The cost of large tree removal will depend on the size, its location on your property and the ease that it can be removed.
The national average cost of large tree removal is $2,870. In reality the price can range from $1,900 right up to $8,750.
Below we break down the cost of large tree removal by tree type and other factors.
| National average | $2,870 |
|---|---|
| Low estimate | $1,550 |
| High estimate | $8,750 |
Two trees of different species but relatively the same size are likely to incur the same removal cost. However, this is not a standard rule and could sometimes vary since different tree species have diverse characteristics that affect their removal costs.
| Tree Type | Characteristics | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sycamore | 85’ tall with multiple trunks each 15” and weighing 4.2 tons in total | $1,800 |
| Eucalyptus | 80’ tall with a single leader trunk with multiple large branches weighing 3.8 tons | $2,050 |
| Oak | 60 to 75 feet tall with a 2.5-foot thick trunk and long heavy branches weighing an average of 4.6 tons | $6,300 |
| Pine | 70 feet tall with single trunks measuring between 1 and 4.2 feet in diameter. Also, have very small branches and weighs about 2 tons | $1,800 |
| Palm | 70 feet tall with a single 1-foot trunk and fronds at the top of the tree weighing 2 tons | $1,720 |
| Date palm | 60’ tall with single 50” trunk and large fronds at the tip weighing 4 tons | $3,490 |
| Maple | 45’ tall with a single main leader trunk and small bushy branches weighing 1.5 tons | $2,700 |
| Spruce | 60 to 120 feet tall with a single 3 - 5-foot trunk with small branches. Weighs about 2.5 tons | $5,950 |
| Conifer | 60 feet tall with a single 6-inch trunk and small bushy branches weighing 1 ton | $1,550 |
| Cottonwood | 70 to 100 feet tall with canopies measuring 75 feet in width and an average trunk diameter of 6 feet. Weighs about 3.2 Tons. | $5,150 |
Large Cottonwood
Mature Cottonwoods are normally between 70 and 100 feet tall. With an average removal cost of $2,150, Cottonwoods are known to possess large canopies of about 75 feet when fully grown. They also possess short base trunks that average around 6 feet in diameter.
These main trunks usually have other secondary trunks proceeding from them. This makes it quite difficult to remove the trees due to their complex trunk structures. It is therefore wise to engage tree service experts when looking to remove Cottonwood trees.
Large Conifer
A mature conifer can grow to a maximum height of between 30 and 60 feet. This tree species is also known to grow in duel-leading trunks. This essentially means that it can produce two trees from one trunk.
Paying a tree service professional to remove both trees could therefore cost about $900 to $1,500. This removal price is however also controlled by other factors such as geographical location and time of year.
Large Spruce Trees
Most Spruces grow to an average height of between 60 to 120 feet. Spruces are known to have whorled limbs that grow in a conical fashion. They usually have a trunk diameter of about 3 to 5 feet.
Despite their relatively large size, Spruces are quite easy to remove especially in confined spaces. This is the main reason why they cost an average of $950 to remove.
Large Maple
Most Spruces grow to an average height of between 60 to 120 feet. There are however others that grow beyond the 150-foot mark. Spruces are known to have whorled limbs that grow in a conical fashion. They usually have a trunk diameter of about 3 to 5 feet.
Despite their relatively large size, Spruces are quite easy to remove especially in confined spaces. This is the main reason why they cost an average of $1,350 to remove.
Large Palm Trees
Most Palms are known to grow to heights of about 70 feet. There are however some varieties such as The Quindío Wax Palm that can reach heights ranging between 100 and 130 feet. Palm tree trunks usually grow as single stems of 1-foot thickness that can weigh up to 2 tons.
Palm tree removal costs an average of $1,900 to remove a mature Palm tree. This cost is however mostly applicable in cases where the tree can be easily accessed and trimmed down from a higher vantage point.
Large Pines
Pine trees are known to exist in many varieties measuring between 40 and 80 feet in height. However, most of them are 70 feet tall on average with single trunks measuring between 1 and 4.2 feet in diameter.
It generally costs between $925 and $1600 for mature Pine tree removal. Pine trees do not take a lot of effort to remove since their branches grow rather close to the trunk.
Large Oak Tree
Mature Oak tree removal costs between 60 and 75 feet in height and 2.5 feet in diameter can cost up to $2,300. This rather high cost is usually because of its large thick branches which often grow to a width of up to 135 feet.
