Cost to remove a tree and roots

The average cost to remove a tree ranges from $150 to $1,500. But other tree services may cost extra. For example, the average stump removal cost ranges from $60 to $350 and the average stump grinding costs $75-$1,000 depending on numerous factors.

Table of Contents Show

What is Typically Included with Basic Tree Removal Services?
Services that May Cost Additional Money
Average Cost of Removing a Tree
Large Tree Removal: ~$1500
Fallen Tree Removal: ~$75-$150
Oak Tree Removal: ~$200-$1000
Pine Tree Removal: ~$200-$1500
Tree Branch Removal: ~$200-$300
Tree Stump Removal Costs
Factors that Affect Tree Removal Prices
A Special Note about Damaged Trees
What is the best way to remove tree roots?
How much does it cost to remove a tree next to a house?
Do you have to remove tree roots?
What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?

What’s on this page:

Basics
Services That May Cost Extra
Average Cost
Large Trees
Fallen Trees
Oak Trees
Pine Trees
Tree Branches
Tree Stump Removal
Factors That Affect Prices
Damaged Trees
Tree Trimming Costs

What is Typically Included with Basic Tree Removal Services?

There are many different levels of service available when removing a tree, but a few basic pieces are usually included. Obviously, the tree will be need to be chopped down. Typically, the contractor will also have to rope down pieces of the tree by climbing the tree and cutting it into more manageable sizes. In many cases, it may also be hauled away at no extra charge (or this is included in the estimate). For other considerations, see our complete guide on what to ask when hiring a tree removal service.

Services that May Cost Additional Money

Some people want more than a basic tree removal service. For example, if the price doesn’t include hauling away tree limbs, you may have to pay extra for limb removal. Tree limb removal costs vary, but it is usually between $50 and $75.

Additional services that may be added on for an extra fee include:

Stump Removal – Stump removal is almost never included in the price of removing a tree. Unless you pay extra for this service, you will be typically be left with a stump. Sometimes, you can get a special price to have the stump removed as well. However, different equipment is required and is sometimes done by a sub-contractor which is why this extra service can be a significant add-on. The diameter of the stump helps determine the cost of removing it. You can expect to pay between $60 and $350 per stump. A rotting stump should be cheaper to remove than a healthy, solid stump. Learn more with our Tree Stump Removal Cost Guide.
Limb Chipping – Instead of paying more to have the limbs hauled away, you may choose to have them chipped. If the tree service has a chipper readily available, this shouldn’t cost much more. If it’s not included, you may have to pay around $75 more to have it done.
Tree Trunk Removal – At the very least, the tree removal company should cut the tree trunk into smaller sections, which will make it easier for you to move them elsewhere. If you’d like the company to haul them away for you, you will probably have to pay more. The amount you’ll pay will vary, but you’ll probably pay between $50 and $100 more for this service.
Travel Expenses – If you live in a remote area and the tree removal company has to travel a fairly long distance, you will probably have to pay travel costs as well. This may or may not include drive time.
Log Splitting – For people who have fireplaces, this is a nice extra service. If the tree removal service offers it, they will bring along a log splitting machine. There is no fixed price for this service, but it usually adds an extra $75 or so to the total price.

Average Cost of Removing a Tree

Now that you have a feel for what the little extras are going to cost, you are probably wondering how much you’ll actually have to pay to have the tree removed. This will largely depend on the size of the tree:

Up to 25 Feet Tall – Between $150 and $500
25 Feet Tall to 75 Feet Tall – Between $200 and $1,000
75 Feet Tall or Higher – At least $1,500

Large Tree Removal: ~$1500

There is no realistic way for an average homeowner to safely remove a large tree from his or her property. You definitely don’t want to attempt this type of job yourself. One thing to be aware of right away is that it’s going to be expensive. The total cost of the job is calculated based on a number of different factors. If the workers have to climb really high and rope down many pieces before actually felling the tree, which is usually the case with extremely tall trees, the total bill is going to be quite high. As noted above, you could pay $1,500 or more for that level of service. It may be worth it to try to have a few small extras thrown in for free, but not all companies are willing to do so.

Fallen Tree Removal: ~$75-$150

If a tree falls on your property, you will probably want to clear it away as quickly as possible. Although this job isn’t nearly as risky or complicated as removing a healthy, living tree, it still requires a lot of equipment and can lead to injuries if you’re not careful. The good news is that the cost to remove a fallen tree is typically a lot lower than removing a standing tree. All told, you will probably pay between $75 and $150 for the work. As with removing a standing tree though, the total price will depend on whether you have it hauled completely away, cut up or just chipped up into tiny pieces.

Oak Tree Removal: ~$200-$1000

Oak is one of the strongest, toughest woods out there. For that reason, tree removal services often charge a premium to tackle them. Oak trees are also very tall. The average height of a healthy oak tree is 60 feet. You can refer to the price guide above to see that you will pay between $200 and $1,000 to have an oak tree removed. Due to the fact that oak is such a solid, thick wood, your total price will probably fall on the higher end of the scale. Make sure you have a really good reason to have it removed before spending that kind of money!

Pine Tree Removal: ~$200-$1500

There are many species of pine tree out there, but generally, the average height of a pine tree is between 40 and 60 feet. Some varieties soar up to 80 feet though. As you already know, the total amount that you’ll pay to have a tree removed depends on how large it is. If you have a smaller pine tree, you might pay as little as $200 or so. If your pine tree is extremely tall though, you could pay $1,500 or more. This is another example of why it pays to collect quite a few tree removal quotes before hiring a contractor.

Tree Branch Removal: ~$200-$300

What if you just need to have a few branches removed from a tree? If they are interfering with power lines, just pick up the phone and call your local utility company. They should come out and handle it at no cost. If you need a branch or branches to be removed for other reasons, you will have to hire a tree removal and cutting company. Obviously, if the branches are really small, you can probably do it yourself. In the event that you need to hire a professional, you can expect to be charged an hourly rate. Most companies charge between $200 and $300 per hour. If you have a lot of branches that need to be removed, it could end up being pretty expensive.

Tree Stump Removal Costs

Stump removal prices vary depending on many different things. The cost to remove a stump will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, but other factors come into play as well. By learning about the costs that are associated with removing a tree stump, you will be able to avoid unpleasant surprises. Learn more with our Tree Stump Removal Cost Guide.

Factors that Affect Tree Removal Prices

As noted several times throughout this article, the total cost of having a tree removed will depend on many different factors. Here’s a recap of the main factors:

Size – The total height of the tree is one of the most critical cost factors.
Condition – If the tree is healthy and strong, you may have to pay more. If it is dead, dying or rotting, the work will be easier and should result in a lower price. If you’re not offered a reasonable price, make sure to point out that the tree is relatively weak.
Diameter – The diameter of the tree’s trunk plays a role in how much you’ll pay. This also comes into play when grinding a stump. Theoretically, you could pay more for a shorter, thicker tree than you would for a taller, slimmer one.
Location – It’s cheaper to have a tree removed if it is safely away from houses and other obstacles. If there are many risks for damages to occur, the tree removal company is sure to charge more for the work. After all, their liability goes up and they will have to be a lot more careful, potentially utilizing more complicated techniques or more complex equipment.

See how the cost of tree removal services compare in major cities across the country

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A Special Note about Damaged Trees

After a major storm or high winds, a tree may crash and cause damage to a house or other object. Tree removal services usually charge a lot more to remove these types of trees. The main reason for the higher price is because they have to be careful to not cause additional damage. Also, damaged trees pose more risks in general as workers are more likely to be injured.

Although it may seem like a major expense to have a tree safely removed by the experts, it’s well worth it. By letting the professionals handle it for you, you will be able to avoid serious injuries and other problems. Besides, removing a tree isn’t easy. Why not let the pros handle it for you?

What is the best way to remove tree roots?

What is the Easiest Way to Remove Tree Roots? While labor-intensive, the easiest way often is to dig around the stump, exposing the roots, then using a chainsaw or hatchet, cut the large roots. You can use gardening shears to cut smaller roots.

How much does it cost to remove a tree next to a house?

The average cost to hire a tree service to remove a tree from your property is between $385 and $1,070, with a national average cost of $850. The average cost to hire a tree service to remove a tree from your property is between $385 and $1,070, with a national average cost of $850.

Do you have to remove tree roots?

Some trees will sprout from the remaining trunk and roots once the tree has been cut. Other trees will not produce sprouts from their roots. In either case, it is not necessary to dig up the roots. If sprouts do form, you should remove them as soon as you see them.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?

The fastest way to get rid of a tree stump is by grinding. During the grinding process, you'll use a specialized machine called a “stump grinder,” which breaks apart the wood of the tree and tears the roots. To grind down a stump, start by trimming down the stump as much as possible with a chainsaw.