Tree Removal: Negotiating Tips, Cost Factors, Choosing a Company & More

How to work with tree removal services and your neighbors to fell dangerous trees without spending a fortune

Co-authored by Grant Wallace and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 References

Lowering Tree Removal Costs

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Typical Removal Costs

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Choosing a Removal Company

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Coordinating with Neighbors

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When to Remove Trees Yourself

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

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Warnings

You’ve been putting off getting that old tree in your backyard taken down for years because of the price, but now you can’t wait any longer. Is there any way to get a better deal? It turns out there are several things you can do to negotiate a lower tree removal rate if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and doing a bit of the work yourself. In this article, we’ll show you where you can cut costs for professional tree removal, plus explain why it costs so much in the first place and what to look for in a quality removal service. It’s time to make some calls!

Things You Should Know

Negotiate lower tree removal costs by offering to keep the logs, clean up green waste, or keep the stump in place. Remove during winter when rates are cheapest.
Most trees cost $700 to $750 to remove, but the price varies depending on the tree’s height, trunk thickness, location, health, and other factors.
Choose a certified arborist who’s licensed and insured to handle tree removal to do the job.
Only try to remove a tree yourself if it’s under 10 ft (3.0 m) tall and in an open space. It may be too dangerous or unlawful otherwise.

Section 1 of 5:

Lowering Tree Removal Costs

1
Offer to keep the logs from the tree trunk or remove them yourself. When a tree comes down, the trunk is usually split into logs to make transportation and disposal easier. If you’re comfortable using a chainsaw, offer to cut up the trunk yourself and keep the wood as firewood. Alternatively, have the tree removers cut up the trunk but ask to keep the wood on your property. You’ll still pay for the cutting, but you’ll be off the hook for transportation and disposal.^{[1]
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- Log splitting usually costs $50 to $90. Hauling the wood away can cost an additional $50 to $90.^{[2]
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- Sometimes, the tree removers can chip the leftover wood into mulch. This costs $65 to $125.
2
Remove small debris and green waste yourself. Ask the tree removers whether debris cleanup is part of their standard service, or if it incurs an extra fee. If it costs extra or if the standard price is high, offer to rake leaves, pick up small branches, and clear woody debris from the felled trunk yourself to save a few bucks. Also make sure to pick up loose debris and trim dead branches before they arrive to save on preparation costs.^{[3]
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- “Green waste” refers to small, biodegradable waste like leaves, small branches, bark or wood chips, grass, weeds, shrubs, and more.
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3
Keep the tree stump or remove it yourself. Stump grinding or removal can cost $2 to $3 per inch (2.5 cm) of stump diameter, so save yourself some money by keeping the tree stump in your yard. If you find it unsightly, rent a stump grinder for $100 to $150 per day and remove it yourself. It may end up being less expensive this way than using a professional service.^{[4]
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- A very thick stump with a wide diameter can cost up to $300 to have removed by a professional.
- Double check your town’s ordinances about stump removal. There may be limitations on how or why they can be removed.
- Digging up, burning, or chemically killing the stump may be even cheaper than renting a stump grinder.
4
Hire a removal specialist in winter or early spring when rates are lower. Winter is the cheapest time of year to remove trees since the demand for removal services is lowest. Negotiate on top of the lowered rate for an extra low final price. Keep in mind that scheduling a winter removal won’t be possible if you need to get rid of the tree ASAP due to an emergency, for example. ^{[5]
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Research free tree removal options for seniors or veterans. In urban areas, some city’s Public Works or Parks and Recreation departments may provide free tree removal for seniors, veterans, or other residents who may struggle to safely maintain trees themselves. Call your local City Services to ask if the service is available and how to access and schedule it.^{[6]
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- Schedule a removal appointment as soon as possible since these free services typically book up quickly.
- If you live in a rural area, ask local private companies or organizations about free removal. It may be less common, but is worth a shot!

Section 2 of 5:

Typical Removal Costs

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Average tree removal costs around $700 to $750 per tree. However, the full range of prices can be from $150 to $2,000 or more. The largest determining factor is the height of the tree. Small trees under 30 ft (9.1 m) usually cost $150 to $500 to remove, while medium trees up to 60 ft (18 m) tall cost between $600 and $1,000.^{[7]
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- Mature, old trees up to 80 ft (24 m) tall might cost $800 to $1,700. Anything taller than that can be up to $3,000.
- The thickness of the trunk also factors into the cost. Tall trees with thin trunks are less expensive to remove than trees of the same height with thick trunks.
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Factors that make the tree more difficult to remove will raise the cost. Although height and trunk thickness are major considerations, things like the tree’s location and health also factor into the total removal cost. Major circumstances to consider include:^{[8]
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- Disease: Sick trees may be cheaper to remove since they come down easily. However, if it falls apart during removal due to poor health, the cost may go up.
- Fallen trunks: If the tree has already fallen, removal will be significantly cheaper (usually $100 to $300).
- Emergencies: Last-minute calls to remove trees, like after a storm, cost more than appointments scheduled days or weeks in advance.
- Multiple trees: You may be able to pay by the acre (4,047 sq m). Costs range from $500-2,500 (lightly wooded) to $3,000-6,000 (heavily wooded) per acre.
- Location: Trees in remote areas may incur travel fees. Trees in locations with higher costs of living may also be more expensive.
- Risky conditions: Sloped yards, rocky or muddy soil, angled trunks, weak branches, or proximity to power lines or buildings will likely increase the price.
- Permits: In some locations, a permit must be purchased to feel trees taller than 10 ft (3.0 m). Permits typically cost $60 to $150.
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Equipment, workers, and insurance also factor into the total cost. Trees are big and need a lot of heavy equipment to bring them down. This could include a truck, a wood chipper, a bobcat (a digging and excavation machine), a crane, and/or a cherry picker. The crew usually includes at least 3 highly trained, licensed ground workers plus a climber.^{[9]
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- Licensed companies also need liability insurance to protect your property and their crew. The strictness of the coverage depends on your municipality.

