How much will your tree trimming and removal cost?

Ashburn, VA 20149

Tree Trimmers on Thumbtack cost$500 - $800

Average fixed price

  • Lowest price:$50
  • Most common low price:$500
  • Most common high price:$800
  • Highest price:$2200

How much does tree removal cost?

By Nina Kulenkampff

The national average cost of tree removal is $412-$2,839. The national average low-end cost range of tree removal is $226-$1,562. National average high-end tree removal prices range from $596-$4,117.

Tree removal cost:

National average cost range

$412-$2,839

Average low-end cost range

$226-$1,562

Average high-end cost range

$596-$4,117

*Figures above include equipment and labor costs for tree removal.

Tree removal costs can be affected by several factors. These include the size and number of trees, the urgency of the project and the accessibility of the tree(s). Labor and equipment costs can affect the cost of tree removal. Additionally, you can choose to pay extra for the stump(s) and root system to be removed.

tree trunk being removed from front yard of houseIn this guide, we break down the cost of tree removal in finer detail.

Large tree removal cost.

Trunk size

Canopy size

National average cost range

24" to 36" diameter

Greater than 30' across

$1,562-$4,117

24" to 36" diameter

Less Than 30' Across

$976-$2,573

*Figures above include equipment and labor costs for tree removal.

The average cost range for large tree removal is $976-$4,117. A tree with a trunk size or diameter of 24 to 36 inches qualifies as a large tree.

The second measurement you need is the size of the tree's canopy. The larger the canopy, the higher the tree removal cost. The average cost to remove a large tree with a canopy size greater than 30 feet across is $1,562-$4,117. Removing a tree with a canopy that's 30 feet or less across costs an average range of $976-$2,573.

Compare prices from tree trimmers near you.

Tree removal cost by size.

Trunk size

Canopy size

National average cost range

Under 12" diameter

Less than 30' Across

$226-$596

Under 12" diameter

Greater than 30' across

$359-$946

12" to 24" diameter

Less than 30' Across

$517-$1,364

12" to 24" diameter

Greater than 30' across

$808-$2,132

24" to 36" diameter

Less than 30' Across

$976-$2,573

24" to 36" diameter

Greater than 30' across

$1,562-$4,117

*Figures above include equipment and labor costs for tree removal.

We've gone over how much it costs to remove large trees, but what about small trees? Naturally, removing a tree with a smaller diameter and canopy is cheaper.

For example, the national average cost to remove a tree with a trunk under 12 inches in diameter is $226-$946. For a mid-sized tree with a trunk diameter that's 12-24 inches, the average cost is $517-$2,132.

Equipment and labor costs to remove a tree.

Average costs

Equipment cost

Labor cost

National average cost range

$155-$363

$257-$2,476

Average low-end cost range

$85-$200

$141-1,362

Average high-end cost range

$224-$526

$372-$3,591

The national average cost for equipment to remove a tree is $155-$363. For labor, it's $257-$2,476.

The size and location of a tree will determine the amount of labor, specialized equipment, and machinery required for removal. Heavy-duty machinery may be necessary for some trees.

Tree removal costs also depend on who you're hiring. An inexperienced handyman with a chainsaw might tempt you with lower rates, but they may not do a great job. To help ensure the tree is removed correctly, consider hiring an experienced, qualified and fully licensed arborist or tree removal company.

Stump grinding cost.

Trunk size

National average cost range

Under 12" diameter

$33-$88

12" to 24" diameter

$67-$176

24" to 36" diameter

$100-$264

*Figures above include equipment and labor costs for tree removal.

Remember to factor in stump grinding or stump removal when looking for estimates. On average, stump grinding costs anywhere from $33-$264, depending on the tree's size.

Stump grinding is the process of using machinery to grind down the tree stump until all that's left is basically mulch and sawdust. It's a service worth considering — unless you want to repurpose the stump and turn it into something like a birdbath or planter.

If you do want to remove the stumps, ask a professional for advice and estimates for the different stump removal methods.

Find the right tree trimmer for your project.

Tree removal cost factors.

We've covered the factors that have the biggest impact on tree removal prices. However, here are a few more factors that can impact costs.

