What is the cheapest way to remove a tree?

Richard Rodgers
4 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

Looking to Save Money on Tree Removal? You’re in the Right Place!

At Invictus Trees, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Wentzville, St. Charles, Lake St. Louis, and surrounding areas save thousands of dollars on their tree removal projects.

There are several smart ways to cut costs without compromising quality or safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective strategies to help you save money on your next tree removal.

Ways to Save on Your Tree Removal

1. Ask About Discounts (Save 10%–20%)

The easiest way to save money on tree removal, trimming, pruning, or stump grinding is to ask what discounts are available. Many homeowners qualify for savings they didn’t even know existed!

Common Discounts Include:

10% – Winter Discount
5% – Military Discount
5% – Wisdom Discount (Senior Discount)

👉 [Click here for additional information about available discounts.]

2. Stump Grinding (Save 30%)

Stump grinding typically costs about one-third of the total tree removal price. Before scheduling, decide if and when you actually need this service—it could significantly reduce your overall project cost.

👉 [Want more details about stump grinding? Click here.]

3. Debris Removal (Save 20% - 30%)

A portion of your tree removal cost covers debris disposal. If it’s safe and practical for your property, you can save money by choosing to have the debris left on site instead of hauled away.

👉 [Interested in learning more about debris removal options? Click here.]

Ask About Discounts — Save 10% to 20% on Tree

For any tree service project, it’s always smart to ask about available discounts. Many companies don’t automatically apply them, so simply asking can save you a substantial amount of money. Depending on eligibility, you could reduce your total tree removal cost by 10% to 20%.

Below are some of the most common discounts offered by tree service companies:

1. Winter Discount — Save 10%

Winter is typically a slower season for tree companies, making it the perfect time to schedule your removal and save around 10%. If your project can wait until the colder months, this is often the biggest savings opportunity.

2. Wise Individual Discount (Senior Discount) — Save 5%

Many companies offer a 5% discount for senior citizens as a way to support and show appreciation for our older community members.

3. Military Discount — Save 5%

Tree service companies frequently extend a 5% discount to active-duty military members and veterans in recognition of their service.

Stump Grinding — The First Way to Save on Tree Removal

In general you can expect stump grinding costs to be about one-third of the total cost of removing a tree.

While there are good reasons to grind out stumps—such as preventing tripping hazards or improving curb appeal—this is also an area where letting nature take its course can help you save. If the stump isn’t in the way or a safety concern, you may choose to skip grinding altogether.

If you do decide to have the stump ground out, here are the common options:

1. Grind & Leave

The stump is ground below the surface, and the grindings are left on site.

Most affordable option
You’ll need to decide what to do with the leftover wood chips or mulch

2. Grind & Level

The stump is ground out, debris is removed, and the area is leveled.

Moderate cost due to added labor and disposal
Leaves a clean, even surface where the stump once was

3. Grind, Level & Fill

This is the premium option—the stump is ground out, all debris is removed, and the area is refilled with high-quality soil.

Most complete and polished result
Ideal if you plan to reseed grass or landscape the area

Debris — Another Way to Save on Tree Removal Costs

Log from tree removal in Saint Charles Missouri

Tree removal debris includes the branches, limbs, and trunk of the tree. Typically, this material is hauled off-site, where it’s processed through chippers or loaded into dump trailers and then disposed of at a green waste facility.

However, having the debris left on-site can significantly reduce your overall project cost by eliminating hauling and disposal fees.

At Invictus Trees, we’ve helped many homeowners save money by offering flexible options to leave debris on the property when circumstances allow. This often means stacking the canopy material (branches and limbs) in manageable piles or leaving larger trunk sections for the homeowner’s use or later disposal.

Debris Options:

Invictus Trees chipping brush from tree removal in Saint Charles Missouri.

1. Canopy Debris

The canopy consists of smaller branches and limbs. Normally, this material is chipped and hauled to a green waste site. By choosing to have it stacked on-site instead, you can save on processing and transportation costs.

Wood rounds from tree removal in Saint Charles Missouri.

2. Log Debris

The log debris—the main trunk and larger limbs—can represent a substantial portion of the total debris. Many homeowners choose this option for future firewood or natural habitat features, while also lowering the cost of the removal.