I’ve been in the tree service business for years now, and the first question I always get is: “How much is this gonna cost me?” I get it—tree work isn’t cheap, and you want to know what you’re getting into before some crew shows up with chainsaws and wood chippers.
Here’s the thing about tree cutting service price: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I wish I could tell you every tree costs $500 or $1,000, but it doesn’t work that way. Let me break down what actually affects the price and what you should expect to pay.
What Affects Tree Cutting Service Price
When I come out to give you an estimate, I’m looking at several things that determine the final cost.
Tree Size
This is the biggest factor. A small tree under 30 feet? That might run you $200 to $500. Medium trees between 30 and 60 feet usually cost $500 to $1,200. Large trees over 60 feet can easily hit $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
I had a customer last month with a massive oak—probably 80 feet tall. That job cost $4,200 because of the size, the equipment needed, and the time involved. The tree cutting service price for that job reflected the complexity and risk.
Location and Access
Is your tree in the middle of your backyard with nothing around it? That’s easy. Is it wedged between your house and your neighbor’s fence with power lines overhead? That’s a whole different story.
When access is tight, I need specialized equipment or have to climb and remove the tree piece by piece. That takes more time and skill, which means higher costs. Sometimes I need to bring in a crane, and that alone can add $500 to $1,500 to your bill.
Tree Condition
Dead or diseased trees are more dangerous to work on. They’re unpredictable—branches can break unexpectedly, and the trunk might be rotted inside. When I’m dealing with tree removal on a dead tree, I have to take extra precautions, which affects the price.
Healthy trees are actually easier and sometimes cheaper to remove because I know how they’ll behave when I start cutting.
Stump Removal
Most tree cutting service price quotes don’t include stump grinding. That’s usually separate. Stump grinding typically costs $100 to $400 depending on the stump size. Some customers want the stump gone, others don’t mind it staying.
Emergency Services
If a storm knocked your tree onto your roof at 2 AM, you’re paying emergency rates. Emergency tree removal usually costs 2 to 3 times the normal rate because I’m dropping everything to come help you right away.
Average Tree Cutting Service Price Ranges
Based on what I charge and what I see in the industry, here are realistic price ranges:
- Small trees (under 30 feet): $200–$500
- Medium trees (30–60 feet): $500–$1,200
- Large trees (60–80 feet): $1,200–$2,500
- Extra-large trees (over 80 feet): $2,500–$5,000+
These are for standard tree removal during normal business hours with decent access.
What’s Included in the Price
When I give you a quote for tree cutting service price, here’s what you’re paying for:
Labor and Expertise
You’re not just paying for someone to show up with a chainsaw. You’re paying for years of training, certification, and experience. I know how to assess a tree, plan the safest removal method, and execute it without damaging your property.
Equipment
Professional tree work requires serious equipment—chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, safety gear, trucks, sometimes cranes. All that equipment costs money to buy, maintain, and operate.
Insurance
Any legitimate tree service carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation. That protects you if something goes wrong. It also costs us money, which factors into our pricing.
Cleanup
Most tree removal includes hauling away the debris. I’m not just cutting down your tree and leaving a mess in your yard. We chip the branches, cut the trunk into manageable pieces, and haul everything away.
How to Get an Accurate Tree Cutting Service Price
Don’t trust estimates over the phone. I need to see the tree in person to give you an accurate price. When I come out, I’m looking at everything I mentioned—size, location, condition, access.
Get at least three quotes. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest—that can bite you. I’ve seen customers hire the low bidder, then call me to fix the damage when that crew drops a tree through their fence or worse.
Ask what’s included. Does the tree cutting service price include stump grinding? Debris removal? Permit fees if needed? Get it all in writing.
When Tree Cutting Service Price Goes Up
There are situations where costs increase beyond the basics:
Multiple Trees
Most companies, including mine, offer discounts when you need multiple trees removed. The per-tree cost goes down because we’re already on-site with our equipment.
Permits
Some cities require permits for tree removal, especially for large or protected trees. Permit costs vary—anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on your location. That’s usually not included in the base quote.
Power Lines
If your tree is tangled up in power lines, I might need to coordinate with the utility company. Sometimes they handle it, sometimes they don’t. Either way, it complicates the job and can increase the price.
Property Protection
If I need to protect your landscaping, driveway, or structures during tree removal, that requires extra care and materials. Plywood to protect your lawn, extra rigging to control where branches fall—it all adds time and cost.
Ways to Save on Tree Cutting Service Price
I’ll be honest with you—tree work is expensive because it’s skilled, dangerous labor. But there are ways to reduce costs:
Do the cleanup yourself. If you can haul away the wood and brush, I can knock money off the price. Some customers with trucks and trailers take this option.
Leave the wood. If you want firewood or know someone who does, I can cut the trunk into rounds and leave them for you. Saves me disposal costs, saves you money.
Time it right. Winter is typically slower for tree services. You might get better rates in January than in June.
Bundle services. Need multiple trees trimmed or removed? Getting it all done at once is cheaper than calling me back multiple times.
Red Flags in Tree Cutting Service Price Quotes
If someone quotes you a tree cutting service price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for:
- Quotes significantly lower than everyone else
- No proof of insurance
- Cash-only, no written contract
- High-pressure sales tactics
- “I’m in the neighborhood” door-knockers
I’ve seen too many customers get burned by unlicensed operators who cause property damage or get hurt on the job, then leave the homeowner liable.
The Bottom Line
Tree removal is a significant expense, but it’s also a significant job. When you pay for professional tree cutting service, you’re paying for safety, expertise, proper equipment, and peace of mind.
At HAILEYS PRO SERVICES, I give you honest, transparent pricing based on the actual work required. No surprises, no hidden fees. Just professional tree removal done right the first time.
If you need a tree removed, call me for a free estimate. I’ll come out, assess your tree, and give you a fair price in writing. Let’s get that tree taken care of safely and professionally.