Type of tree.

Are you trying to remove pine trees? Palm trees? Oak trees? Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and (as you already know) size can greatly impact the price.

When requesting price quotes from tree removal companies, let them know what kind of tree you have and its size.

Pro tip: You should also check to make sure you're legally allowed to remove the tree. If your tree has historical significance or is protected, you may not be able to cut it down. Even if it is on your property, you may not be able to remove it. Check with your local government to find out and/or ask your pro to find out.

Urgency.

Is this a case of emergency tree removal? For example, do you have a tree that looks like it won't hold up against an upcoming storm? Tree removal companies and professionals might charge a higher rate to prioritize your project over another one they had lined up.

If you're not in a hurry to remove the tree, it might be worth waiting until winter to remove it. Tree removal prices may be lower in the colder months when there's less foliage and less work for the arborists. You could invest in tree trimming to tide you (and your tree) over until the tree can be removed completely.

Accessibility.

Is it difficult for a professional to access the tree? Is it located near power lines? Depending on your tree's location or condition, a professional may need to use additional labor or equipment to remove it. This can add to the total cost.

Gas prices.

The degree to which gas prices impact your tree removal project comes down to your location, the size of your project and the equipment needed. 

Arborists will calculate the cost of travel and transporting machinery to and from your property. They then need to consider the cost of transporting the lumber and debris once the trees have been cut down. Lastly, a lot of tree removal equipment, such as chainsaws and wood chippers, runs on gas too. 

Permits.

This is where hiring professionals is useful. They can tell you whether you need permits, and, if so, how to get the one(s) you may need.

It’s important to find a professional in your area who knows the federal and local or regional laws and bylaws, but you should also research the rules on your own. The last thing you want is to cut down a protected type of tree and end up with a hefty fine.

Your negotiation skills.

Even if you're in a hurry to get rid of your trees, get estimates from several professionals before you hire someone. It's a competitive industry, so chances are you can use the estimates as leverage for a better deal.

However, remember that this is a task for experienced professionals. Cheap labor can come with a high cost when mistakes are made.

Related: How to negotiate tree removal (and save money).

Deals, discounts and promotions.

When shopping around for estimates, ask companies if they have any upcoming promotions. For instance, they may offer deals and discounts during less busy months or to first-time clients.

You can also try negotiating a lower price for a bigger project. For example, you can ask if the pro will give you a discount if the job requires removing multiple trees instead of just one.

Search local tree trimmers and check prices.

Potential savings with DIY and debris removal.

Here are a few ways to lower the cost of your project by taking on certain tasks yourself.

  • Do the wood chipping yourself. You may want to hire a professional to cut down the tree. But once cut down, you can cut the wood into smaller pieces to use. Or, you can sell it as firewood.
  • Compost the wood and leaves. You can eliminate the cost of having someone remove the lumber, branches and leaves. Compost the smaller twigs and leaves, and use a chipper to create mulch for your garden.
  • Improve your garden design. Use bigger branches and logs to build raised beds to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. You could also use the wood to create borders or edging.
  • Take on the task of killing or removing the stump yourselfYou can dig it out, use chemicals and other tactics to get rid of your stump without paying someone to do it.

Get free cost estimates from tree removal services near you.

There's no time like the present to get started on your tree removal project. Download the Thumbtack app today, and start contacting professionals. Ask for free cost estimates, and choose a tree removal company with good ratings and a fair price.

FAQs

Do you need a permit to cut down a tree on your property?

You might need a permit to cut down a tree. Whether or not you need a permit to cut down a tree on your property can vary from one city, county or environmental agency to the next.

This is why hiring a local professional is often the best way to go. Professionals tend to know the laws and bylaws of your area, but it doesn’t hurt to do some research on your own. You should also see if your area recognizes "heritage trees."

What do you do with tree stumps once removed?

That's entirely up to you. You could pay someone to remove the stumps. You could also cut them into smaller pieces to use as firewood or turn them into furniture such as tables, mounts or stands.

If this is not something you can or want to do, you can find a nearby carpenter to do it for you.

*The project cost estimates provided in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data. For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.

How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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