Cost to Cut Down a 30-Foot Tree (Small Tree Removal)
Real prices by height, species, and location · What's included · Add-on costs · Free calculator
$285–$45030-ft tree (cutting only)
$400–$700Full removal + debris
$9.50–$14.50Per foot (avg rate)
$150–$500Stump grinding (extra)
⚡ Quick Answer
Cutting down a 30-foot tree costs $285–$450 for cutting only, or $400–$700 for a full removal including debris haul-away. Most tree services charge $9.50–$14.50 per foot for small trees. Stump grinding is almost always a separate charge — add $150–$500 if you want the stump gone too.
🌳 Tree Removal Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
Tree cutting
Stump
Best time
Late winter
Tree Removal Cost by Height
| Tree Height | Cutting Only | Full Removal (+ debris) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 ft | $150–$300 | $200–$400 | Dogwood, crape myrtle, small ornamentals |
| 25–35 ft (30-foot tree) | $285–$450 | $400–$700 | Cherry, dogwood, small pine, young oak |
| 35–60 ft | $435–$870 | $600–$1,200 | Crabapple, birch, medium pine, ash |
| 60–80 ft | $870–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,000 | Mature oak, maple, large elm |
| 80–100 ft | $1,160–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | Tall pine, large ash, soaring oak |
| 100+ ft | $2,000+ | $3,000–$10,000+ | Old-growth trees, large hardwoods |
Tree Removal Cost by Species
Species matters almost as much as height. Dense hardwoods like oak take longer to cut and produce more debris. Palms are lighter but have unique trunk structures.
| Tree Type | Typical Cost (30–40 ft) | Why It Affects Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | $400–$900 | Dense hardwood — slow to cut, heavy branches, extensive root system |
| Pine | $300–$700 | Tall and lightweight — easier to fell but creates a lot of brush debris |
| Maple | $350–$800 | Dense wood, large spreading canopy adds complexity |
| Elm | $400–$900 | |
| Palm | $300–$600 | Lighter trunk, but fronds create significant debris volume |
| Dogwood / Cherry | $150–$400 | Small, soft wood — the easiest and cheapest small tree to remove |
| Fig / Mulberry | $400–$800 | Extensive surface root systems complicate removal and cleanup |
| Dead / diseased tree | $200–$500 | Soft wood is easier to cut BUT unpredictable fall direction requires more care |
Add-On Costs: What's Not Included in the Base Quote
- Stump grinding: $150–$500 depending on stump diameter. The standard base quote almost never includes stump removal — always ask explicitly. A 10-inch stump typically runs $100–$200; a 24-inch stump $250–$500.
- Debris haul-away: Most full-service quotes include chipping and removal of branches. Confirm before signing — "cutting only" quotes leave the wood on your property.
- Log splitting: $50–$150 if you want firewood-sized pieces. Some companies offer this free if you keep the wood yourself.
- Crane assistance: Adds $1,000–$3,000 for trees in extremely tight spaces or over structures. Rarely needed for a 30-foot tree unless it's directly over your roof.
- Emergency removal: After-hours or storm-emergency service adds 20–50%. If a fallen tree is on your house, check homeowners insurance first — it may be covered.
- Travel fee: $50–$200 if the crew needs to travel more than 30 minutes. Use a local arborist to avoid this.
- Permit: Some municipalities require a permit to remove trees over a certain size. Costs $25–$100. Ask your contractor or check with your city before scheduling.
💡 Best time to save money: late winter (Feb–March). Tree removal demand peaks in spring and summer when storm damage is high and homeowners are landscaping. Scheduling in late winter — when crews are less busy and trees are dormant — typically saves 15–25% vs. peak season. The tree is also easier to assess without foliage.
⚠️ Never remove a tree yourself if it's near power lines, structures, or leaning unpredictably. A 30-foot tree falling in the wrong direction can cause $10,000–$50,000 in property damage. The $300–$500 you save on a DIY removal is not worth that risk. Hire a certified arborist (ISA-certified) for any tree within falling distance of your home, car, or utility lines.
What a Standard Tree Removal Quote Includes
- Felling the tree to a stump (cutting down from top to base)
- Sectioning the trunk into manageable pieces
- Chipping branches and brush on-site
- Hauling all debris off the property (confirm this — not all companies include it)
- All labor, equipment, and safety gear
Not included in most base quotes: stump grinding, root removal, soil grading, log splitting, replanting.
Find Local Tree Removal Services
AN
Angi — Certified Arborists Near You
All 50 states · ISA-certified arborists available
Search "tree removal" by ZIP. Filter for ISA-certified arborists specifically — they carry proper insurance and can assess whether a permit is needed. Always get 3 quotes; tree removal pricing varies by $200–$400 for identical jobs.
Marketplace
TT
Thumbtack — Local Tree Services
All 50 states · Direct quotes
Describe your tree (height, species, location, access difficulty) and receive itemized quotes from local crews. Good for comparing exactly what each company includes in their base price — debris removal, stump, and cleanup vary widely.
Local
HG
HomeGuide — Tree Removal Estimates
All 50 states · Free estimates
Submit tree height, species, and site conditions for competing quotes. Useful for confirming whether your quote includes the full scope: cutting + debris + stump, or just the basic fell.
Marketplace
Get Free Tree Removal Quotes Near You
Compare licensed local arborists — free estimates, no commitment.
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Removing a tree as part of a lawn upgrade?
See our Lawn Aeration Cost → and Large Tree Removal Cost Calculator → for full yard service pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to cut down a 30-foot tree?
Cutting down a 30-foot tree costs $285–$450 for the cutting only, using the industry average of $9.50–$14.50 per foot. A full removal including debris haul-away runs $400–$700. Add $150–$300 for stump grinding if needed. Soft-wood species like dogwood or cherry come in at the lower end; hardwoods like small oaks cost more.
Is stump removal included in tree removal?
Almost never. Stump grinding is a separate service costing $150–$500 depending on stump diameter. Always ask explicitly whether the quote includes stump removal — most standard tree removal quotes bring the tree down to a stump and stop there. If you leave the stump, expect to pay $50–$200 for stump grinding later when you decide to replant or re-sod that area.
Can I remove a 30-foot tree myself?
Technically yes if it's a soft-wood tree in an open yard with a clear fall path and no structures within range. You'll need a chainsaw, safety gear, and basic knowledge of notch-cutting technique. However — if the tree is within falling distance of your home, car, fence, or power lines, hire a professional. A 30-foot tree weighs hundreds of pounds. The $300–$500 in savings is not worth the property damage risk.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
It depends on why the tree needs to come down. If a tree falls on your home or another covered structure due to a storm, wind, or lightning — your homeowners policy typically covers removal costs (minus your deductible). If you're removing a healthy, standing tree for landscaping reasons, insurance won't cover it. Always check your policy and contact your insurer before hiring a crew for storm-related removal.