Section 3 of 5:

Choosing a Removal Company

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Look for companies with certified arborists that are insured for removal. Arborists are trained professionals who specialize in tree maintenance, care, and removal. They need to renew their licenses regularly, so you can be assured that they’re up to date on the best tree removal practices. They may be more expensive than some less qualified companies, but when it comes to the safety of your property, the extra expense is worth it.^{[10]
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- Read online reviews from previous customers and speak to acquaintances who have had trees removed before to get a sense of a company’s quality.
- Even simple jobs can have unexpected complications, so it’s always best to hire a qualified expert than to go with the cheapest or first option you find online.
- If possible, opt for local companies. They’re usually invested in building community relationships and have experience in your town or neighborhood.
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Get full-service removal estimates from at least 3 different companies. Gather costs from multiple service providers in your area for removing one tree (including all debris, logs, and the stump). Ask small, local companies as well as established big ones—the small ones are often slightly cheaper and more flexible. This gives you an idea of what each company offers, as well as what to budget for the removal.^{[11]
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- Ask about payment plans. Even if you can’t negotiate a lower price, you may be able to pay for the service in installments rather than up front.
- Always compare multiple estimates before committing to a company or signing any paperwork.
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Contact each company to negotiate and finalize your choice. Once you’ve gathered multiple estimates, contact each company again and see if they’re willing to lower their rate. Use the rates from a cheaper company to encourage more expensive ones to barter—a company is more likely to work with you if they fear you’ll leave them for a slightly cheaper option. Remember, it never hurts to ask!^{[12]
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- For example, a company that costs $800 may let you cleanup after them and reduce their price to $700 to compete with a company that charges $750.
- If you’ve got multiple problematic trees, see if you can “bundle” them and ask if a company’s rates can be reduced or discounted.
- The most flexible companies are usually smaller, 5-star reviewed organizations that can offer more services for less money.

Section 4 of 5:

Coordinating with Neighbors

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Ask neighbors to remove trees that threaten your home. Explain how the branches, trunk angle, or damage to the tree (like visible wounds or a hollow trunk) pose a risk to your property and safety. If the tree requires professional maintenance to ensure its safety, your neighbor is responsible for the expenses.^{[13]
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- You're legally allowed to trim branches up to the property line with your neighbor. Consult them first since they may prefer a professional handle it.
- Even if the majority of branches hang over your property, your neighbor owns the tree if the trunk is in their yard.
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Offer to split inspection and removal costs to incentivize them. If your neighbor is dragging their feet to get the tree removed, consider contributing financially to the process. While it’s technically their burden, chipping in may be cheaper and less stressful than removing it yourself or taking them to nuisance court over the issue.^{[14]
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- Attend the inspection yourself to hear a professional’s recommendation, or give a list of questions to your neighbor to ask on your behalf.
- If your neighbor won't act, send them a written request to remove the tree. Save a copy in case there’s a legal dispute or the tree damages your property.

Section 5 of 5:

When to Remove Trees Yourself

It’s safe to remove trees under 10 ft (3.0 m) in open areas yourself. Check whether you need a permit before you start, and consult an arborist before you begin to find out if the tree is decayed or rotted. These conditions can make removal much more complicated. Remember, you’re liable for any injuries or damages that occur when you remove a tree yourself. The bigger the tree, the bigger the risk.^{[15]
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- Make sure to wear the proper safety equipment like goggles, gloves, work boots, a hard hat, and hearing protection.
- If possible, remove your tree in winter or early spring when tree growth is dormant and there are fewer leaves obstructing your view.
- Do not try to remove trees over 30 ft (9.1 m) tall or within 10 ft (3.0 m) of power lines. It’s unsafe and could result in fines, injuries, or lawsuits.
- Unless you have all of the equipment you need on hand, the cost of felling a tree yourself and hiring a professional can be about the same.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you know when it's time to take down a tree?

Grant Wallace
Landscaper
Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.

Grant Wallace

Landscaper

Expert Answer

Contact your local arborist, as all trees are different. Generally speaking, though, look out for dead spots on the tree (whether that's on the branches, in the trunk, or around the stump). Any strange spots that appear on the bark or leaves are also an indication that the tree might be diseased. Larger branches starting to fall off is another indication.

Warnings

Removing trees yourself is a complex, dangerous task. It’s best to leave it to professionals unless you have training and experience with felling trees safely.^{[17]
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