If a storm-damaged maple is leaning over your roof, the first question is always the same: how much does tree removal cost? In 2026, most North American homeowners pay $300 to $2,000 per tree, with the average job landing around $750–$900 USD — and small trees can be gone for a couple hundred dollars while a giant oak wedged between houses can top $2,500. Mid-summer is peak season for this work: storm damage, overgrown canopies, and dead limbs all show up now, so quotes book fast.
Here’s what actually drives the price, what you should expect to pay in the US and Canada, and how to hire a crew that won’t drop a branch through your fence.
Tree Removal Cost by Size
Height is the single biggest price factor. A taller tree means more cutting time, bigger equipment, and often a climbing crew instead of a bucket truck.
| Tree size | Typical US price (USD) | Typical Canada price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $150 – $450 | $200 – $800 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $450 – $900 | $800 – $1,800 |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $900 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Very large (80 ft+) | $1,000 – $2,000+ | $1,800 – $2,700+ |
A quick rule of thumb: $10–$15 USD per foot of height in the US, and roughly $5–$25 CAD per foot in Canada depending on the city. Big-city markets like Toronto run at the high end — $800–$1,200 CAD even for a small tree — because of tight lots, permits, and higher labour costs.
What Else Affects the Price
Access and location on your lot
A tree standing in an open front yard is a straightforward drop. The same tree squeezed between your house and the neighbour’s fence has to be dismantled piece by piece and lowered on ropes — that can double the bill. Proximity to power lines usually means coordinating with the utility, adding time and cost.
Condition of the tree
Dead, diseased, or storm-cracked trees are more dangerous to climb, so crews charge more for the added rigging. Ironically, waiting until a tree is hazardous usually makes removal more expensive — another reason to deal with a declining tree early.
Stump removal is extra
Most quotes cover cutting the tree to a low stump. Grinding the stump out costs an extra $180–$525, and hauling the wood away (vs. leaving it bucked in your yard) can add $100–$300. Ask what’s included before you compare bids.
Permits
Many Canadian and some US municipalities require a permit to remove healthy trees over a certain trunk diameter — Toronto, Vancouver, and many suburbs enforce this strictly, with fines that dwarf the removal cost. A reputable local arborist will know your city’s bylaw and often handles the paperwork.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Felling a small ornamental tree well away from any structure is a reasonable weekend job if you own a chainsaw and protective gear. Anything taller than about 15–20 feet, near a building, fence, or wires, is not. Tree work is consistently among the most dangerous jobs in North America — the saving isn’t worth an ER visit or a crushed garage. For big trees, hire a tree cutting and arborist service with proper insurance.
If the job is really just brush, small limbs, and green waste, a cheaper yard cleanup or hauling crew may be all you need — see our lawn mowing cost guide for what routine yard care runs.
How to Vet a Tree Removal Company
- Proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp. This is non-negotiable — if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you can be liable.
- Certified arborist on staff (ISA certification) for anything involving tree health decisions or permit applications.
- A written quote that spells out stump grinding, wood removal, and cleanup.
- Two or three bids. Prices for identical jobs routinely vary by 50% or more. Our post on contractor fraud red flags covers the warning signs — big cash deposits and door-knockers “already working in the neighbourhood” top the list, and storm-chasing tree crews are a classic version of it.
Ready to get numbers for your own tree? You can find a tree removal pro near you and compare local quotes in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove a large tree?
Large trees (60–80+ feet) typically cost $900–$2,000 USD in the US and $1,500–$2,700+ CAD in Canada, with difficult access or power-line work pushing prices higher.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Usually only when the tree fell in a covered event (storm, wind) AND damaged an insured structure. Removing a standing tree — even a dead one — is normally considered maintenance and comes out of pocket.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Usually not. Expect to pay an extra $180–$525 for stump grinding, so confirm whether it’s in the quote before comparing bids.
When is the cheapest time to remove a tree?
Late fall and winter. Demand drops, dormant trees are lighter and easier to work on, and frozen ground protects lawns from equipment — quotes can run 10–20% below summer prices.
Get free quotes from insured tree pros in your area — Get quotes on MastersGuild.
