Tree trimming cost by tree height
| Tree height | Installed price | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (under about 30 ft) | $85–$415 | Ornamental and young trees; most can be reached from the ground or a ladder |
| Medium tree (about 30 to 60 ft) | $215–$800 | A mature shade tree; often needs climbing or a lift |
| Large tree (over about 60 ft) | $475–$1,835 | Tall trees; usually need a bucket truck or climbers and a bigger crew |
The guides draw their height bands in different places: LawnStarter and HomeGuide at 30 and 60 feet, Angi at 25 and 50 feet, and Fixr in four bands. The prices above take the middle of LawnStarter, HomeGuide and Angi. HomeGuide runs well above the others: it puts trees up to 30 feet at $250 to $700, where LawnStarter says $85 to $415. Bob Vila gives the same average and tree-type prices as Angi, so we count them once. Prices by species overlap too much with height to use: Angi puts a crepe myrtle at $80 to $400 and a pine at $200 to $1,800.
Cost for several trees
| Trees | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $90–$420 | $220–$800 | $480–$1,840 |
| 2 | $170–$830 | $430–$1,600 | $950–$3,670 |
| 3 | $260–$1,250 | $650–$2,400 | $1,430–$5,510 |
| 5 | $430–$2,080 | $1,080–$4,000 | $2,380–$9,180 |
The table multiplies the price of one tree. Angi takes about $100 off each tree when several are done in one visit, and Bob Vila gives $300 for one tree against $200 each for five, so a quote for the whole yard is usually lower than the table.
What changes the price
- Height. Taller trees need climbers or a lift, more people and more time.
- Access. A tree next to a house, a fence or power lines takes more care. Fixr says to leave work near power lines to the utility, which usually trims them at no charge.
- Condition. A neglected or storm-damaged tree has dead wood and takes longer.
- Cleanup. Chipping, hauling and raking the yard can be in the price or billed on top.
- Certified arborists. HomeGuide says they cost more than general tree trimmers.
- Permits. Angi says a permit may be needed for protected species, and Fixr for some larger trees.
- Where you live. LawnStarter prints ranges for individual cities. The calculator adjusts the labor share for your state's wages.
Extras to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Hauling away the debris | $75–$250 per tree | When the crew does not include cleanup of large limbs and wood |
| Emergency or storm call | $50–$200 | For a fallen limb or a tree that is a danger now |
| Stump removal | Separate job | See stump grinding cost |
If the tree has to come down, see tree removal cost and stump grinding cost. For hauling, see junk removal cost. Related yard jobs: landscaping cost, gutter cleaning cost and roof cleaning cost.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price per tree, and does it include chipping and hauling the branches?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, and can I see the proof?
- Is a certified arborist doing the work or advising on it?
- What will you cut, and how much of the canopy will remain?
- Will you take a lower price if I have several trees done together?
Methodology and sources
We price each height from the published guides, take the middle of their lows, midpoints and highs, and adjust the labor share for your state's wages. Forbes Home is used as an independent cross-check. Read how we estimate costs.
- LawnStarter: tree trimming price — price by height and by city
- HomeGuide: tree trimming cost — price by height, debris removal
- Angi: how much does tree trimming cost — price by height, cleanup, hourly rates
- Fixr: tree trimming cost — emergency work, average
- Bob Vila: tree trimming cost — read as a comparison; it matches Angi
- Forbes Home: tree trimming cost — used as an independent cross-check
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 37-3013, Tree Trimmers and Pruners) — state labor index
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| LawnStarter |
|
| HomeGuide |
|
| Angi |
|
| Fixr | emergency work may add $50-$200 or more (updated Jan 2025) |
Common questions about tree trimming costs
How much does tree trimming cost?
A typical job (medium tree) comes to about $500 nationally, within a range of $220 to $800. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
What is the average cost of tree trimming?
Guides put it at $430 to $640 per tree (LawnStarter), $650 (HomeGuide), $460 (Angi) and $450 (Fixr). For a medium tree the calculator shows $215–$800.
How much does it cost to trim a small tree?
About $85–$415 for a tree under about 30 feet. Trimming ten small trees costs about $850–$4,150.
How much does it cost to trim a large tree?
About $475–$1,835 for a tree over about 60 feet. HomeGuide puts the top at $2,500 or more for a very large or neglected tree.
Is tree trimming priced by the hour or by the tree?
By the tree, at most companies. Angi puts hourly rates at $25 to $50 per employee but says most teams quote a flat price per tree.
Does the price include hauling away the branches?
Often only basic cleanup. Hauling away the debris can add about $75–$250 per tree, according to HomeGuide and Angi.
Is it cheaper to trim several trees at once?
Usually. Angi takes about $100 off each tree on average when several are done together. Ask for a price for the whole yard.
How much does emergency tree trimming cost?
Fixr says emergency work may add $50 to $200 or more. Costs rise in a storm, when crews are in demand.
What is the difference between trimming and removing a tree?
Trimming cuts back branches; removal takes the whole tree down, and often the stump as well. See tree removal cost and stump grinding cost.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 4 published cost pages from 4 publishers, last checked Oct 14, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 4 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.