How much does it cost to remove a tree?

Trees help make our planet breathable, creating oxygen and sustaining the biosphere. They’re also beautiful to look at! But sometimes, because of disease or risk to your property, trees need to be removed. So how much does it cost to remove a tree? On average, tree removal costs $871 in Australia. However, this can vary from $350 to more than $4,500 based on several factors.

Signs that a tree needs to be removed

It can be hard to know what’s going on beneath the surface of a tree. You might need an expert to tell you if a tree is deceased or just dormant. If it has cracks in the trunk or flaking bark or fungus growing under the branches, it might need to be removed. Here are two simple tests for determining tree health:

1. Scratch test: Scratch the bark to see its second layer. If it's green, the tree is still alive and needs some time to grow.
2. Snap test: The other way is to try and snap a twig. Bend a year-old twig to 90 degrees. If it snaps, the tree is most likely dead.

When in doubt, it’s best to book an arborist to come and assess things.

Tree removal price list

The following table shows the cost of removing a tree, including cutting it down to a stump and eliminating waste.

Tree felling is one of the most specialised landscaping tasks. There is a reason tree removalists are often called tree surgeons, bringing a lot of expertise and special equipment to the task. 

Tree removal is one of the most challenging tasks to price without seeing the property and knowing the tree’s size, shape, and location. Removing a 2m sapling from the middle of your garden is a simple task, which might take a tree surgeon less than an hour. 

But if you have an overhanging old oak tree, it might take days to remove, setting you back hundreds of dollars—especially if you have poor access to it.

What factors affect the cost of tree removal?

Tree size

As you’d expect, size matters. Tall trees require more equipment and time and carry higher risks, making pine tree removal costs exceptionally high. A very tall tree is more likely to damage the surrounding area if it falls incorrectly. 

If the tree overhangs a house, shed, or road, extra care must be taken to prevent severe damage. A tree's type can sometimes impact how easy it is to fell. Still, there isn’t a massive price difference in removing various types of trees. The estimated cost of large tree removal is often higher, meaning size is more important to consider. 

Ease of access

If it’s hard to reach the tree, it will cost more to fell. Logically, if a site is hard to access, it will take longer for people and equipment to get there. It can also take longer to clear waste away from a place that’s hard to get to (which might mean you’ll face tree debris removal costs, too). For trees that overhang public footpaths or roads, you’ll need permission to close the street down before felling. This can be an additional expense.

Disposal method

Reuse and recycle where you can. The cheapest disposal method is simply cutting the tree up to where it falls and using it as firewood. You can also use it as compost or for a wood-burning stove. Also, check with your neighbours—they might need a branch or two. 

Additional tree removal costs

When deciding to remove a tree, expect some extra fees for removing the stump and roots if you want to stop another tree from growing in the same place or are worried the old tree was diseased or infested with pests.

Tree trimming

Tree trimming or pruning is a lot cheaper than removal. If your tree only needs trimming or pruning, expect to pay between $423 - $1,200.

Tree stump removal

For stumps with shallow roots, a professional can use a chainsaw and grind them away. Cherry tree stumps with notoriously deep roots can take hours to remove. In contrast, conifer trees have shallow roots and are easier to grind.

Tree surveys and arborist reports

A tree survey will let you know the health of your garden trees and flag potential problems. Trees could grow through pipes or against the property, or their leaves and branches might drop on your roof and clog your gutters. Hiring an arborist for a tree survey costs $300 - $500.

Post a task for tree removal

Now that you're familiar with tree removal prices, you're ready to post a task. You'll shortly receive offers from Taskers near you. You can check their profiles and select the best tree service professional for your needs. Here are some details to share when filling out the request form:

• Your budget
• Your location
• Tree size and condition
• Schedule or time frame

Overall, the more info you share, the easier it is for Taskers to give you exact estimates.