Tree removal pricing is one of the least transparent areas of home services, and it's an area where homeowners frequently get either overcharged or — more dangerously — attracted to quotes that are low because the company lacks proper insurance or training. Here's an honest breakdown of what drives cost, including 2024 Simcoe County market estimates.
The Primary Driver: Tree Size. The single biggest factor in removal cost is the size of the tree. Based on 2024 Simcoe County market rates: small ornamental trees under 25 feet typically run $300–$600; medium trees from 25–60 feet range from $600–$1,500; large trees over 60 feet — particularly hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash — run $1,500–$5,000+. Very large specimens in tight locations requiring crane lifts represent the highest end of the pricing range at $3,000–$10,000+.
Access and Location. A tree in an open backyard with easy equipment access will cost significantly less than the same-sized tree beside a house, over a pool, or in a location where a crane is required. When a crane is needed — either because the tree can't be directionally felled or because the pieces need to be lifted over a structure — expect costs to double or triple the open-site equivalent. Crane work adds both equipment cost (typically $500–$1,500/day for the crane alone) and the time of a larger, more specialized crew.
What's Included in the Quote. Make sure you understand exactly what a quote covers before signing anything. Key inclusions to clarify: brush chipping and removal (hauled away vs. left on-site), log disposal (removed vs. stacked for firewood), stump grinding (almost always a separate line item), and site cleanup and raking. Surprises on any of these items are the most common source of post-job disputes.
Stump Grinding. Stump grinding is priced separately at a per-inch-diameter rate or flat fee per stump. In Simcoe County, standard stump grinding typically costs $150–$400 per stump depending on diameter and root complexity. Leaving stumps in place is an option — they'll eventually decay over 5–10 years — but they can harbour wood-boring pests, create tripping hazards, and make landscaping difficult.
Getting Accurate Quotes. The only way to get an accurate price for tree removal is an on-site assessment. According to the TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association), phone quotes for tree removal are typically off by 30–50% because size, lean, access, and condition can't be evaluated remotely. We provide free, no-obligation on-site quotes throughout Simcoe County. We'll assess the tree, explain the scope of work clearly, and give you a written price before anything is scheduled.
