How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost In 2024?

We can break down the total cost to trim a tree based on three main factors: the type of tree, the size of the tree or service and the labor. Let’s dive into each of these types to help you get an overall idea of how much your project might cost.

Tree Type

The type of tree on your property is one of the biggest cost factors, with prices ranging from as little as $50 to as much as $1,700 per tree based on the species. A small crepe myrtle could cost as little as $85 with labor, while a towering pine tree could come in at the top of the price range, at $1,700.

Tree Size or Service

The tree size is one of the most obvious cost factors. Not surprisingly, larger trees with thick branches require more extensive work than smaller trees with thin branches. Most tree trimming services fall into three rough price ranges based on the size of the tree:

• 30 feet or less: $85 to $400
• 30 to 60 feet: $150 to $775
• 60 feet or more: $325 to $1,700

Labor

If you decide to work with a tree trimming company, then you will need to factor in the cost of labor. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $80 an hour per worker to get the job done.

There are thousands of tree species and variations, making it hard to pinpoint exactly how much your particular tree will cost to get a trim. Nevertheless, we’ve broken down some of the most common tree types and the average price range to trim them:

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle trees cost between $85 and $475 to trim on average. This tree type only grows to around 15 to 25 feet, making it one of the more affordable types of trees to maintain.

Cypress

The typical cost to trim a cypress tree falls between $475 and $1,150. Cypress trees can grow to over 80 feet, making them one of the tallest tree species on the list. Though tall, these trees have a narrow shape and thin branches, which is why they don’t come in at the top of the price range.

Oak

Oak trees can grow up to 100 feet in height, so it’s no wonder why trimming these trees costs between $450 to $1,400. Because of their thick, sprawling branches, oak trees are one of the costliest trees to trim.

Pine

Pine trees are also one of the most expensive trees to trim, coming in at between $300 and $1,700. A fully grown pine tree can grow to over 200 feet tall, but some pine tree varieties grow between 50 and 80 feet and cost significantly less, hence the wide price range.

Palm

The average to trim a palm tree is anywhere from $450 to $1,100. Palm trees have an average height ranging from 30 to 50 feet. While these trees are moderately tall, they’re not as challenging to trim as other trees of the same height, making them slightly more cost-friendly.

When working with a company, they may offer additional tree-trimming services and bundling these together may save you money in the long run. From crown reduction to removing a single precarious branch, prices can vary dramatically based on the type of service. Below are typical tree services you may encounter.

Tree Trimming (30 Feet or Less)

Smaller trees that are 30 feet or less cost between $85 and $400 on average to trim. The thickness of the branches also plays a role in how much you will pay, with small trees that have thicker branches falling toward the higher end of the price range, and smaller trees with thinner branches falling toward the lower end of the price range.

Tree Trimming (30 to 60 Feet)

Once you get to the 30-foot range, you will see an increase in the cost to trim your trees, with prices ranging from $150 to $775. You may need to rent specialized equipment or typically hire a pro to reach these trees.

Tree Trimming (Above 60 Feet)

Trees that are 60 feet or taller cost between $325 and $1,700 to trim on average. These trees require heavy-duty machinery and equipment to access the branches and come with a higher risk of injury, making them more costly.

Tree Pruning

The average cost to prune a tree ranges from $175 to $1,800, depending on the extent of the work. Unlike tree trimming, pruning is a service that removes dead, diseased, hazardous and obstructive trees, roots or branches.

Root Pruning

Root pruning costs between $300 and $750 on average. If you’re hoping to transfer your tree from one part of your yard to another part, you may need to invest in root pruning services to successfully transfer the tree.

Tree Topping

Topping a tree costs between $325 and $1,100. Tree topping services reduce the size of the top of a tree. The practice can stress trees, making it a less-popular tree maintenance technique. Always consult with a pro about the best option to keep your trees healthy.

Tree Branch Removal

Removing a single branch can cost anywhere from $50 to $175 on average. If your trees have recently been trimmed, and you only need to remove one branch that may have been damaged in a storm, then you will pay the least to have your tree trimmed.

