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Outdoor

Tree Removal: Cost, Permits & Timeline

Removing a tree and optionally grinding the stump. but many cities still regulate protected and heritage species.

Model reviewed August 2026

Typical cost

$1,400

$450 – $5,500

per tree

$450 – $5,500

Permit

Depends

$0 – $300

Timeline

Same day to 2 days

Same day to 2 days, 1-4 weeks if a permit is required

Do you need a permit for tree removal?

It depends on scope

Cosmetic, like-for-like tree removal work is often exempt. A permit is required as soon as you change structure, plumbing, electrical or the building envelope.

What drives the cost

  • Tree height, species and trunk diameter
  • Proximity to the house and power lines
  • Crane or bucket truck access
  • Stump grinding and debris haul-off
  • Emergency post-storm service

Permit, inspections and documents

Permit statusconditional
Typical permit fee$0 – $300
Licensed contractor requiredNot always
Owner-builder allowedYes, on owner-occupied homes
Inspections
TimelineSame day to 2 days, 1-4 weeks if a permit is required
DIY difficulty5/5 difficulty

Documents typically required

  • • Tree removal permit application in many municipalities
  • • Arborist letter certifying the tree is a danger, where required
  • • Proof of contractor liability insurance

Tree Removal cost by city

Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.

CityTypical rangevs national
New York$800 – $9,500+73%
Los Angeles$600 – $7,800+43%
Miami$600 – $6,900+26%
Chicago$600 – $7,000+27%
Phoenix$500 – $5,700+3%
Dallas$400 – $5,400-1%
Houston$400 – $5,400-2%
Tampa$500 – $5,900+6%
Denver$500 – $6,400+16%
Orlando$500 – $5,700+3%
Atlanta$400 – $5,5000%
Fort Lauderdale$500 – $6,600+21%

Tree Removal across the country

National pricing, state-by-state pricing, and the tools behind both.

Tree Removal cost (national)Range, drivers and 50-state comparisonTree Removal cost in AlabamaLocal adoption of the IRC; statewide code applies to state-funded and manufactured housingTree Removal cost in AlaskaLocal adoption of the IRC; no statewide residential code for one- and two-family homesTree Removal cost in ArizonaLocal adoption of the IRC by city and countyTree Removal cost in ArkansasArkansas Residential Building Code, based on the IRCTree Removal cost in CaliforniaCalifornia Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) plus the Title 24 energy standardsTree Removal cost in ColoradoLocal adoption of the IRC; no statewide residential code outside the wildfire codeTree Removal cost in ConnecticutConnecticut State Building Code, based on the IRCTree Removal cost in District of ColumbiaDC Construction Codes, based on the IRC with District amendmentsTree Removal cost in DelawareLocal adoption of the IRC by county and municipalityTree Removal cost in FloridaFlorida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)Tree Removal cost in GeorgiaGeorgia State Minimum Standard Codes, based on the IRC

Frequently asked questions

How long does tree removal take?

Same day to 2 days, 1-4 weeks if a permit is required. Permit review and inspection scheduling are usually the largest source of variation.

What changes the price the most?

The largest cost drivers are tree height, species and trunk diameter; proximity to the house and power lines; crane or bucket truck access.

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.