If you are curious what the average price to cut down a tree is, then read on to learn a bit more about what goes into pricing removals.

How Much Does it Cost to Cut Down a Tree?

The simple answer is: it depends. It could be anywhere from $600 for a very simple removal all the way to $3,000 or more for large, complicated removals. Many trees fall within the $1,000 – $2,000 range.

Essentially, circumstances which make the tree removal take longer will result in a more expensive removal. Just like with any other service, time is money and the longer the tree removal takes, and/or the bigger the tree, the more expensive it will be. Also, riskier tree removals will be more expensive.

key Factors Influencing Tree Removal Price

• Fell or top
  • Most of the time, it’s not possible to just “cut down” the tree as in, cut it at the bottom and yell, “Timber!”. Almost always, a tree needs to be “topped” or removed in small sections starting from the top. Usually in residential areas, there is not enough space to let an entire tree fall down without hitting something. Topping a tree takes much, much, more time than felling so it costs more.
• The Type and Size of Tree
  • Larger trees are typically more expensive. Smaller trees may be quicker and cheaper. Trees with lots of forks and branches such as Willows or Poplars can take longer and require more rope rigging to remove. Trees with fewer forks such as Pine or Fir trees can be quicker.
• Hazardous, Dead, or Emergency Trees
  • If the tree is dead, dying, or otherwise hazardous, removing it will be more expensive. Dead trees require careful, delicate rigging because of the unpredictable way that branches can break. This takes more time which results in a higher price. Trees that must be removed immediately because they pose an imminent threat to life or property will carry a high cost premium.
• What is Underneath the Tree
  • Obviously, if the tree has anything underneath it that has to be avoided it will be more expensive to remove. Structures under the tree require the climber to use ropes to lower parts in a controlled fashion, which takes much longer.

Examples of Tree Removal Cost

Here are some photo examples to help give you an idea if yours is a simple or complicated tree removal. This should help you understand what is the average price to cut down a tree.

Here’s an example of an expensive removal (in the upper $2,000 range) showing a dead Lombardy Poplar that’s very near the home, meaning every piece has to be lowered on a rope. Since the tree is dead, it can break in unpredictable ways so extra care must be taken.

This Birch tree was affected by Bronze Birch Borer, an insect that burrows in these trees and kills them. This tree wasn’t near a home and didn’t have anything directly underneath it, but was still close enough to power lines to require some extra care during the removal. This tree was in the mid $1,000s.

Here’s an example of a relatively simple tree removal. Nothing underneath it, and it’s alive. It’s still pretty big, so it wasn’t the cheapest, but a removal like this might clock in at around $1,200. Notice how large the piece of the trunk being dropped is. The ability to drop large pieces of the tree straight down speeds things up and makes the removal easier.

Want to Learn more or get a quote?

Now that you know a little more about what goes into the average price to cut down a tree, feel free to click here and reach out to us today to get a quote and learn exactly how much your tree removal will cost. You can also check out other resources about pricing tree removals to be more informed. Here’s another good post about the cost of removing trees.