Estimate what it costs to remove a tree based on height, trunk diameter, condition, and access — using 2026 national averages.
Estimates use 2026 national averages. Actual price varies by region — West Coast and Northeast markets typically run 25-35% higher than national averages, Southeast and South-Central 8-12% lower. Get 2-3 quotes from licensed arborists for your specific situation.
Professional arborists price removal jobs from a height-based base rate, then layer on risk multipliers for everything that makes the job slower or more dangerous: trunk diameter, the tree's condition, and how hard it is to get a crew and equipment to it. A short, healthy tree in an open yard is a quick drop-and-chip job; a tall dead tree wedged between a fence and a service line is a piece-by-piece rigging operation that can take a full day.
This calculator uses that same industry-standard structure with 2026 national averages. Height sets the base range, trunk diameter positions you within it, and condition and access apply the same percentage adjustments professional estimators use. The result is a realistic planning range — not a quote. Only an arborist who has seen the actual tree can give you one of those.
Species matters more than most people expect. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut typically run 15–20% higher than softwoods like pine and cedar, because dense wood is heavier to rig and slower to cut. Species isn't built into this calculator to keep it simple, but it's worth knowing when you compare quotes.
Stump grinding is a separate service. Expect $2–$5 per inch of stump diameter with a $100–$150 minimum per visit — the national average lands at $250–$325 per stump. It's usually not included in a tree removal quote, so if you want the stump gone, ask specifically.
Debris and haul-away varies by company. Some removal quotes include chipping and hauling everything away; others treat it as an extra at $75–$150 per hour. Confirm what happens to the wood before you sign.
Permits are common. Many cities require a permit for removing trees over 6–10 inches in diameter, or for protected and heritage species — even in your own yard. Filing typically costs $40–$200. Always check locally before scheduling a removal.
Emergency work costs real money. Emergency removals run 25–50% more than scheduled work, and a true after-hours emergency — a tree on the house at 11pm — can reach 2× standard rates. If the tree is down but not threatening anything, scheduling the removal for a normal weekday saves substantially.
Removing several trees at once is cheaper per tree. Crews are already mobilized, so multi-tree jobs commonly earn a 10–25% discount per tree. And if you can wait, the cheapest window of the year is late winter — February through early March — when demand is lowest and trees are dormant.
Before quotes come in, it helps to know the property itself. Use the free satellite measuring tool to measure the property the tree is on — lawn, beds, and the space you'll reclaim — or find your lot size by address.
Also check out our full calculator suite and the DIY vs. hiring guide