Tree Removal Cost Calculator
Estimate what it costs to remove a single tree based on its height, trunk size, how easy it is to reach, and whether you want the stump ground out.
What your result means
The estimated cost is a realistic low-to-high range for removing one tree, built from its height and trunk size, scaled by how hard the crew has to work to reach it. The midpoint is the figure most homeowners land near. Stump grinding, if selected, is added on top because it is a separate machine and pass.
How to use this calculator
- Estimate the tree's height in feet (compare to a two-story house at about 25 ft).
- Measure or estimate the trunk diameter in inches, about 4 ft up.
- Pick the access level — open yard, some obstacles, or tight and near structures.
- Choose whether you want the stump ground out afterward.
- Read the cost range and treat the midpoint as your planning number.
The formula
Height drives the base price, trunk diameter adds a size factor, and access scales the whole job up when a crew has to rig down limbs or protect a house. Stump grinding is a flat add because it is a separate pass with a different machine.
Worked example
Take a 40 ft maple with an 18 in trunk in an open backyard, no stump grinding. The base is $520, the size factor is about 1.15, and easy access leaves it unchanged — a subtotal near $598. The range works out to roughly $508 to $748, with a midpoint around $628. Add stump grinding and you'd tack on about $175.
Typical tree removal price ranges
| Tree size | Height | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 30 ft | $150 - $500 |
| Medium | 30 - 60 ft | $450 - $1,200 |
| Large | 60 - 80 ft | $900 - $2,000 |
| Very large | 80 ft+ | $1,500 - $3,000+ |
| Stump grinding | — | $100 - $400 each |
Tips & gotchas
- Access is the biggest swing. A tree over a roof or near power lines can cost double an open-yard removal.
- Emergency or storm-damage removal costs more than a scheduled job.
- Stump grinding is almost always quoted separately — confirm whether it's included.
- Hauling and chipping the debris may be extra; ask what the quote covers.
- Check local permits. Some cities require one to remove protected or large trees.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Most single-tree removals run $400 to $1,200, with small trees as low as $150 and large or hazardous ones reaching $3,000 or more. Size, access, and risk drive the price.
What makes tree removal more expensive?
Height and trunk diameter, plus difficult access — trees near houses, fences, or power lines need rigging and take longer, which raises the cost sharply.
Is stump removal included?
Usually not. Stump grinding is typically a separate line item, often $100 to $400 per stump depending on diameter.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes. Tree work pricing varies widely between companies. Get two or three quotes and confirm each covers debris hauling and cleanup.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Sometimes. Many municipalities regulate removal of large, protected, or street-facing trees. Check local rules before scheduling.
Related calculators
Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.