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.
The Primary Driver: Tree Size. The single biggest factor in removal cost is the size of the tree. A small ornamental tree under 20 feet can often be removed for a few hundred dollars. A medium tree between 20 and 40 feet will typically range from five hundred to over a thousand dollars. A large tree over 40 feet — particularly hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash — can run from one thousand to several thousand dollars depending on complexity. Very large specimens in tight locations with crane requirements represent the highest end of the pricing range.
Access and Location. A tree in an open backyard with easy equipment access will cost less to remove 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 a significant addition to the base cost. Crane work adds both equipment cost and the time of a larger, more specialized crew.
What's Included in the Quote. Make sure you understand exactly what a quote covers. Brush chipping and removal: is the brush being chipped on-site and hauled away, or left for you? Log disposal: are the logs being taken, or stacked for you? Stump grinding: stump removal is almost always a separate line item. Ask whether it's included. Site cleanup and raking: a professional crew should leave your property clean.
Stump Grinding. Stump grinding is typically priced separately at a per-inch-diameter rate or a flat fee per stump. Expect to pay an additional hundred to several hundred dollars per stump depending on size and root complexity. Leaving stumps in place is an option — they'll eventually decay — but they can harbour pests, create tripping hazards, and make landscaping around them difficult.
Getting Accurate Quotes. The only way to get an accurate price for tree removal is an on-site assessment. Any company that quotes a price over the phone without seeing the tree is giving you a rough estimate at best. 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.
