If you’ve got a large tree that needs to come down, don’t wait. This isn’t a thing you “put off until later,” like clearing out the garage or finally organizing your receipts. Big trees can be dangerous. They can crack sidewalks, damage your foundation, or worse, fall on your house or your neighbour’s car. That’s a lawsuit. That’s money. That’s stress. The cost to remove a large tree? It’s not cheap. But the cost of not doing it when it needs to be done? That’s where things can get seriously out of hand.
So, What Does Large Tree Removal Cost?
Let’s talk numbers. For a large tree removal cost, think 60 to 100 feet tall, you’re usually looking at $1,000 to $3,000, depending on a bunch of factors. I’ll get into those in a second. You might see prices lower or higher, but if someone quotes you $400 for a 90-foot oak wedged between two power lines, run the other way.
Here’s the breakdown of what goes into that price:
- Size and height: The bigger the tree, the harder the job. More limbs, thicker trunk, more labor, more time.
- Location: If the tree is close to your house, fence, shed, or power lines, the risk goes up. That means the price goes up.
- Type of tree: Some trees are dense and heavy (like oak). Others are soft and easier to deal with (like pine).
- Accessibility: If it’s in the backyard and there’s no access for heavy machinery, the crew will need to climb or use rigging, which takes more time.
- Stump removal: Not always included. Taking down the tree and grinding or pulling the stump are often two separate jobs.
When to Remove a Large Tree
Here’s the short version:
- It’s dead.
- It’s leaning (and it wasn’t last year).
- The roots are messing with your plumbing or foundation.
- It drops huge limbs randomly.
- It’s got fungus, hollow spots, or insect infestations.
- You’re doing construction, and it’s in the way.
Don’t wait for a big storm to decide for you.
People delay this stuff because it feels expensive or intimidating. But if you’ve got a tree like this, chances are the clock is already ticking. Every year you wait, it can get worse. Some trees rot from the inside out, so it can look fine from the street, but it’s a giant wooden shell with a death wish.
How It’s Done (And Why It’s Not a DIY Job)
You do not remove a large tree with a chainsaw and a friend holding a rope. Not unless you want to end up in the ER or on YouTube for the wrong reasons. Removing a large tree takes a professional crew with the right equipment: cranes, climbing gear, rigging systems, chipper trucks, and serious know-how. And insurance.
Here’s the usual process:
- Assessment – A pro comes out, looks at the size, health, location, and access points.
- Preparation – They clear the area, sometimes remove fences or obstacles.
- Climbing and Cutting – Limbs are removed piece by piece, often using ropes or lifts.
- Trunk Sectioning – The trunk is taken down in chunks, lowered safely.
- Cleanup – Debris is chipped, hauled, or left at your request.
- Stump – If you want it gone, they’ll grind it or dig it up for an additional fee.
Common Mistakes People Make With Tree Removal
Let’s go over these because they’ll cost you real money and headaches:
- Hiring based on the lowest price – Look, I get it. Everyone wants to save a buck. But tree removal is not the place to cut corners. Cheap tree guys often have no insurance. If something goes wrong, you could be liable.
- Ignoring city permits or HOA rules – Some areas require permits, especially if the tree is protected or near power lines. Skip that step and you could get fined or forced to replant.
- Not budgeting for stump removal – People forget this one all the time. Then they’re left with a big, ugly stump in the yard.
- Assuming all companies include cleanup, ask what cleanup means. Do they chip everything and take it away, or do they leave it in a pile for you to deal with?
- Waiting too long – Already said it, but seriously: the longer you wait, the riskier (and more expensive) it gets.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It Right
Let’s say you ignore the problem. Maybe you think the tree “looks fine” or “made it through the last storm.” Cool. Until it doesn’t.
If a large tree falls:
- It can crush your house, deck, or car.
- It can injure someone. Or worse.
- Insurance may not fully cover damage if they determine it is determined to be preventable neglect.
- Emergency tree removal is way more expensive than planned removal. Think $5,000+ in some cases.
Also, if the tree falls on a neighbor’s property? That’s a fun one. It could be your liability depending on local laws and whether the tree was dead or visibly hazardous.
Bottom Line
Large tree removal is serious work. It costs real money because it’s dangerous, skilled labor with heavy equipment. But putting it off or going cheap will almost always cost more in the long run. If you’ve got a big tree that’s starting to look sketchy, don’t wait. Get a few quotes from licensed and insured pros. Ask questions. Get it in writing. Make sure you know what’s included and what’s extra.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Services LLC
Licensed & Insured in Kansas City
📞 (816) 694-6352
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