With such a wide reach, these branches can interfere with surrounding amenities which include power lines if left unattended. They can also be quite difficult and cumbersome to cut down and are thus likely to take more time and effort when compared to the limbs of other trees.
Oak trees are however quite useful as far as providing timber is concerned. Since they can weigh beyond 3 tons, some companies usually provide a discount for cutting them down in exchange for splitting and selling them as timber, especially during winter.
Large Eucalyptus Trees
The Eucalyptus tree exists in numerous varieties with heights ranging from 20 to 200 feet. They however have an average height interval of between 80 and 100 feet with single dominant trunks and many large branches.
Their extremely dense nature makes them rather heavy with each of them weighing about 3.8 tons which translates to an average of 1 ton per cubic meter. This is what makes them cost about $2,050 each to remove.
Large Sycamore
Removing a mature 70 to 100-foot-high Sycamore tree removal costs $2,800 on average. Such a tree can weigh up to 4.2 tons and have multiple trunks of about 2 feet each in thickness. This is what makes it rather tedious to remove.
Average Cost of Removing a Large Tree
Most tree removal companies consider a large tree to be one that has grown beyond 60 feet. Such trees usually cost between $1200 and $1800 to remove. This will increase the cost for taller trees 100 + feet tall.
This is because their heights, thick trunks, and complex branch networks often demand crane-assisted tree removal which increases the original price by about $500.
Hiring a crane usually costs between $200 and $500 daily. This cost is normally independent of the $50 to $100 demanded by crane operators depending on the type, size, and complexity of the tree.
Complexity is normally measured by factors such as proximity to amenities like power lines and plumbing pipes, type of equipment needed, and time and labor investment required to remove the tree in question.
Cost Factors of Removing a Large Tree
The following are the main cost factors of removing a large tree:
Size
The size of a tree is measured in terms of its height, trunk diameter, canopy width, and the number of branches. Simply put, trees with multiple stems and long thick branches are more expensive to remove than single-trunk trees with smaller and thinner limbs.
Position and Accessibility
A tree positioned in a confined area with very little access is likely to cost more to remove than its equivalent in an open field. This is mainly because of the greater amount of labor it takes to transport a tree from a confined space.
A tree’s accessibility can also be hindered by obstacles such as power lines, pot plants, and fences which may be in its immediate surroundings. With such obstacles present, a greater amount of time, effort, and money will have to be invested to remove the tree in question.
Any removable objects like pot plants should thus be removed when looking to reduce the tree removal expense. Professional tree removal should also be engaged particularly in cases where the tree is extremely close to power lines.
Health Condition and Risk
A tree can either be dead, dying, or thriving. Thriving trees are usually only removed when there is either a need to transplant them or if their growth is a risk to the well-being of the people and property in their surroundings. They however usually carry very little risk.
Dying trees carry a greater risk of damage than their thriving counterparts especially when they cannot be treated. Their branches are prone to falling off thus making them quite dangerous to their immediate environment. They are thus costlier to remove than thriving trees.
Dead trees are the most expensive to remove as far as health conditions and risks are concerned. This is because they are more dangerous to work on than both thriving and dying trees. They usually cost between $1900 and $3500 to remove.
Fallen vs Upright
Removing a fallen tree usually costs about half of what it takes to remove an upright tree especially in non-emergency cases. This is because it generally takes less time, effort, and equipment to cut off a fallen tree than to remove an upright one.
With no need for cranes and climbing tools, tree services only need to cut up and haul the pieces when they encounter fallen trees. Stump grinding a fallen tree can however cost a bit more than it would on an upright one.
This is because it is often more difficult to clean up the exposed root ball of a fallen tree than that of its upright counterpart.
Time of Year
The best time of year to remove a tree is during winter as opposed to either spring, summer or,full-day fall. This is because of the reduced demand for tree removal services that is normally experienced during winter.
Tree removal experts are therefore likely to give you a significant discount during winter since business is scarce during this time of year.
Emergency vs Standard Large Tree Removal
Emergency tree removal exercises certainly cost more than their standard counterparts. This is because of the hazardous working conditions they present to tree removal experts.
Removing a fallen tree from a roof during a storm will therefore cost more than double the price of removing an upright tree when the sun is up.
It is therefore advisable to contact emergency tree removal services when looking to render a dangerous tree safe. This will give you the time you need to decide on the right tree removal service to hire based on the quotes you get.
