Tree removal is one of those jobs where the price range is massive -- and homeowners rarely know where they fall until they get a quote. A small tree in an open yard might cost $200. A large oak near your house can run $3,000. This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect to pay in 2026, and what drives the price up or down.

The Quick Answer

Tree removal costs $400 to $1,200 on average in 2026, with a national average around $850. Stump grinding adds $150 to $550 per stump.

Small tree (under 30 ft): $150 -- $450
Medium tree (30-60 ft): $435 -- $870
Large tree (over 80 ft): $1,000 -- $2,000
Emergency removal: 2-5x normal rates
Stump grinding: $150 -- $550 per stump ($2-5 per diameter inch)
Permits (where required): $60 -- $150

Keep reading for a full breakdown by size, what drives costs up, and how to get the best price when you're bidding this work.

Tree Removal Costs by Size

Size is the biggest factor in what you'll pay. Here's how the math breaks down by tree height and trunk diameter.

Small Trees (Under 30 Feet)

Small trees -- think ornamental trees, young maples, or dogwoods -- run $150 to $450. These jobs are fast. One crew, a few hours, straightforward cleanup.

Medium Trees (30-60 Feet)

This is where most residential jobs land. A 40-foot oak or mature pine costs $435 to $870 depending on location and access. Most average homes have trees in this range.

Large Trees (Over 80 Feet)

Large trees -- mature oaks, tall pines, old elms -- cost $1,000 to $2,000 for routine removal. Add complexity (lean toward the house, power lines nearby, tight access) and you're looking at $2,000 to $3,000 or more.

Cost per foot is typically $9.50 to $14.50. A 100-foot tree runs $950 to $1,450 in labor alone, before any stump work or debris hauling.

Stump Grinding Costs

Most tree removal quotes don't include the stump. Stump grinding is almost always a separate line item, and it's worth quoting separately because it's a clean upsell opportunity.

First stump: $120 -- $210 (setup fee built in)
Each additional stump: $40 -- $70
Large stumps (extra-large diameter): $300 -- $800
Per diameter inch: $2 -- $5
Labor rate: $125 -- $200/hour

A 20-inch diameter stump runs roughly $40 to $100 by diameter pricing, or $120 to $210 as a flat first-stump fee. Most contractors charge a minimum of $100 for grinding services regardless of stump size.

The smart play: bundle stump grinding into the removal quote. Customers already have their wallet out. Adding $150 to $300 for stump grinding closes at a much higher rate than quoting it separately later.

What Drives the Price Up

Two identical trees can have very different quotes based on these factors:

Proximity to Structures

A tree leaning toward a house or near power lines requires section-by-section cutting, rope rigging, and more crew time. Expect 20-40% higher pricing compared to an open-yard removal.

Access Limitations

Backyard trees cost more because equipment can't get close. Crews have to hand-carry debris or use smaller machines. Factor in 15-30% extra for tight access.

Emergency Removal

Storm damage, fallen trees, or hazardous situations trigger emergency rates. Emergency removal typically costs 2-5x the standard rate -- a $600 routine removal becomes $1,200 to $3,000 when you need crews out same-day after a storm.

This is actually a significant revenue opportunity for tree service contractors. Emergency calls are high-margin, and the customer has no price sensitivity when a tree is on their roof.

Permits

Many municipalities require permits for trees over 10 feet. Permits cost $60 to $150 per tree and can add a week to the timeline if you don't plan ahead. Always check local requirements before scheduling large removals.

Debris Removal and Hauling

Base quotes often include cutting the tree down but not hauling debris. Debris removal adds $50 to $150 per job depending on volume. Confirm what's included before you sign off on a quote.

How Landscapers Should Price Tree Work

If you're a landscaper adding tree removal as a service, here's a simple pricing framework:

Assess by height and location. Open yard vs. near structure is your biggest variable. Walk every job before quoting.
Price per foot for routine work. $10-14/foot is a solid starting range for most markets.
Bundle stump grinding at a discount. Full removal + stump at $X saves the customer a second trip and boosts your ticket.
Add emergency premiums. Minimum 1.5x standard rate for same-day. 2x for after-hours or storm response.
Quote debris hauling separately. It gives you a lower-looking base price and a clear upsell.

When to Refer Out vs. Do It Yourself

Tree removal carries real liability. If a tree hits a house, car, or power line, you're responsible. Before adding tree work to your services, make sure you have:

General liability insurance with tree removal coverage ($1M+ recommended)
An ISA-certified arborist on staff or as a partner for complex removals
Proper equipment: chainsaw, ropes, rigging hardware, and a chipper or dump truck for debris

For straightforward small-tree removals, most landscapers can handle it. Large trees near structures are worth subcontracting to a dedicated tree service -- you keep the client relationship and earn a referral fee without taking on the risk.

Bottom Line

Tree removal costs $200 to $3,000 depending on size, location, and urgency. Stump grinding adds $150 to $550 per stump. Emergency work pays 2-5x standard rates, making storm response one of the highest-margin services in landscaping.

If you want to give customers instant tree removal estimates without playing phone tag, try QuoteSnap for free. It puts a pricing calculator right on your website so customers can get a ballpark instantly and you get the lead.

Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Cost: 2026 Pricing Guide