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, pool or line, rotten 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 |
| Palm trimming | Often under $100 to a few hundred per palm | Height, number of palms, haul-away |
| 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 |
| Lot / 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 pool cage, 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, pools and screen enclosures, fences, power lines, septic systems.
- Access. Can a bucket truck, lift or chipper reach it, or is everything carried by hand?
- Tree condition. Dead or rotten 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
- Book before hurricane season. Winter and early spring are calmer and easier to schedule than June through November.
- Bundle jobs. Several trees, palms or stumps in one visit is cheaper per tree than separate trips.
- Keep the wood. Having logs cut into rounds and left on site cuts hauling time.
- Clear the way. Move vehicles, boats, 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, or left in rounds
- Whether the stump is ground, how deep, and what happens to the grindings
- Who is responsible if the lawn, driveway, irrigation 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 or pool, healthy trunk | Clearance trimming |
| Heavy live oak limbs reaching over the house | End-weight reduction |
| Tree mostly dead, or a pine browning from the top | Removal |
| Trunk split, or a new lean with heaving soil | Removal, often urgent |
| Mushrooms, cavities or decay at the base | Have it assessed; often removal |
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 asking your local Council 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.
Do prices go up after a hurricane?
Demand spikes after a major storm, and emergency work costs more than scheduled work. Handling risky trees before the season is usually the cheapest option.