Summary: Summary: Tree removal in 2026 costs roughly $200 to $700 for a small tree under 30 feet, $700 to $1,400 for a medium tree, and $1,400 to $2,000 or more for a large tree, with hazard proximity to houses or power lines adding 30 to 80 percent. Stump grinding adds $150 to $500. Emergency storm work runs $450 to $5,000-plus. Tree work has the widest bid variance of any home service, so get three written quotes on identical scope and never hire door-knockers after a storm.
Why tree quotes vary 2 to 4x for the same job
No home service has wilder pricing variance than tree work. The drivers: operator experience and insurance overhead, whether the company owns its crane or subcontracts one, equipment access to your yard, and seasonal demand. After a storm, prices surge 30 to 50 percent and out-of-town crews flood in. Three independent local bids on identical scope is the only reliable way to find the fair price.
Scope is where quotes diverge most. One bid includes stump grinding, hauling, and cleanup; the next leaves the stump and the brush pile. Always ask: is stump grinding included, is hauling included, and who repairs lawn damage from equipment? A $900 quote that leaves a stump and a rutted yard is not cheaper than a $1,200 quote that leaves your yard clean.
What actually drives the price
Size is the primary driver: height, trunk diameter, and canopy spread together decide crew size, equipment, and hours. A tree under 12 inches in diameter might run $226 to $596, while a massive tree over 24 inches with a wide canopy can reach $1,562 to $4,117 before equipment add-ons. Location is the second driver: trees near houses, fences, or power lines need rigging, cranes, or hand-dismantling instead of a simple fell, adding 30 to 80 percent.
Condition matters too. Dead trees are unpredictable and dangerous to climb, which can raise the price or require a crane. Leaning trees, hollow trunks, and storm-damaged trees all add risk the crew prices in. Permits add $300 to $1,500 in cities with tree protection ordinances. And always verify insurance: a tree company should carry general liability and workers comp, and you should see the certificates, not just hear about them.
2026 tree removal cost by tree size
National average ranges from Angi and arborist pricing data. Hazard proximity, permits, and region move real quotes inside or beyond these bands. Download this table as CSV.
| Tree size | Typical removal cost | Stump grinding | Emergency premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $200-$700 | $100-$200 | +30-50% |
| Medium (30-60 ft) | $700-$1,400 | $150-$300 | +30-50% |
| Large (over 60 ft) | $1,400-$2,000+ | $250-$500 | +30-50% |
| Tree on structure/vehicle | $1,200-$3,500 | varies | often 2x |
| Crane work adder | $800-$1,200 | n/a | n/a |
Tree removal guides
- Tree removal cost by tree size: detailed price bands and what pushes you up or down
- Who pays when a tree falls on the property line: neighbor law basics and how these disputes actually resolve
- Does insurance cover tree removal?: storm claims, debris limits, and the $500-$1,000 reality
- Stump removal: grinding vs full removal: cost, methods, and which one your yard needs
- Trim vs remove: 6 signs from an arborist: how to tell whether pruning will save your tree
Related tools
- Fence Cost Calculator: clearing trees along the fence line? price the fence next
- Roof Replacement Cost Calculator: overhanging limbs threaten roofs: price both jobs
- Home Warranty Cost Calculator: what a warranty covers when a tree is not the problem
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to remove a tree?
- Small trees under 30 feet run $200 to $700, medium trees $700 to $1,400, and large trees $1,400 to $2,000 or more in 2026. Proximity to houses or power lines adds 30 to 80 percent, and stump grinding adds $150 to $500.
- How much does stump grinding cost?
- Typically $2 to $5 per inch of stump diameter, or $150 to $500 total for most residential stumps. Full stump and root removal costs $300 to $800-plus and is only needed when you are replanting or building in the spot.
- Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
- If a storm drops a tree on your house, fence, or car, policies typically cover $500 to $1,000 of removal as part of the property-damage claim. Removal of a healthy tree, or debris with no structure damage, is usually not covered.
- Can I remove a tree myself?
- Small ornamental trees, sometimes, with proper tools and a clear drop zone. Anything near structures, power lines, or over 20 feet tall belongs to insured professionals: DIY tree work is one of the most dangerous homeowner activities.
Data current as of October 2026. Sources: Angi and national arborist pricing data. Estimates only, not a quote. Always get multiple written quotes from insured local tree companies.