Find tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding services near you.

Nationally, most tree removals land somewhere between $400 and $1,800, with a typical job falling around $750 to $900. Size drives most of the difference: a small tree under 30 feet usually runs $150 to $450, something in the 30 to 60 foot range tends to fall between $400 and $1,000, and a mature tree of 60 to 80 feet or taller can reach $1,200 to $3,000 — more if a crane is needed. Stump grinding is almost always billed separately, commonly $150 to $500 per stump, and trimming or pruning generally runs $250 to $650 depending on the job. Access matters too — a crew that can park beside the trunk works faster than one hauling gear through a back gate. These are national figures, not local pricing, so get two or three written quotes before you commit.

Sometimes, and it depends almost entirely on where you live. Many municipalities regulate removal based on trunk diameter, species, or whether the tree sits in a protected zone — and rules differ from one town to the next, even within the same county. Some states limit what local governments can require on residential property, but those protections have conditions attached. The reliable move is to call your local building or planning department before any work starts. A reputable tree service will usually know the local rules and can tell you whether a permit applies.

Ask for a certificate of insurance, and ask that it be sent directly from their insurer rather than handed to you as a photocopy. You want to see two things: general liability, which covers damage to your property, and workers' compensation, which covers injury to their crew. That second one matters more than people realize — if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you can end up exposed. Any established company will produce this without hesitation. Hesitation is the answer.

Late winter through very early spring, for most species. The tree is dormant, its structure is easy to read without leaves in the way, and it heals quickly once growth resumes. There are exceptions — some trees are better pruned right after they flower, and a few are vulnerable to disease if cut at certain times. Dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs are the standing exception to all of it: those come off whenever you find them.

Start with proof of insurance and a written estimate that spells out exactly what is included — particularly whether stump removal and debris haul-away are in the price or billed separately. Ask who will actually be on site and whether a certified arborist is involved. Ask how they plan to protect your lawn, fence, and driveway. And be wary of anyone who knocks on your door after a storm asking for cash up front. The good ones are busy, they are documented, and they put it in writing.