If you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to remove a tree, I’ll just say it: The average cost to remove a tree is anywhere from $400 to $1,500. Sometimes less. Sometimes more. Depends on the size, the species, the situation, and how we have to do it. That’s not a made-up number; that’s from jobs I’ve done in Kansas City and around. Let’s break it down. Real simple.
What Affects the Cost?
Everybody wants a flat rate. Doesn’t work that way. A 25-foot Bradford pear in the middle of a yard is one thing. A 70-foot oak hanging over your garage is another. We’ve removed both. Very different animals.
Here’s what changes the price:
- Tree height and width: Bigger tree = more time, more cuts, more cleanup.
- Where it’s located: If it’s in the backyard behind a fence, we might need to carry everything out by hand. That adds time.
- What’s around it: Power lines, fences, buildings? Those raise the risk and the cost.
- Tree health: A live, healthy tree is more predictable. Dead or rotting trees? Unstable, harder to control. More risk, more labor.
- Access for equipment: If I can get our grapple saw crane right to it, the job goes smoother and faster. If not, we may be climbing and rappelling it down piece by piece. That’s harder and costs more.
So yeah, average costs are helpful, but your tree might be above or below average depending on all that.
Why It Matters
People wait too long. They think that tree’s fine because it’s been there forever. Then one storm hits, and suddenly it’s on the roof. Or worse, someone gets hurt.
Removing a risky tree now might cost $800. Waiting could cost you a whole roof replacement, a trip to the ER, or an insurance headache you don’t need. I’ve seen it.
Also, some HOAS or cities fine people if they let dead or dangerous trees hang around too long. That’s another cost you weren’t expecting.
How Tree Removal Is Done (At Least the Right Way)
Every job’s a little different, but here’s the general idea:
- We inspect it. I’ll come look at it myself or send someone who knows what they’re doing.
- We plan the takedown. If we can use the grapple saw crane (yes, the 10-story remote-controlled one), we will. It’s safer. It’s faster. It keeps people out of harm’s way.
- We take it down in sections. Not just “drop it all at once.” We cut it into chunks and control the fall.
- We clean up. That includes branches, wood, and debris. If you want the stump ground down, that’s an extra step we can do, too.
No guesswork. No shortcuts.
Mistakes People Make
Here’s the part where folks get in trouble:
- Hiring someone without insurance. If they break a fence or get hurt, you might be liable. Seriously.
- Going with the cheapest price. I’m not saying we’re the most expensive or the cheapest. We’re fair. But if someone quotes you $200 to take down a big tree, they’re either skipping safety or they’re going to disappear when something goes wrong.
- Not asking what’s included. Some companies just drop the tree and leave it there. You want a cleanup? Stump grinding? You’d better ask.
- DIY. Please don’t. YouTube videos don’t make you a tree guy. You can get seriously hurt.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It Right
A bad removal job can wreck your yard. Or your house. Or worse, someone could end up in the hospital. That’s why we do things by the book. With the right tools. With a trained crew. And yes, we’re fully insured and licensed. Always.
Also, if you only take part of the tree down or leave the stump too high, it becomes a tripping hazard or starts rotting and attracting bugs. Ants. Termites. That’s a whole new problem.
Final Thoughts (No Sales Pitch Here)
If you’ve got a tree that needs to come down, don’t sit on it. Costs vary, yeah, but getting it done professionally saves you a lot of trouble later.
In Kansas City, we’ve been doing tree removal since 2014. We show up. We get it done. We don’t leave a mess. We treat your yard like our own. No pressure from us, just honest advice and safe work.
You call, I’ll take a look and give you the real number.
Jose Omar Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service
