tree is dead, dangerous, or just in the wrong place, removing it safely is skilled, equipment-heavy work. Tree removal costs $400 to $1,800 per tree in 2026, averaging around $900 — but size swings that dramatically.
What you’re paying for
You’re paying for the crew’s time, skill, and risk, plus equipment. The bill is driven by the tree’s size, how tricky its location is, and add-ons like stump grinding and hauling away the wood. A small backyard tree with open space around it is cheap; a towering oak leaning over your roof is not.
Cost by size
Size — height and trunk diameter — is the clearest predictor of cost. The table below shows typical ranges by tree size.
What raises the price
Two factors beyond size matter most. Location: a tree close to the house, fences, or power lines must be dismantled piece by piece (sometimes with a crane) rather than felled, which costs far more. Condition: dead, leaning, or storm-damaged trees are hazardous and carry a premium. Healthy trees in open yards are the cheapest to take down.
Don’t forget the stump
Most quotes cover felling the tree but not the stump. Grinding or removing it adds $150–$500 each, and hauling the wood away may be extra too. Ask for an itemized quote so you know exactly what’s included.
How to save on tree removal
- Bundle multiple trees into one visit to share the crew’s setup.
- Skip or DIY the stump if you can live with grinding it later.
- Keep the wood as firewood or mulch to cut haul-away costs.
- Remove in the off-season (late winter) when arborists are less busy.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Removal labor (by size) | $150 – $4,500 | – |
| Stump removal / grinding | $150 – $500 | – |
| Debris haul-away / chipping | $50 – $400 | – |
| Crane or special equipment | $200 – $2,000 | Large or hazardous trees |
| Permit (protected trees) | $0 – $400 | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $150 – $500 | – |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $400 – $1,200 | – |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $900 – $2,500 | – |
| Very large (over 80 ft) | $1,500 – $4,500 | – |
What affects the price
- Height & trunk diameter The single biggest driver — taller, thicker trees take more time, crew, and equipment.
- Location & access Trees near the house, fences, or power lines require careful, slower removal and cost more.
- Condition Dead, leaning, or storm-damaged trees are hazardous and command a premium.
- Species Hardwoods like oak are denser and harder to cut than softwoods like pine.
- Stump & debris Stump grinding and hauling the wood away are usually priced separately.
Tree removal cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical tree removal job costs about $470 to $2,100 per unit in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $340 to $1,500 per unit (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $350 – $1,600/unit |
| Alaska | $460 – $2,100/unit |
| Arizona | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Arkansas | $340 – $1,500/unit |
| California | $450 – $2,000/unit |
| Colorado | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Connecticut | $430 – $1,900/unit |
| Delaware | $390 – $1,800/unit |
| District of Columbia | $430 – $1,900/unit |
| Florida | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| Georgia | $370 – $1,700/unit |
| Hawaii | $470 – $2,100/unit |
| Idaho | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Illinois | $460 – $2,100/unit |
| Indiana | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Iowa | $390 – $1,700/unit |
| Kansas | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Kentucky | $370 – $1,700/unit |
| Louisiana | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| Maine | $390 – $1,800/unit |
| Maryland | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Massachusetts | $460 – $2,100/unit |
| Michigan | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Minnesota | $440 – $2,000/unit |
| Mississippi | $350 – $1,600/unit |
| Missouri | $410 – $1,800/unit |
| Montana | $390 – $1,800/unit |
| Nebraska | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Nevada | $410 – $1,900/unit |
| New Hampshire | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| New Jersey | $460 – $2,100/unit |
| New Mexico | $370 – $1,700/unit |
| New York | $440 – $2,000/unit |
| North Carolina | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| North Dakota | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Ohio | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Oklahoma | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| Oregon | $440 – $2,000/unit |
| Pennsylvania | $400 – $1,800/unit |
| Rhode Island | $420 – $1,900/unit |
| South Carolina | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| South Dakota | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| Tennessee | $370 – $1,700/unit |
| Texas | $360 – $1,600/unit |
| Utah | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Vermont | $390 – $1,700/unit |
| Virginia | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Washington | $460 – $2,100/unit |
| West Virginia | $380 – $1,700/unit |
| Wisconsin | $420 – $1,900/unit |
| Wyoming | $400 – $1,800/unit |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to remove a tree by size?
- Small trees (under 30 ft) run $150–$500, medium $400–$1,200, large $900–$2,500, and very large (80+ ft) $1,500–$4,500. The national average is about $900.
- Is stump removal included?
- Usually not — stump grinding or removal typically adds $150–$500 per stump. Confirm whether a quote includes the stump and hauling the debris.
- Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
- Insurance often covers removal when a tree falls on a covered structure (or blocks a driveway) due to a storm. Removing a healthy or merely dead standing tree is usually the homeowner's cost.
- Why does an emergency or hazardous removal cost more?
- Trees that are dead, leaning, near power lines, or already down after a storm require extra safety measures, equipment like cranes, and sometimes after-hours crews.
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
- Many cities protect certain species or large/heritage trees and require a permit to remove them. Check local rules before cutting — fines can be steep.
- Should I remove a tree myself?
- Small saplings, maybe. Anything large or near structures and power lines is genuinely dangerous and best left to insured professionals.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources:
- Tree Removal Cost (2026 Data), Angi
- How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? (2026), HomeGuide
- How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? (2026 Pricing), This Old House