Large trees cost more to remove because they require more heavy-duty equipment, the process of removing them is riskier, and there’s more material to dispose of. However, there are other factors that go into determining the price of tree removal services.
Trees under 30 feet in height are considered small, and removing a small tree typically costs between $150 and $500. Many fruit trees are small, as are hawthornes and silver birches.
A medium-sized tree, such as a maple or elm, is 30–60 feet tall and costs between $600 and $1,000 to remove. A large tree like a mature oak is 60–80 feet tall and costs about $800 to $1,700 to remove. Any tree taller than 80 feet will cost around $1,500–$3,000 to remove.
However, height isn’t the only dimension that matters. In general, trees that are taller also have thicker trunks. A tall tree with a narrow trunk may cost less to remove than a tree of the same height with a thick trunk. If a short tree has a thick trunk that’s particularly laborious to cut, a tree removal company may charge you extra. Similarly, if a tree has more than one trunk, it makes for a more complicated and pricier removal.
Two trees of roughly the same height and trunk diameter will typically cost about the same to remove, even if they’re different species. Thus, size is a more reliable determinant of cost than tree type. Here’s a quick guide to some common types of trees.