How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost?

Tree trimming costs an average of $460 per tree, ranging from $75 to $2,000 per tree. Factors that impact tree trimming costs include the size of the tree, the number of trees, the type of tree, and the difficulty of the trimming project. Most estimates will be based on the tree, but some tree services may charge a flat hourly rate between $25 and $50 per hour.

Tree Trimming Cost by Size of Tree

The size of the tree is a significant factor in estimating the cost of tree trimming because it determines how many workers are needed, whether trained climbers are required, and if special equipment like a crane is necessary.

• Small trees (25 feet or shorter): The cost to trim a tree 25 feet high or smaller starts at $80 and ranges to $350, for an average of $215 per small tree. This trimming is usually performed using a pole trimmer standing at ground level.
• Medium trees (25 to 50 feet): Trimming a medium-sized tree up to 50 feet high costs $150 to $800, with an average price of $315. This task requires a pole trimmer and may require an extension ladder or tree climbing.
• Large trees (50 feet or more): Trimming a large tree over 50 feet high can cost $300 to $1,800. These trees usually involve specialized workers and equipment, such as harnessed climbing workers, a crane to reach upper branches, or traffic diversion.

Key Cost Factors

Location

Your location, whether urban or rural, the number and availability of tree service companies, and the cost of living in your area can all impact the cost of services. If there are very few companies in your area, that can affect their rates. Travel time may also be an added charge on your estimate if you are outside a particular radius.

Accessibility and Difficulty

The degree of difficulty is a comprehensive determiner of the cost of tree trimming. Difficulty comprises factors such as the height of the tree, accessibility, the health of the tree, whether there are dead or dying branches, the type of tree, the presence of power lines, structures, or roads, and the need for permits. 

Low-difficulty trees are usually healthier, shorter trees with most branches in good shape. Moderate difficulty trees may be taller, about 30 feet tall, could have dead or diseased branches, climbing might be required, and a structure, like a house, is nearby. The most difficult trees are tall trees, potentially with diseased limbs and branches that might be entangled with power lines. These trees usually need harnessed climbers and a crane.

Labor

Homeowners and property owners often turn to the tree maintenance companies for the crew’s experience. When a company quotes a price for tree trimming, the labor cost is included. The labor cost for tree trimming ranges from $35 to $70 per hour per person. On average, labor costs for tree trimming are $55 per hour.

Type of Tree

These are some of the more common trees and average rates for trimming services.

• Crepe Myrtle: The cost to trim crepe myrtle trees begins at $80 and ranges up to $400. The average cost to trim a crepe myrtle tree is $270.
• Cypress: The cost of trimming cypress trees ranges from about $150 to $1,200, with an average price of $705.
• Oak: The cost of trimming an oak tree ranges from $180 to $1,500, with an average cost of $910.
• Palm: Trimming a palm tree starts at $100, with an average maximum cost of $1,500. On average, it costs $695 to trim a palm tree.
• Pine: Trimming a pine tree ranges from $200 to $1,800. The average cost to trim a pine tree is about $1,000.

Tree Health

Trees with diseases are more complex to trim, especially if you are trying to save the tree. The tree might need the expertise of an arborist to diagnose a disease or suggest a plan for bringing a tree back to health. Disease, insect damage, or weak roots can complicate a tree trimming job.

Number of Trees

The more trees you cut, the greater the overall cost of the tree-trimming project. When developing price estimates, tree maintenance companies will factor in the number of trees. 

However, additional trees may not always proportionally increase the cost of tree trimming. The cost of each tree trimmed might be less. The company already has workers on the property and equipment such as wood chippers, so subsequent trees may not cost as much as the first tree.

Season

Depending on the area, the best time to trim trees is usually the dormant season. This season extends from when all leaves have fallen from the trees (around October or November) to early spring (March or April) when the buds begin to develop on the trees again. The trees have less mass, so there is less to cut and haul away. Plus, it’s easier to inspect the trees with the leaves gone.

Pests

If you need tree pest control added to the service, it can cost an additional $50 and $250 to the cost of tree trimming. If the problem is persistent or recurring, the tree (or trees) may need repeated servicing or treatment until the issue is resolved.

Permits

Tree trimming, pruning, or removal in cities and other incorporated areas may be regulated and require a permit. The cost of permits for tree removal averages $500 per tree. Permits to trim trees usually cost less than permits for total removal or may not be required.

Some areas do not permit tree topping or the removal of trees near watersheds unless they are deemed hazard trees. Urban zones maintain a permitting process to sustain urban forests that mitigate erosion, reduce water runoff, improve air quality, and preserve property values.

Tree Topping, Pruning, and Removal

Tree topping, pruning, and removal all cost about the same. Tree topping is cutting off the top of trees, effectively reducing the tree’s size. If done poorly, tree topping can kill a tree. The cost ranges from $400 to $800.

Tree pruning or trimming is recommended over tree topping. Pruning is a healthier way to keep the tree healthy by removing dead, dying, or diseased branches. Pruning a tree can cost between $200 and $800.

Tree removal can cost from $200 to $2,000. If you have a stump that needs removal, the cost runs about $100 to $150.

Additional Costs to Consider

Additional tree-related costs include hiring a tree arborist, cleaning up the yard after tree services, and splitting limbs for firewood.

An arborist may be necessary to diagnose a tree’s health and help decide if it needs trimming or removal. Permitting agencies usually require the arborist’s approval before accepting a tree removal request or making massive cuts to a tree. An arborist costs $100 to $250 for a consultation or inspection, and a report costs $150 to $450 per tree; an arborist’s rate is usually $100 to $250 an hour.

Yard cleanup costs can average $265 to remove debris after tree trimming. They can start at $125 and range up to $400. If you have a regular landscaping company that does maintenance on your yard, they can also clean up the debris. Tree debris can be repurposed into logs for firewood or mulch. Depending on the service, the associated fees for log splitting or wood chipping can cost from $50 to $150.

DIY vs. Professional Tree Trimming

With the right tools and safety equipment, homeowners can trim their trees. A basic set of tree-trimming tools for cutting small trees costs an average of $560, ranging from $395 to $725.

Owning a step ladder, pole trimmer, pruning saw, clippers, and an electric or gas-powered chainsaw helps you cut your trees or supplement visits from the tree trimming company. Cleaning up a yard after trimming a tree is another way to save on costs, but it can require expensive equipment to break it down.

DIY Tree Trimming Costs

• Loppers: $30 to $50
• Pruning saw: $20 to $30
• Ladder: $150 to $250
• Electric chainsaw: $100 to $200
• Pole trimmer: $75 to $150
• Safety glasses: $10 to $20
• Gloves: $10 to $20

How to Save on Tree Trimming Costs

• Maintain the trees regularly: Maintain the trees by keeping their size in check. Larger trees are exponentially more expensive since they often need a crane or harnessed climbers for trimming.
• Get informed opinions: If a landscaper or tree trimmer notes problems with your trees, get a second opinion from a tree inspector or arborist.
• Call the power company: If a tree is near power lines, call the power company. The electric company has arborists and trained professionals who trim vegetation near lines.
• Check your insurance policy: Most homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover tree care, but some may pay for tree removal and cleanup if a tree falls on your property.
• Ensure the tree crew has insurance: The tree maintenance company must have general liability insurance. While on your property, you might have to cover the costs if a worker is hurt or causes damage.
• Trim several trees at once: Trimming more than one tree is cheaper if done in one visit versus returning to do one tree at a time in several visits.
• Do the cleanup: Tree maintenance companies may charge an extra fee for yard cleanup. You can try to do the work yourself if you have the tools.