Tree removal is one of the most expensive services a tree care company provides. So, it’s no surprise that one of the first questions we hear from homeowners is: “How much will it cost?”
The answer isn’t simple. Tree removal pricing depends on a mix of factors – some obvious, others less so. From the size of the tree to how close it is to your home, here’s what really infuences the cost of removing a tree in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways
- Tree removal costs vary significantly based on four main factors: the tree’s size, its health condition, accessibility, and any additional services like stump grinding.
- Larger and dead or dying trees cost more to remove due to increased safety requirements, specialized equipment needs, and longer removal times.
- Trees located near structures or with poor access routes are more expensive to remove than those in open areas with easy equipment access.
- While tree removal may seem expensive, the high costs reflect the dangerous nature of the work, required insurance coverage, and professional safety equipment needed to protect workers and property.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Tree Removal
Tree removal costs will vary greatly depending on four key factors: the size of the tree, its condition, the location, and any additional services you need. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these factors can impact the overall cost – and what they might mean for your specific situation.
Larger Trees Cost More to Remove
Generally, the larger the tree, the more it costs to remove. Big trees limit how we can approach the job and often require specialized equipment. Setting up that equipment and ensuring the crew’s safety are essential parts of the process – but they also add to the overall time and cost. While removing a small ornamental tree might only take a few hours, taking down a mature shade tree can easily turn into a full-day project.
Unstable or Dying Trees Make Removal More Complicated (and Expensive)
Homeowners remove their trees for many reasons. Some choose to remove them because they don’t want them anymore, while others have no choice when the tree begins to encroach on structures. However, a common reason for removal is a dead or dying tree.
Dead trees are notoriously dangerous to work on, as they do not have the same structural integrity as trees with live wood. This may mean we can’t easily climb in the tree (a common problem when removing ash trees that emerald ash borer killed). It also means we have to be careful when working with the tree, as there could be internal decay that will change how we have to operate.
Removing a dead tree is dangerous and time-consuming, leading to a higher cost than removing one that is still healthy and living.
Tree Location and Site Access Impact Cost
“Location, location, location” isn’t just a real estate phrase, it applies to tree removal, too. Where your tree is located can have a big impact on how much it costs to remove.
For example, if the tree is in an open field in a rural part of Southeastern Pennsylvania, we can often cut it at the base, let it fall safely, and handle the cleanup while it’s on the ground. But if the tree is near a house in a more urban area, like Abington, that’s not an option. In those cases, we need specialized equipment and extra precautions to safely remove the tree without damaging your property.
Access also plays a major role. If we can get our crane and bucket truck close to the tree — near a road or driveway, for example — the job is faster and less labor-intensive. But when we have to haul equipment or debris long distances, the time and cost increase significantly.
Additional Services That Can Raise the Final Cost
Tree removal often involves more than just taking down the tree itself. One of the most common add-on services is stump grinding, which removes the remaining stump to improve the look of your landscape and eliminate tripping hazards.
While stump grinding is a valuable service, it does increase the total cost. It requires additional equipment, more time on site, and extra cleanup — all of which factor into the final price of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Costs of Tree Removal
How much tree removal costs is a hot topic for homeowners. To help you better understand tree removal prices, we’ve answered some common questions from homeowners on the topic.
Why is tree removal so expensive?
Tree removal is expensive in part because it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.. The high risk of injury and fatalities means tree care companies carry costly insurance and invest heavily in specialized safety equipment — all of which contributes to the overall price of service.
Can I save money by removing a tree myself?
Tree removal in residential areas is best left to the professionals, as it is incredibly risky to handle if you don’t have appropriate training. Falling branches and pieces of the trunk can damage your home or cause you bodily harm. Even if you avoid any collateral damage, you likely won’t have access to a chipper to dispose of the debris yourself.
Why do some contractors come in with much cheaper quotes than others?
Some disreputable companies will try to keep costs low by not investing in insurance or proper safety gear for their team. While it may seem like you’re getting a good deal, you could be on the hook to pay for damages in the event of an accident when the contractor doing the work doesn’t have insurance. Don’t risk it – always work with a reputable company for tree removal and trimming.
Is tree removal my only option?
Not always. In many cases, there are effective alternatives that can help preserve your tree and avoid removal — especially if the issue is caught early. Depending on the situation, you may want to consider:
- Tree preservation services to reduce stress and support overall tree health.
- Professional pruning to manage growth, remove risky limbs, and prevent interference with structures or utility lines.
- Targeted treatments for any insects and diseases that are harming your trees.
When You Want Tree Removal You Can Count On, Trust the Clauser Tree Care Team
Tree removal isn’t cheap — and it shouldn’t be. When done right, it protects your property, keeps your family safe, and avoids bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line. That’s why working with a team that knows what they’re doing matters. At Clauser Tree Care, we give you honest pricing, clear communication, and experienced professionals who take the stress out of the process.
Call us today at 215-542-8291 or request a quote online for tree removal in Montgomery and Bucks Counties.
About Clauser Tree Care
From who you talk to on the phone in our office, to our courteous and experienced work crews who provide your service, all of the hard-working team members at Clauser Tree Care strive for complete client satisfaction. Our job is simply not done until you are pleased with the experience that you have had working with our company. Founded more than 25 years ago on the principles of honest work and arboricultural best practices, we strive for a higher standard of care for a greener future.
