Let’s just get into it.
Pine tree removal cost isn’t cheap. But it’s not random either. There’s a reason the cost is what it is, and if you don’t deal with that dead or overgrown pine in your yard, it can cost you way more later. We’re talking about falling branches, foundation damage, root issues, or worse, something crashing into your house.
So, How Much Does Pine Tree Removal Cost?
On average, you’re looking at $300 to $1,500 per tree.
That’s a big range, I know. But here’s why:
- A small pine tree (under 30 feet)? That’s going to be in the $300–$700 range.
- Medium pine (30–60 feet)? More like $700–$1,200.
- A big ol’ pine (60+ feet, thick trunk, dense limbs)? Easily $1,200+, and sometimes up to $2,500 if it’s in a tight spot.
That price usually includes labor, hauling away the debris, and cutting the tree down safely. What’s not always included is stump grinding, which can be another $100–$400, depending on the size.
You want someone who knows what they’re doing, by the way. Not just some guy with a chainsaw and a pickup.
What Impacts the Cost?
Here’s what matters:
- Height of the tree: Taller = more dangerous = more time = more money.
- Diameter of the trunk: A skinny 50-footer is a different job than a thick-barked beast that’s been there since the ’70s.
- Location: Is the tree close to your house, power lines, or leaning over a fence? That’s a precision job. More risk, more cost.
- Condition of the tree: Dead or rotting pines are brittle and unpredictable. That makes them harder (and riskier) to take down.
- Access: If a crane or bucket truck can’t get close to the tree, that slows things down. More man-hours = more dollars.
- Clean-up: Some services just cut and drop. Others offer full clean-up, log hauling, stump grinding, and even replanting if you want. Read the quote carefully.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let’s go over a few bad ideas I see all the time:
- Waiting too long: If you think a dying pine is just going to quietly pass away without causing problems, you’re wrong. They don’t die politely. They snap, lean, and drop limbs.
- Hiring someone unlicensed: Yeah, the guy from Craigslist might charge $300 flat. But if he drops it in your neighbour’s garage? That’s your problem, not his. Insurance matters.
- Thinking it’s a DIY job: No offence, but unless you’re a trained arborist, don’t do this yourself. Chainsaws, falling limbs, and gravity are a deadly mix if you don’t know how to manage them.
- Ignoring the stump: “I’ll deal with it later” turns into two years of mowing around a stump that’s now home to termites. Don’t skip the stump removal if you can help it.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove a Problem Pine?
Besides the obvious stuff like storm damage or broken windows, you’ve also got to think about roots. Pine tree roots can mess with underground pipes, driveways, and even house foundations if they’re close enough. They’re shallow but spread out wide, which is bad news for landscaping.
And once a pine is dying, it starts drying out. That’s a fire hazard. Especially in dry states. One spark and it goes up faster than you’d think.
Best Time to Do It?
Late fall through early spring is ideal. That’s when the ground is firmer, the tree is dormant, and there’s less foliage in the way. But if it’s an emergency (leaning tree, visible decay, signs of rot), don’t wait.
Some companies also offer winter discounts because demand slows down. Might save a few hundred bucks if you time it right.
Bottom Line
You’re not just paying for someone to swing an axe. You’re paying for equipment, experience, clean-up, risk, and peace of mind. Pine tree removal isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it’s a necessary cost when a tree becomes a hazard.
So if that pine is leaning weird, dropping limbs, or just way too close to your house for comfort, get it evaluated now. Know what you’re paying for, get a few quotes, and always check for insurance.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service LLC
Serving Kansas City Homeowners Since 2014
