How much does it cost to have a tree removed?

How much does it cost to have a tree removed?

“What the [insert colorful adjective here]” … So sorry (cough), I just received an estimate for a tree I was looking to remove?

Hopefully you have never had this reaction when you received an estimate to remove a tree. But if by chance you are working to develop the backyard yard for the perfect entertainment place, or clear the way for your “she shed” or his “Project shop” or the tree simply needs to go, you may run across that to complete your project, you need to have a tree removed. 

So, ok easy! You'll will get some estimates and have it completed. You get the first few estimates and the first thing that sets in is ... Wow this is a bit more than expected.

It does not stop there and you get a few more estimates but now you have a range of $400 - $1000 or more to take down the same tree. So what gives … 

So what are the costs that go into removing a tree? 

1. Tree Size: 

Tree size is the most obvious cost factor. For purposes of removal the size of the tree is based on several factors.

There are three primary factors on tree size:

• Diameter or Circumference of Trunk:

  • Diameter : This would be the diameter of the trunk itself. Diameter of the tree is measured at the xxx point which is chest high or 4 feet from the root crown up the trunk 4 feet..

• Tree Vertical Height 

  • Height: Tree height or how tall the tree is also contributes to a cost factor the taller a tree is the more equipment and labor it will take to remove the tree. Tree species will have a significant impact on how tall the tree can grow.

• Canopy (limbs/brush): 

  • The canopy is a huge factor on the labor to take down a tree. The bigger the canopy is, then the more time it takes to come down and be taken over to the equipment to be processed. 

2. Location: 

As they say in real estate, “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION”. The same holds true for tree removal. By far the most impactful costs on a tree removal is in location. There are so many factors and this is most likely one of the reasons you see such a difference between estimates. This includes - Front yard vs. Backyard, Drag path [Distance that debris has to be transported to equipment for processing], Is the tree overhanging a house, fence, playground, patio, hill vs. no hill, etc.

Location / Obstacles Example 1

Location / Obstacles Example 2

3. Equipment: 

Equipment is by far the next cost factor that impacts tree removal costs. As with all things there are many ways to accomplish the same task. There are three primary equipment factors that go into a tree removal.

• Climber - This is the lowest cost as this is labor for the climber to climb and “rig” down branches and log.

• Lift - If a company owns or rents a lift to complete the tree removal the costs for the lift will be factored into the tree removal project.

• Crane - Special circumstances in which a tree is too large and too close to other structures. (Home, fence, shops, landscaping etc.)

Equipment Needed: The type and amount of equipment required for tree removal can impact the cost. Larger trees or those in challenging locations may require specialized equipment such as cranes or aerial lifts, which can increase the overall cost.

4. Condition: 

Although a diseased tree does not add much cost, it is a factor when it comes to cleanup, as picture exhibit A shows gall on an oak tree. When removing gall infested branches, the galls fall off and land on the ground. Navigating the area while walking on galls is like trying to walk across a yard with golf balls all over it!  Most importantly though, the condition of the tree may make the tree unstable and place any climber at risk. This results in additional equipment needed to safely remove the tree.

• Galls - (left picture) Commonly affects pin oak tree which is a very common tree species in Missouri.

• Bark peeling (Center picture) Bark peeling off the trunk is a clear indication of a tree that is dead.

• Cavities (Right picture) Cavities can be caused by previous improper trimming or pruning that resulted in debris and water that accumulated and began deteriorating the internal structure of the tree.

5. Cleanup & Disposal: 

The cost for cleanup & Disposal is generally not a variable factor. All companies disposing of tree debris will generally have the similar costs. The main factor is how large the tree is as this will account for any additional disposal fees but only if the tree is mucho grande and I mean mucho grande! 

The most important thing to remember here is that when you get an estimate make sure that cleanup and disposal of associated debris is included in the quote and that you do not pay for a tree removal and then get charged for the cleanup and disposal on a separate invoice. Disposal of material is generally the same with all tree removals and consist of dump trailers (log/brush), Chip truck and chipper (brush/limbs), Environmental dumpster (log/brush). 

Tree companies do not generally itemize the disposal fees so it is hard to tell what disposal fees are included in the estimate. That said, below you will find ranges so that you will have a better idea as to the impact on your tree project. (this is subject to change depending on your location.)

Disposal Fee Ranges

• Chips - Dump fees for chips range from $55 - $85 for a large chipper truck.

  • Standard remove of a mid - large tree would require 1 to 2 chip dumps.

• Brush/Log - Disposal of brush or log range from $80 - $170 per dump trailer

  •  Standard removal of a mid - large tree would require 1 to 2 brush/log dumps.

• Environmental Dumpster

  • Environmental Dumpster allows you to have an onsite dumpster for the disposal of logs mainly. You generally only see this on larger trees which have a diameter of 45 - 56 or multiple trees being removed

  • Environmental Dumpster is really only used on larger or multiple trees but can reduce the labor time of having someone leave the job site to dump debris vs. staying on site with the crew.

  • Environmental Dumpster - costs range as follows $500 - $600

Types of Disposal for tree removal debris

6. Company Reputation & Experience: 

“You get what you pay for!” 

Established tree removal companies with a good reputation and extensive experience may charge higher rates for their services. However, their expertise, professionalism, customer care (walking a homeowner through every aspect of the project), and coordinating with the utility companies on your behalf, can often justify the higher cost.

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What does it cost to remove a tree? 

Ok so you realize that YES tree removal is soooo complicated and there are so many factors … but I still would like to know what to expect …. The facts → How much?

Below is something we have put together showing a range as to what you would be able to expect for a tree removal in the St. Louis metro areas.

**** These are average ranges to help understand what you should expect.****