This is a great tool that quickly matches you with the best tree removal experts in your locality. You can get three estimates from local large tree removal professionals in just under two minutes.
Kindly follow the steps below to enjoy this great service:
- Scroll to the top of the page and enter your zip code
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- Your tree removal details are forwarded to three local experts who will send you a price estimate for your job with some friendly advice
Additional Services When Removing a Large Tree
There following are some additional services that are also offered by large tree removal experts:
Land Clearing
Land or lot clearing is the process by which all ground cover including trees and vegetation is removed from a piece of land. It is mostly done to facilitate construction and land development projects.
The cost of lot clearing is $2581 per acre when it comes to land clearing. This translates to about $2 per square foot. This price can however vary from $1270 to $3900 depending on the density of vegetation to be removed.
Stump Removal
Stump grinding usually costs about $2 to $4 per inch which is equivalent to $200 to $400 per stump. However, there are other factors such as tree size and species that also affect the cost of stump grinding.
One can also choose to remove the stump by themselves particularly in cases where the tree has already been cut down. Such cases often require one to hire a stump grinder for either a half or full day. This can cost about $75 to $250 depending on the weight of the work to be done.
Log Splitting
Although log splitting is sure to add about $75 to your initial large tree removal cost, it is certainly a service worth considering. This is because of the large amounts of firewood it produces.
This firewood may be resold to help you recoup some of the money spent on tree removal. It can also come in handy for use in your kitchen and fireplace, especially during winter.
Tips on Hiring a Large Tree Removal Professional
The following are the essential steps to follow when looking to hire a large tree removal professional:
Get Estimates
One should get t between 3 and 5 price estimates before selecting a large tree removal expert. Getting estimates is generally free of charge except when making a service call for a tree repair.
Compare the Alternatives
Comparing the different alternatives based on the estimates is the based way to find the most suitable large tree removal service for you. The tree removal prices will certainly vary from one company to another because of their diverse operation and overhead expenses.
The important thing is to select the alternative that best suits your needs in terms of the work at hand and your budget.
Maximize on Discounts
Mid-winter and early spring are usually considered the best times for clients as far as removing large trees is concerned. This is largely because of the huge pricing discounts that tree removal companies are usually willing to offer during such periods of few tree-cutting opportunities.
Have a Written Contractual Agreement
It is important to have a written tree removal contract from the company before any work commences on the tree. This will ensure that you are not charged more than initially agreed in the long run.
License and Insurance Verification
Clients should ensure that the tree removal company they choose to engage is legally licensed to operate in that capacity.
Clients should also ensure that the tree removal company is properly insured. This will keep them from incurring any unnecessary liabilities as a result of property damage and human injury.
Have Your Intended Appearance in Mind
Make sure your tree removal expert does not leave your home looking bare and unattractive as a result of removing too many trees. Simply put, do not take down a tree if it is not necessary.
Large Tree Relocation Cost
Large trees are sometimes removed with a view of relocating them to a secondary location. This activity is best done during fall and can cost an average of $500 per tree. Contractors simply dig out the tree and wrap its root ball before transporting it either by truck or crane.
DIY vs Professional Large Tree Removal
When it comes to large tree removal, engaging professionals is the best option. This is because of the expertise required as well as the risks involved in such an exercise. Hiring or buying the necessary equipment may also prove to be too expensive for a DIY large tree remover.
FAQ's
The average price of removing a large tree ranges between $800 and $1500. This cost may however increase by $500 when the tree in question is extremely tall and thereby needs crane-assisted removal.
Many tree removal companies consider a 50-foot tree to be of medium height. This makes the cost of removing it range between $400 and $1200.
The cost of removing a 10-foot tree ranges between $200 and $400 for most tree removal companies. This is because it is usually considered to be a small-sized tree.
It costs an average of $1000 to remove a 75-foot tree.
Tree cutting is generally expensive because of the specialized techniques, equipment, and experts needed when looking to remove a tree with minimal risk. Examples of such equipment include stump grinders, cranes, and aerial lifts.
Yes, you can. DIY removal of trees is usually recommended where the size of the tree in question is relatively small. Such cases do not normally carry risk and are therefore a lot cheaper than professional tree removal.
It could cost about $425 to buy all the equipment needed to remove a tree by yourself. This cost can be increased further in case of any personal injuries and property damage that you may have to pay for.
