How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

There are many reasons why someone would want to remove their tree. It could be leaning, damaged, or just in the wrong place and doesn’t look right. We at Athens Tree Care can have it cut for you! The main factor involved in pricing a tree removal is the height of the tree. However, a few more details can alter and impact the tree removal price. 

Undoubtedly, trees are a beautiful addition to your property and landscape. However, sometimes they need to be removed plain and simple. Trees that have diseases and are decaying, trees with compromised stability, and trees with invasive root systems can all pose a serious threat to you and your home. Continue reading to learn more.


What Is the Average Cost of Removing a Tree?


The total price range for tree removal is anywhere from $150 to $2,000. Although, the typical price for tree removal averages around $700 to $750. Tree removal prices vary on the size of the tree, and as expected, larger trees will cost more to remove than smaller trees.

Suppose you are searching around for tree removal services. In that case, you may come across other tree companies that will remove the tree cheaper than the average. If this is the case, ensure they are licensed and insured. Even the simplest of jobs can have unforeseen complications resulting in long-term consequences. So when looking for a tree removal service, don’t let price be the only factor to consider. Consider the safety of your home and your family as well. State law requires that arborists actively renew their licenses to be up to date with the safest ways to remove a tree. Our Athens Arborists are fully certified and trained in tree removal.


Factors That Determine the Cost of Tree Removal:


As you would expect, larger trees will cost more to remove because they require heavy-duty equipment, a riskier process, and more material to dispose of. However, size is not the only factor. Other factors will be taken into consideration when quoting a tree removal job.


Size of the Tree


Trees that are 30 feet and shorter are often considered small. A small tree’s removal costs usually anywhere from $150 to $500. The small tree group includes many fruit trees and hawthorne and silver birch trees.


Medium-sized trees are usually between 30-60 feet in height, usually your maple or elm trees. Removing a tree of this stature will cost you between $600-$1000.


Large trees, such as a mature oak tree, will typically be anywhere from 60-80 feet tall and will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 to remove.

However, height is not the only dimension that comes into play when pricing out a tree removal job. Width is also something that our arborists need to consider. 


Typically, taller trees will have thicker trunks. However, a tall tree with a narrow truck may cost less than a tree of similar height with a thicker trunk. Vice versa, if a smaller tree has a thick trunk that is difficult to cut, it may cost extra to have that tree cut down. Also, suppose a tree has more than one trunk. In that case, it may call for a more intricate and complicated tree removal process, increasing the price.


Type of Tree


Suppose you were to compare two trees with roughly the same height and relatively the same trunk diameter. In that case, the cost will be relatively the same regardless of species. The size of the tree carries more weight than the type of tree when it comes to tree removal. 


Here is a quick guide to a few common tree types:


A mature oak tree is roughly 60–80 feet tall and usually costs $800 to $1,500 to remove.


Palm trees can vary in height based on the species of palm trees. However, their trunks aren’t very thick. Due to this, they cost about $200 to $900 to remove.


There are well over 100 species of pine trees, and based on the species, the price can vary significantly. Some only grow to about 5 feet, whereas others can reach staggering heights of 90 feet! The price range for pine tree removal ranges from $150 to $2,000.


Cedar trees can vary significantly in height, which reflects in the pricing. Some cedar tree removal jobs can cost a mere $150, whereas other more significant cedar trees can cost upwards of $2,000.


A mature maple tree can grow anywhere from 60-100 feet in height and is usually expensive to have removed. A maple tree removal typically costs around $1,100 to $2,000.


Mature ash trees usually reach 40-80 feet in total height and will cost you between $800 to $2,000 to remove, depending on size.


Poplar trees can be some of the most expensive trees to cut down, with average heights reaching anywhere from 90 to 115 feet and having extensive root systems. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,250. 


Health or Condition of the Tree


Diseased trees can be a hazard and need immediate removal. A diseased tree might be less expensive because it is easier to cut down. However, it might be more costly if it is in a dangerous position and threatens the surrounding environment. 

However, a tree that has already fallen (given that it has not created an emergency) is significantly cheaper than living tree removal. A tree already lying on the ground is much safer and more accessible for us. That said, you will only have to pay around $100 to $400 on average to remove it from your property.


Emergency Tree Removal


We hope you never have to call about emergency tree service. Unfortunately, it can happen from time to time. If a tree suddenly falls on your home or any other part of your property, you must remove it before it can cause further damage. There is a significant difference between emergency tree service and regular tree service. Regular tree removal is not an emergency service because it does not require immediate attention.

In contrast, emergency tree service needs cleaning and clearing immediately. Thus, an emergency tree service will be slightly more expensive than a regular tree service. Emergency tree removal jobs will vary in pricing based on the individual contractor. Still, prices for an emergency tree service can go as high as $5,000.


Here at Athens tree removal, we would never engage in price gouging. However, if a natural disaster were to occur, then prices on emergency tree removal would likely increase. Your insurance will probably cover a certain amount of the quote. Still, checking with them to see what they will cover before paying out of pocket is always a good idea.


Multiple Trees


If you live in a wooded area and would like to have a certain amount of land cleared out, you may be able to pay for tree removal services by acre instead of per tree. A lightly wooded area could cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per acre. At the same time, a densely wooded area will cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per acre. 


Other Cost Factors


Tree removal costs will not be based solely on the price of the tree removal service. There are other factors to consider, such as location. You can expect to pay a distance fee if you live in a remote location and an area with a higher cost of living, expect to pay a bit more for your tree removal services. 


In addition, any other factors that will make the tree removal process more difficult will likely drive up the price. Factors such as sloped yards, rocky and muddy soil, angeled trunks, and weak branches will all be factors that our arborists must consider when quoting you on your tree removal service. In some cases, heavy machinery, such as cranes, may have to be brought to remove the tree safely. You can expect at least a $500 charge added to your bill if a crane is required.


When Is It Safe To Cut Down a Tree Myself?


More times than not, tree removal is a job for professionals. We have the proper equipment and training for both the felling of the tree and getting rid of it from your yard. If a tree is taller than 30 feet or within 10 feet of power lines, then you should not attempt to remove the tree yourself. Doing this could result in severe fines, injuries, death, and lawsuits. Make the smart choice and call us for your tree removal needs.


To sum up, we don’t recommend attempting a tree removal on any tree taller than 10 feet without the necessary equipment and the required professional training. The more considerable the tree, the bigger the risk.




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