Crown Reduction

Reducing the crown of your tree costs between $200 and $1,900. As to be expected, very tall trees will cost more than small trees, as the crown is more difficult to reach.

Shrub and Bush Trimming

The average cost to trim a shrub or bush is $50 to $850 per plant. Larger shrubs will end up costing you the most, while small bushes will cost the least to trim.

Hedge Trimming

Hedge trimming costs slightly more than trimming a bush. Expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $1,100 for hedge-trimming services. Longer hedge rows, such as a 50-foot hedge, cost more than, say, a 2-foot hedge.

Tree Removal

Removing a tree costs around $1,200 on average but can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity, size and diameter.

Tree trimming can also come with additional, sometimes-surprising extras that can impact your total cost. Here’s what you need to consider before you tally up your estimated costs.

Tree Health

A tree that is in poor health may require more extensive trimming. Your pro may need to remove diseased, damaged or overgrown sections.

Time of Year

When you choose to trim your tree can also affect the price to trim trees. Late winter is a popular time for tree services. It’s also one of the best times to trim most tree species, as the bare branches make it easy to identify the best branches for trimming while preparing the branches for new growth.

February and March tend to be the best months of the year to save on the cost of tree trimming services. Spring and summer, on the other hand, tend to be busier seasons with higher rates.

Tree Accessibility and Location

Where your tree is located can turn a simple tree-trimming project into a more complicated one. Trees in locations where a professional can’t access the branches with a platform lift will hike up the costs. This could include trees near a house, other trees or other large obstacles.

Number of Trees

Since you could pay anywhere between $50 and $1,700 or $475 on average to trim a single tree, taking care of multiple trees can come at a much higher cost. The cost to trim five trees on your property could be around $2,400 in total.

Tree Inspection

The average cost for a tree inspection is between $50 and $300. Hiring a local arborist to inspect your trees before investing in tree trimming services is the best way to determine which trees and branches need trimming.

Cleanup

Hauling away debris costs between $100 and $600 typically. Some homeowners may opt to turn trimmed tree branches into mulch using a wood chipper, which can save money and provide free mulch for landscaping. Wood chipping costs an average of $75 to $125 per hour.

Pests

Pest removal costs vary from $250 to $600 for a one-time visit from a professional pest control company. The type of pest in your tree will affect the cost to remove the pests. Likewise, if the infestation is only in one tree, you’ll spend closer to the lower end of the price range to clear up the pest problem compared to a pest-infested yard.

Tipping

Tipping is always optional, but doing so is a kind gesture that can show your tree-trimming pros that you appreciate their work. You can tip as much as you want, but a typical tip falls anywhere from 5% to 20%.

There are several ways to go about saving on the cost of tree trimming services. Check out these tips on how to save:

1. Trim smaller trees yourself if you can safely do so.
2. Only tip what you can afford.
3. Clear your yard to make reaching trees more accessible and offer to handle any cleanup tasks you can do safely.
4. Get multiple quotes from several top-rated tree-trimming companies.
5. Trim your trees during the off-season—like winter.

You could save a lot of money if you trim a tree yourself, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s the best decision. Smaller trees that are 30 feet or less in height, with narrow branches, are easier to trim yourself. Once a tree exceeds 30 feet, then it’s a good idea to invest in the help of a trained professional who has all of the machinery and experience to safely trim trees. Attempting to do this yourself can result in serious injury or property damage. You should also never attempt to trim a tree near power lines, no matter the size.

If you already have tree trimming tools like pruners, saws, an extendable pole saw and loppers, you could only pay for removal or wood chipping costs. If you need to invest in tree-trimming tools, then you’ll need to factor in an additional $50 to $150.

Remember, hiring a pro to trim your trees costs between $25 and $80 an hour for every worker on site. This means that if you have large trees that require three crew members and take two hours to complete, you’ll pay roughly $100 to $325 for them to complete the job.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, we surveyed six contractors/retailers and 14 local and national cost databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.