Finding the cheapest tree-cutting services near you is always a moving target, but I am going to take you through step by step on how to find them. The good news is right now is winter, and tree services are, on average, 15% cheaper in winter.

There is a summary of the steps here, but below, where I go into more detail.

#1. Use this Google search technique

It all starts with an Internet search! That’s how you got to this page and that’s how you’re going to find the cheapest tree service, but what you don’t want to go with the companies that you find on page 1 of Google search, Yellow Pages, or even Yelp.

But why?

The problem with companies on page 1 is they have all paid a pretty penny to be there. It is no accident that they’re at the top of the results.

Why is bad for you?

Because tree removal services with large marketing budgets need to pass those costs on to consumers. It’s just how it works, they’re not trying to rip you off, they just have a different marketing strategy.

yellow pages top results are paid

Find the cheap ones by:

  1. Internet search “tree removal service + [your city/town]”
  2. Skip page one results and go straight to page two
  3. Eliminate the expensive ones by workload*
  4. Try calling during winter |(always cheaper)
  5. Use these FREE services to get matched with the top-voted local tree service professionals.

#2. When to hire is key

All small businesses, especially trades, have no real fixed prices for their service. They just make up the price on the spot.

If you can catch a company that doesn’t have a lot of work on, like right now in winter 2024, chances are they will give you a better price. Let me explain…

Local tree services aim to have 3-4 weeks of work booked in advance. If they have more than that, they will raise prices to slow down work, if they have less (like in winter) they will start to reduce prices to build up their workload again.

tree services spring winter  comparison

This screenshot shows Google Trends1 for tree service professionals-related searches over a 5-year period.

The opposite is true when they have very little on.

During winter for example, when there is very little work going around, tree removal services are handing out much cheaper prices to the tune of 20 to 30% discount.

Get Matched with a Tree Removal Expert in Your State

#3. Sell the timber on Craigs list

Gumtree or Craigslist is a great place to sell timber as firewood. When you get a quote for tree removal near you, be sure to ask for two prices;

Quote #1 – For complete tree removal

Quote #2 – Tree branch and debris removal leaving the timber in place. Take a photo and sell it on Craigslist.

You will save hundreds off the initial price of tree removal, and recoup the money when you sell the timber.

Want a shortcut?

The fastest and easiest way to get 3 quotes from the most affordable tree services near you would be by using this FREE service.

GoTreeQuotes quickly matches you with the 3 tree surgeons voted #1 by previous users in your area.

  1. Scroll up to the top of this page and enter your ZIP Code in the blue form at the top of the page.
  2. Give us a few details about your tree trimming or removal job plus some contact information.
  3. Your tree details are forwarded to the closest three tree services all voted best priced who will also price your tree job.

No hard sales, just friendly advice, and great prices!

You can also visit our home page for more articles on saving money on tree removal.

browsing gotreequotes on a tablet

Tree cutting service prices

Tree removal price – The national average2 so far in 2023 for tree Removal was $1,247. This has now increased in 2024 to $1,465. This is for an average 40-ft tree.

Cost factors that contribute to the price include tree size, type of tree, and the time of year. Consult your local tree service professional or the calculator tool below for a more accurate price.

Tree trimming cost – This varies depending on the size of the tree and the number of branches being removed. Small trees are going to cost less than larger trees. Does the branch stretched out over the roof of a house or is it over a shed or a fence? Tree trimming services generally start at $75 for a single palm trim, but the average cost for tree trimming is about $438.

Arborist report cost – This is one service where prices are generally fixed with an average price of $450.

TREE CUTTING SERVICES TASKS AND AVERAGE PRICES

Tree inspection price – Most of the time a tree removal service will give you a free inspection when they come out to view your job. If you are after something more official for a tree removal permit, you will need an “arborist report”. Arborist reports cost about $500.

Stump grinding cost – This is a service most tree companies can do. The cost of stump grinding gently starts at $210 and can range right up to six or $1,200 for much larger stumps. The type of tree stump and its location factor into the price.

Cut down a tree – The cost of cutting down a tree is cheaper than complete tree removal as it does not involve logging up the tree and hauling it away, it is simply cutting the tree down. This normally costs $1,465 for medium to large trees.

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Cost calculator for tree services
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Why some local tree services that charge 340% more than others

Once you start getting a few prices from local tree arborists, you will find that there can be a large variation in the prices quoted. Generally, your medium to large companies will quote you higher prices than smaller ones. The reason is that a tree-cutting service will generally spend a lot more money on marketing and need to pass that cost onto the customer.

Get Matched with a Tree Removal Expert in Your State

What do tree services cost per hour?

Tree services do not charge by the hour. This is because every tree service is different with different overheads.

For example, you have 2 companies who both bid to remove a 30 ft. pine tree.

CompanyCrew membersPrice quotedTime takenHourly rate
Fred’s Trees4 $7506 hours$125
Jason’s Trees8$7503 hours$250

Jason’s Trees Service is a company that doubles the size but can do the job in half the time. This is why they will price tree trimming or tree removal by the job and not an hourly rate. Jason’s tree service seems more expensive, but they ultimately charge the same price for the job completed, they just do it in half the time.

FAQ's

The cost to remove a tree will depend on a few different factors like tree size, spread, and location on the property. The average cost of tree removal is $870. This is based on countrywide data over the last 2 months. To be honest this is a useless figure as it takes the mean price of all trees removed from 15ft. to 70ft. in height.

Once a tree has fallen down, it’s generally a lot cheaper to remove than a standing tree. You will pay about half the cost of the same tree standing. It is just a matter of cutting it up and cleaning up the debris. Please refer to our article on fallen tree removal costs here.

Depending on the city you live in, your tree might be protected. If that is the case you will need a permit to remove it. You will need to first check the Tree Preservation Order or Tree Ordinance for your local city here. If your tree is not considered significant and is not protected you may remove it.

  1. Google Trends, (2024) “Explore – Google Trends”. <https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=US&q=tree%20service> Accessed: 09-02-2024
  2. Sarah Noel, (2023) Tree Removal Cost | Average Price to Trim or Remove Trees & Shrubs”. <https://homeguide.com/costs/tree-removal-cost> Accessed: 09-02-2024
Ben McInerney
Author: Ben McInerney - Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicated to providing users with the most accurate up-to-date information on everything trees.