You’ve got a big tree. It’s leaning, it’s dead, it’s cracking the sidewalk, or maybe it’s just too close to the house. You need it gone. Now you’re wondering, what’s this going to cost me?
The average price to cut down large trees runs anywhere from $900 to $2,500 in Kansas City. It could be less. It could be way more. Depends on the size, the location, how risky the job is, and what kind of equipment it takes to do it safely. If someone gives you a flat rate over the phone without seeing the tree, that’s a red flag.
Why It Costs So Much (And Why You Don’t Want the Cheapest Guy Around)
Cutting down a large tree isn’t just a guy with a chainsaw and a pickup. We’re talking licensed crews, insurance, climbing gear, rigging systems, sometimes even cranes. A big oak hanging over your roof? That’s not a $300 job. That’s controlled removal, piece by piece, with a team that knows how not to drop limbs through your kitchen ceiling.
Insurance matters too. Tree work is dangerous. If the company you hire isn’t properly insured and something goes wrong, you could be held liable. Not worth it. Always ask for proof of insurance and licensing.
What Affects the Price?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s what we look at when pricing:
- Height and trunk diameter – Bigger = more time, more labor, more risk.
- Access – Can we get our equipment close? Or are we hauling everything out by hand?
- Hazards – Power lines, fences, homes, or any structure nearby mean we’re working more carefully.
- Tree condition – A dead or rotting tree is unpredictable. More risk.
- Disposal – Are we removing the wood? Chipping the branches? Stump grinding, too? That all adds up.
Here in Kansas City, cottonwoods, oaks, and maples can get massive. We’ve taken down 80-footers that cost well over $3,000. But we’ve also done manageable large trees for $1,200. You don’t know until we come out and look.
When Should You Cut It Down?
Don’t wait for it to fall. If the tree is showing signs of rot, big cracks in the trunk, fungus at the base, or heavy leaning, it’s time to act. Windstorms here hit hard. One bad storm and that thing could crash down on your house, your car, or your neighbour’s shed. Then you’re not just paying for removal, you’re paying for damage.
Get ahead of it. Call a professional to assess. Even if it’s not urgent now, we’ll let you know how much time you’ve got.
How We Do It (The Right Way)
At Omar Tree Services, we don’t cut corners. Every large tree removal starts with an inspection. We figure out the best way to bring it down safely, without damaging your property.
- We climb or use aerial lifts depending on access.
- We rig limbs with ropes so nothing drops uncontrolled.
- We chip branches, haul away debris, and leave the site clean.
- If you want the stump gone, we grind it out.
And we stay licensed, insured, and trained. No guesswork.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Let’s be real. People try to save money and hire a buddy or a cheap contractor on Facebook. We’ve seen the aftermath. Broken fences, dropped limbs through windows, trees half-cut and left standing because they realized halfway through it was too dangerous to finish.
Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t hire uninsured contractors.
- Don’t ignore warning signs from your tree.
- Don’t assume stump grinding is included (always ask).
- Don’t let anyone climb your tree without a harness or helmet.
This is one of those things where cutting corners will cost you more in the end.
What Happens If You Don’t Cut It Down?
If it’s dead or dangerous and you leave it, it’s just a matter of time. Eventually, it falls. And when it does, it never falls how you think it will. Best case, it just wrecks your fence. Worst case, it hits your home or hurts someone. And then your insurance company wants to know why you didn’t handle it earlier.
Also, cities like Kansas City can fine you if a dead tree on your property poses a public safety risk. We’ve seen it happen.
Bottom Line
Large tree removal costs money because it’s skilled, dangerous work that takes the right crew, equipment, and planning. In Kansas City, expect to pay $900–$2,500, more if the job is complex. Don’t gamble with a big tree. Get it looked at. Get a real quote. Do it right.
If you need help, I’m Jose Omar Maldonado, owner of Omar Tree Services LLC. We’ve been doing this for 20 years here in Kansas City. Licensed. Insured. Experienced. If you’ve got a big tree that needs to come down, call me directly at (816) 694-6352, and I’ll come take a look myself.
