How much should it cost to remove a tree from a property? This tree removal cost calculator takes the guesswork out of pricing. Input the tree’s size, type, condition, location, and other details and the tool will calculate a detailed breakdown of costs, including optional services like stump removal or debris cleanup.
Tree Removal Cost Calculator
Tree #
Additional Services
How to use this calculator
Enter Your Property Name
Start by entering the name of your property in the “Property Name” field. This name will appear in the final cost breakdown for easy reference.
Add More Trees to the Quote: Click the “Add Tree” button to include additional trees that need to be removed.
- For each tree, a new input section will appear with customizable fields for tree size, type, and condition.
Select Tree Size: Choose the tree size (Small, Medium, or Large) from the dropdown menu.
The base cost for each size is preloaded (e.g., Small: $500, Medium: $900, Large: $2,500), but you can adjust these values in the “Custom Tree Size Base Cost” field.
The default tree removal cost estimates are based on national averages provided by Go Tree Quotes. These estimates can serve as a rough guidelines national market rates for these services.
Select Tree Type: Tree species will impact the pricing of the quote. Choose the tree type from the dropdown menu. Each tree type has a complexity adjustment based on its characteristics (e.g., Oak trees add +20% due to the density of wood). More details on this below.
Select Tree Condition: This selection impacts pricing of the quote.
- Healthy: No additional charge.
- Dead/Dying trees: Adds 5% due to increased risks and effort.
- Danger trees: Adds 10% due to time and cost involved in safety precautions and complex removal methods.
Indicate Location Accessibility: Select the level of access to the tree: Easy, Medium (adds 10% to cost), or Difficult (adds 20% to cost) for restricted access like narrow driveways or other challenges getting to a location.
You might be surprised to learn this but tree location is one of the most important factors when quoting a tree removal according to according to Jay from the Homestead Jay channel on YouTube. “A tree near septic tanks, leach fields, or power lines requires extreme caution and precision.”
“If I can back my truck right up to the tree, the job is faster and cheaper. Fences, hills, or restricted areas add complexity.” Don’t overlook the importance of this step!
Add Additional Services: Check the box to add additional services, including stump removal, stump grinding, debris cleanup, and permit costs. You can enter a custom charge amount for each item.
Don’t forget to factor in debris cleanup.
Calculate the Total Cost: Click the “Calculate Tree Removal Cost” button to see the results. The tool provides:
- A Total Estimate for all trees.
- A Detailed Breakdown for each tree, including base costs, adjustments, and add-on services.
Print and Save Your Estimate: If you’d like to save or share your results, click the “Print Results” button to print or download a PDF.
Tree species and cost increases
| Tree Type | Category | Cost Increase (%) | Rationale for Higher Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Hardwood | +20% | Dense wood and large branches increase effort for cutting, lifting, and hauling. |
| Maple | Hardwood | +10% | Complex branch system and moderate wood density require additional cutting and time. |
| Pine | Evergreen/Softwood | +10% (if over 60 ft) | Lightweight wood offsets challenges; height adds complexity near structures. |
| Birch | Softwood | 0% | Light wood and small root systems make them easier to cut and remove. |
| Palm | Ornamental | +15% | Dense trunk and frond removal require specialized tools and more time. |
| Cedar | Evergreen/Softwood | +10% | Thick canopy and potential access challenges due to hilly or forested areas. |
| Cottonwood | Hardwood | +15% | Weak wood and large size increase safety risks, requiring more equipment and time. |
| Dogwood | Ornamental | 0% | Small size and soft wood make them straightforward to remove. |
| Elm | Hardwood | +20% | Dense branches and resistance to cutting tools add significant complexity and time. |
| Sycamore | Hardwood | +25% | Extremely heavy wood, sprawling roots, and large branches require advanced removal methods. |
| Spruce | Evergreen/Softwood | 0% | Generally easy to cut; lightweight wood simplifies hauling. |
| Fir | Evergreen/Softwood | 0% | Soft wood and manageable branches make them easier to handle. |
| General | Other | 0% | All purpose designation you can use. |
Key things to consider when pricing tree removal jobs
1. Tree Location and Accessibility
Jay doesn’t mince words: “The tree’s position is the most important factor in pricing. Is it near a house, leaning over a shed, or sitting over septic tanks? That’s going to determine a huge difference in the cost.”
Accessibility is key, too. A tree in an open field might be a simple job, but factor in narrow gates, steep slopes, or dense landscaping, and things get complicated. “If I can back my truck right up to the tree, that job is faster and cheaper,” Jay said. “But when I have to haul wood through fences or hills? That’s a whole different story.”
The Location Accessibility setting weigh these challenges:
- Easy (0%): Open spaces with no obstacles.
- Medium (+10%): Restricted access, like a fenced backyard or moderate slopes.
- Difficult (+20%): Tight spaces or tricky terrain that require specialized labor.
Don’t short change yourself when pricing tree removals. Cleanup takes serious time and effort!
2. Tree Species and Complexity
Not all trees are created equal. Oak trees with dense wood require more time and effort to cut, while softer woods like Birch are a breeze. Jay notes that species can also dictate job strategy: “White Oak is premium firewood, so I bidded low because I wanted the wood. But Hemlock with 400 branches? That’s a whole different story.”
Tree type also impacts safety. A Sycamore with sprawling roots and heavy branches demands careful handling, while a straight Pine is easier to fell. The Tree Type dropdown applies a percentage adjustment based on tree species to address this challenge (located above).
The Tree Removal Cost Calculator is a powerful tool for estimating job costs based on tree type, location, and additional services. While it provides a structured way to calculate expenses, it’s important to remember that every market is unique. Use this tool as a starting point, but conduct your own market research: check out local competition, research equipment costs, and ask your client about expectations so you can accurately quote the full scope of a project like this.
Related tools:
Tree trimming, Bush, and Hedge Service Price Calculator: Create estimates for related tree services at the same property.
Stump Grinding and Removal Cost Calculator: Enter stump measurements and create a custom quote for this job.
About the Author: Brett Lindenberg
