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Tree Removal Cost Calculator — Estimate Removal & Stump Grinding

Get accurate tree removal cost estimates based on tree size, location, condition, and stump grinding needs

Estimated Total Cost

$650–$1,900

Tree Removal

$500–$1,500

Time Estimate

3–6 hours

Measure at 4.5 ft from the ground (DBH)

Estimated Cost

$650–$1,900
Total project cost
Tree Removal
$500–$1,500
Stump Grinding
$150–$400
Time Estimate
3–6 hrs
Permit
Likely needed

Average Cost by Tree Size

Small (<30 ft)$350
Medium (30-60 ft)$1,000
Large (60-80 ft)$1,750
XL (80+ ft)$3,250

Cost Factor Reference

FactorImpactYour Selection
HeightPrimary cost driver40 ft
LocationNo surchargeOpen Area
ConditionStandard rateHealthy
TypeStandardHardwood (Oak, Maple)
Stump$2–$5 per inch diameter18" diameter

Pro Tips

Get 3 quotes: Prices vary widely between companies. Always get at least 3 written estimates and verify ISA certification.
Winter discounts: Tree services are often 10–20% cheaper in winter (off-season) when demand is lower.
Check permits: Many cities require permits for trees over 6–10 inches in diameter. Fines for unpermitted removal can be $500–$10,000+.
Keep the wood: Ask the company to leave the wood. Hardwood firewood is worth $200–$400 per cord and can offset removal costs.

Permit Notice

Trees over 30 ft tall or 12 inches in diameter typically require a removal permit in most municipalities. Check with your local city or county arborist office before scheduling removal.

Example Calculations

1Medium Oak in Open Yard

Inputs

Tree Height45 ft
Trunk Diameter18 inches
ConditionHealthy
LocationOpen Area
Stump RemovalYes
Tree TypeHardwood

Result

Total Cost$650–$1,900
Tree Removal$500–$1,500
Stump Grinding$150–$400

A 45-foot hardwood in an open area falls in the medium range, with stump grinding adding $150–$400 for the 18-inch trunk.

2Large Pine Near House

Inputs

Tree Height70 ft
Trunk Diameter24 inches
ConditionHealthy
LocationNear House
Stump RemovalYes
Tree TypeSoftwood

Result

Total Cost$1,365–$3,437
Tree Removal$1,215–$3,037
Stump Grinding$150–$400

A 70-foot softwood near a house gets a 35% location surcharge but a 10% softwood discount, with stump grinding added for the 24-inch trunk.

3Storm-Damaged Tree Emergency

Inputs

Tree Height55 ft
Trunk Diameter20 inches
ConditionStorm Damaged
LocationNear Power Lines
Stump RemovalNo
Tree TypeHardwood

Result

Total Cost$1,312–$3,937
Tree Removal$1,312–$3,937
Time Estimate3–6 hours

Storm damage adds a 75% emergency premium, and the power line location adds 50%, making this the most expensive scenario per foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much does it cost to remove a tree?

Tree removal costs range from $200 to $5,000+ depending primarily on height. Small trees under 30 feet cost $200–$500, medium trees 30–60 feet cost $500–$1,500, and large trees 60–80 feet cost $1,000–$2,500. Trees over 80 feet can cost $1,500–$5,000 or more.

  • Small trees under 30 ft: $200–$500 removal cost
  • Medium trees 30–60 ft: $500–$1,500 removal cost
  • Large trees 60–80 ft: $1,000–$2,500 removal cost
  • Extra-large trees 80+ ft: $1,500–$5,000+ removal cost
  • Stump grinding adds $150–$400 ($2–$5 per inch of diameter)
Tree HeightCost RangeTime Estimate
Small (<30 ft)$200–$5001–3 hours
Medium (30–60 ft)$500–$1,5003–6 hours
Large (60–80 ft)$1,000–$2,5004–8 hours
XL (80+ ft)$1,500–$5,000+6–12 hours
Q

Does tree location affect the removal cost?

Yes, location is one of the biggest cost factors after height. Trees in open areas are cheapest to remove. Trees near houses add 25–35% to the cost because of liability and the need for precise directional felling. Trees near power lines or between structures add 35–50% because specialized equipment and utility coordination are required.

  • Open area: standard pricing, no surcharge
  • Near house: +25–35% for liability and precision felling
  • Near power lines: +35–50% requiring utility company coordination
  • Between structures: +35–50% for crane work and tight access
  • Emergency storm damage: +50–100% premium for immediate response
Q

How much does stump grinding cost?

Stump grinding typically costs $150–$400, calculated at $2–$5 per inch of trunk diameter. A 20-inch stump costs roughly $100–$250. Most companies have a minimum charge of $150 regardless of stump size. Root removal (not just grinding) costs significantly more.

  • Average cost: $2–$5 per inch of trunk diameter
  • Minimum charge: $150 for most companies
  • 12-inch stump: roughly $150–$200
  • 24-inch stump: roughly $150–$250
  • 36-inch stump: roughly $150–$400
Stump DiameterGrinding CostTime
12 inches$150–$20030–45 min
24 inches$150–$25045–60 min
36 inches$150–$4001–1.5 hours
Q

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Most cities require permits for removing trees over a certain size, typically 6–10 inches in diameter or 30+ feet tall. Fines for unpermitted removal can range from $500 to $10,000+. Heritage or protected species trees may not be removable at all without special approval.

  • Most cities require permits for trees over 6–10 inches in diameter
  • Check with your local city or county arborist office before scheduling
  • Fines for unpermitted removal: $500–$10,000+ depending on municipality
  • Heritage or protected trees may require special approval or may be prohibited
  • Some HOAs have additional tree removal rules beyond city requirements
Q

Is it cheaper to remove a dead tree?

Dead trees are typically 10–15% cheaper to remove than healthy trees because they are lighter and easier to cut. However, very old dead trees with structural decay may actually cost more because they are unpredictable and dangerous to work with. Storm-damaged trees carry an emergency premium of 50–100%.

  • Dead/dying trees: 10–15% less than healthy trees
  • Diseased trees: 5–10% less than healthy trees
  • Storm-damaged trees: 50–100% premium (emergency rate)
  • Decayed dead trees may cost more due to safety concerns
  • Palm trees: roughly 30% less than hardwoods of similar height

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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