Tree pricing is really risk pricing. Height sets the baseline, but access, nearby structures, and power lines decide how hard — and how dangerous — the job actually is. Here is how to quote removal and trimming so the price matches the work.
Step 1: Price each tree by size
Quote removal per tree by height class, and trimming per tree. Size is the baseline before you adjust for difficulty.
| Service | Unit | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Removal — small (under 30 ft) | per tree | $200–$500 |
| Removal — medium (30–60 ft) | per tree | $500–$1,500 |
| Removal — large (60–80 ft) | per tree | $850–$2,000 |
| Trimming / pruning | per tree | $400–$900 |
| Stump grinding | per stump | $100–$500 |
Step 2: Adjust for access and hazard
A tree in an open yard drops where you want it. One leaning over the roof, wedged between fences, or tangled in a power line needs rigging, a crane or bucket truck, and far more time and risk. Price that difficulty — a crane day, an access surcharge, or added crew hours — and say so on the estimate.
Step 3: Line the stump, haul-off, and cleanup
Stump grinding, log and brush haul-off, and chipping are separate services with separate cost. Line them so a customer who wants the yard fully cleared pays for it, and one who wants to keep the rounds for firewood is not charged to haul them.
Step 4: Add markup and price your insurance in
Crew and equipment are cost; markup covers overhead and profit. Tree work is high-liability, so your license and insurance are both a selling point and part of what your price has to cover. On large removals or crane jobs, take a deposit to schedule.
Example: one medium (30–60 ft) tree removed at $950, the stump ground at $250, and debris hauled for $200 is $1,400 of work. With a 10% markup, you would quote about $1,540 — before any crane or hazard-access surcharge.
Common pricing mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring access and hazard — price the risk, not just the height.
- Bundling the stump in — grinding is separate equipment and time.
- Forgetting haul-off — logs and brush are real volume; charge to remove them.
- Not mentioning insurance — it wins jobs and justifies your price.
Price by size and risk and your tree bids cover the danger. Start your next one in the tree service estimate tool.