How much does tree removal cost?

Removing a medium tree typically runs about $400 to $2,000, with large trees going higher. Stump grinding is often a separate $150 to $400. DIY is only sensible for small trees in the open.

Should I remove a tree myself?

Only small trees well away from structures and power lines. Anything tall, leaning, or close to a house is genuinely dangerous and worth hiring an insured tree service for.

Does insurance cover tree removal?

Homeowners insurance usually only pays if a tree falls and damages a structure, not for removing a healthy or dead standing tree. Check your policy.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Many cities require a permit to remove larger or protected trees, even on your own property. Always check with your local government before cutting.

What about the stump?

Stump grinding is usually a separate line item. You can rent a grinder for a day, but it is heavy equipment, so many people add it to the removal quote.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Tree Removal Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Tree Removal in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$400–$2,000

DIY COST

$100–$600

Typical project: Removing one medium tree, about 40 to 60 feet tall

Skill levelAdvancedAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

Get the Tree Removal Blueprint →

Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Tree Removal

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Get the full free Tree Removal checklist, emailed as a PDF →

Tools and materials for a Tree Removal

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Professional removal service · 1 medium tree
Stump grinding · 1 stump
Debris hauling · 1 load
Permit (where required) · 1

Tools

Chainsaw and safety gear · rent or buy
Ropes, wedges, and ladder · rent or buy
Stump grinder · rent or buy

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Tree Removal

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Taking on a large tree near a house without a pro

Ignoring power lines, which is potentially fatal

No clear escape path when felling

Skipping the permit a city requires for protected trees

Should you DIY or hire for Tree Removal?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have trade-level experience or have completed this type of project before
→You own or can rent the specialized tools required
→You've read the local code requirements and understand the permit process
→A trusted helper with relevant experience is available for the critical phases

When to hire

→The project involves significant fall risk, high voltage, or gas lines
→Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor, no exceptions
→A DIY mistake could void your homeowner's insurance or mortgage terms
→You lack the specialized tools and can't justify renting them for a one-time job
→The project scope is large enough that crew efficiency outweighs DIY savings

DifficultyHard

Advanced, but within reach with the right prep. The Blueprint covers the safety-critical phases step by step, and a pro is there if you would rather not.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Tree Removal pro →

What drives the cost of Tree Removal

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Small tree (under 30 ft) and Medium tree (30 to 60 ft) sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include professional removal service, stump grinding, debris hauling, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows outdoor-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most tree removal jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Tree Removal pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

Find a Tree Removal pro →

Tree Removal cost in your state

Tree Removal cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Tree Removal cost in Michigan →Tree Removal cost in California →Tree Removal cost in Texas →Tree Removal cost in Florida →Tree Removal cost in New York →Tree Removal cost in Pennsylvania →Tree Removal cost in Ohio →Tree Removal cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →