Tree Removal Costs

To remove a tree from your property in Seattle, Washington, you will need $200 to $2000. For average-sized trees, the tree removal cost starts at $400 and increases to about $1,200. The smallest trees in the city have a tree removal cost between $150 and $400. 

Apart from tree size, other factors that play a role in the tree removal cost include the tree species, how accessible the tree is, and the tools needed to bring the tree down safely. In this detailed guide, we will take a deeper look at how different factors affect the cost of removing a tree. 

Tree Removal Cost Factors in Seattle, Washington

1. Tree Size 

The number of hours needed to bring a tree down change depending on both tree height and the trunk diameter. Taller trees are generally heavier and have a larger area under risk. These trees need more time to manage their weight and to keep them from touching any of the utilities surrounding them. Also, bigger trees will have a bigger trunk diameter – this needs more time to cut through, further increasing the tree removal cost. 

Depending on the complexity surrounding the removal of a specific tree, the height-based tree removal cost ranges from $8 to $15 per foot. This is why professionals charge $800 to $1,500 to remove a 100-foot tree, while $240 to $450 will be enough for a 30-foot tree. 

To show you how the height and trunk diameter affect the tree removal cost, we have outlined the costs for different trees below: 

Small Tree Removal Cost 

Trees in the small category have a height of 30 feet and below. Their trunk diameter falls below 15 inches. These trees are light and cutting through their trunk takes lesser time – their removal can be completed in under 2 hours. To get rid of a small tree, you should expect a removal cost between $150 and $400. 

Medium Tree Removal Cost 

These trees have a height of 30 to 60 feet. Their trunks grow to a diameter of 15 to 19 inches. Professionals need an average of 4 to 8 hours to remove medium-sized trees – you will pay $450 to $750 for the entire procedure. 

Large Tree Removal Cost 

For a tree to be considered large, it will need a minimum height of 60 feet, without exceeding 100 feet. Large trees have a trunk diameter of 20 – 24 inches. To remove large trees, professionals need 1 to 2 days, depending on their level of experience and how advanced their tree removal gear is. These trees will set you back $900 to $1,200. 

Very Large Tree Removal Cost 

Maturing at a height of above 100 feet and a trunk diameter of more than 25 feet, very large trees are the most complicated to remove. These trees will always need multiple days to bring down safely. You will be charged $1,300 to $2,000. 

2. Crane-Assisted Removal 

When you have a large tree standing between buildings and utilities, a lot of care has to be taken to avoid damaging these amenities. This often calls for the use of a crane – the crane will help control the tree’s falling direction, keeping it from following the wrong path on its way down. 

In Seattle, Washington, the cost of renting a crane is generally not included in the quoted tree removal cost. This means that property owners have to pay for it separately. 

You will need $200 to $600 to rent a crane for a day. You may also need to get your crane operator at $50 to $100 per day. Therefore, in total, you will need $250 to $700 to rent a crane. 

If you had been charged $2,000 to remove your 150-foot eucalyptus tree, the need for a crane might increase the tree removal cost to about $2,250 – $2,700. 

3. Tree Species 

The species of a tree affects a variety of factors, including tree size, trunk diameter and wood hardness. These factors, in turn, affect the tree removal cost. 

While white pines can grow to be over 150 feet tall, you will never find a crape myrtle with a height of more than 30 feet. In all cases, the tree removal cost for the mature white pine will always be higher than that of the crape myrtle. 

Oak Tree Removal Cost 

These grow to a height between 30 and 100 feet tall. You’ll need $200 to $800 to remove oaks with a height between 30 and 60 feet. To get rid of oaks with a height of 60 to 100 feet, you will need $800 to $1,500. 

Sycamore Tree Removal Cost 

Sycamore trees reach maturity at a height between 30 and 60 feet. Fitting in the medium-size category, these trees can be removed at $600 to $900. 

Pine Tree Removal Cost 

Pine trees mature at a height of between 60 and 150 feet. However, since the tree may need to be removed when it is as small as 30 feet tall, tree removal experts charge $200 to $2000 to bring the tree down. 

Eucalyptus Tree Removal Cost 

Eucalyptus trees are extremely large, often growing to be over 164 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of more than 70 inches. This makes the tree one of the most expensive to remove – depending on its size, you may be quoted a tree removal cost of more than the normal upper limit of $2000. In Seattle, Washington, you will need an average of $1,200 to $3000 to bring down your mature eucalyptus tree. 

Conifer Tree Removal Cost 

Although conifers have been known to mature at heights above 100 feet, their removal process is generally easier compared to that of other trees. You will need $800 to $1100 to remove your mature conifer. 

Maple Tree Removal Cost 

Maple trees reach maturity at a height of more than 100 feet. The tree, however, is hard to remove. To work with professionals when removing your maple tree, you will need an average of $1000 to $1,700. 

4. Tree Conditions 

Some pre-existing tree conditions may have a significant effect on the tree removal process. Depending on whether the conditions make the procedure easier or more complicated, they will increase or decrease the tree removal cost. Below, we have some of the most common conditions: 

Weak Branches 

These branches feature the risk of falling unexpectedly, which puts the tree removal experts and the surroundings at risk. To avoid property damage and injuries, the professionals may decide to prune the tree before removing it – this may cause the price to increase. 

Cavities and Decays 

These signs indicate that a tree has advanced stability issues. A slight alteration of the tree’s balance can bring it down. To keep the tree from falling unexpectedly and causing damage or harm, professionals may need to bring it down foot by foot, starting with the tree crown and then moving down towards the base. This can increase the cost of removal. 

Significant Lean 

Trees featuring slight lean do not cause complications during tree removal. The same case applies to trees leaning over open grounds, with nothing under them that can suffer damage. However, when the trees have a significant lean and there are utilities under them, the tree removal cost may increase. 

Fallen Tree Removal Cost 

The cost of removing fallen trees is generally lower since the professionals won’t have to deal with bringing the tree down. In most cases, fallen tree removal cost sits between $75 and $150. 

Dead Tree Removal Cost 

If your tree is dead, it will be less heavy. This makes its removal much easier, with professionals charging $75 – $400. 

5. Accessibility 

Trees standing on open grounds, with no utilities nearby, are generally easier to remove. The tree removal experts can just saw through the base without having to worry about property damage. This makes these trees cheaper to remove compared to trees standing next to buildings and other utilities. 

6. Additional Costs 

The following fees are generally charged separately from the tree removal cost: 

Tree Chipping Cost 

This is the cost of cutting the tree trunk into small, portable pieces. This service will cost you $50 to $100. 

Tree Splitting Cost 

This involves converting the tree trunk into firewood. For wood splitting, the tree service providers will charge you $50 to $100. 

Inconvenience Cost 

This service is common with individuals who need emergency tree removal. Since the professionals do not get enough time to prepare themselves and they often have to work odd hours, they charge an inconvenience cost of 10% of the normal tree removal cost. 

Stump Removal Cost 

To get rid of your tree stump after removing a tree, professionals may charge you $100 to $150. However, if your goal is to remove several tree stumps, the following costs may come into play: 

• Hourly cost – You will be charged $150 per hour to clear large areas carrying tree stumps. 
• Per stump price – You will need to pay $150 for the initial stump. Each of the remaining stumps may cost you $50. 
• Per diameter inch – Professionals in Seattle charge $2 to $3 per diameter inch. They may, however, have a minimum cost of $100.