In Raleigh, removing a medium-sized tree (30–60 ft) typically runs $600–$1,500. Large oaks and pines over 60 ft cost $1,500–$3,500, and crane-assisted removals over structures can exceed $8,000. Trim jobs run roughly a third of removal cost for the same tree.
Tree work is priced by the job, not the hour. Crews estimate two things: how long the tree will take to work down safely, and what it will cost to dispose of. Everything below reflects those two inputs for Wake County in 2026.
The ranges here assume straightforward access — a truck and chipper can reach the tree without crossing finished lawns or squeezing past fences. The factors section below explains what happens when they can't.
Tree removal by size
Height classes, including removal to ground level and cleanup. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately.
| Tree size | Typical height | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 30 ft | $250–$600 | Ornamentals, crape myrtles, small pines with clear access. |
| Medium | 30–60 ft | $600–$1,500 | Most backyard oaks and pines; climbs or small bucket work. |
| Large | 60–90 ft | $1,500–$3,500 | Mature oaks and pines; sectional climbing, bigger crew days. |
| Very large / crane | 90 ft+ or over structures | $3,500–$8,000+ | Crane rental, road closure, highest-risk cuts over roofs. |
Ranges include cutting, chipping, and cleanup to ground level. Add $80–$500 for stump grinding depending on diameter.
Trimming and pruning
Pruning is quoted per tree, not per hour. A healthy tree on a 3–5 year cycle costs far less than a neglected one needing hazard reduction.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crown clean — small tree | $250–$700 | Deadwood and crossing limbs on trees under 30 ft. |
| Crown clean — medium tree | $500–$1,200 | Standard maintenance prune on 30–60 ft trees. |
| Crown clean — large oak or pine | $1,000–$2,500 | Climbing prune on mature trees; often done in phases. |
| Weight / hazard reduction | $800–$2,000 | Shortening heavy limbs over roofs, driveways, play areas. |
| Canopy raise (clearance) | $300–$900 | Lifting low limbs over walks, drives, and rooflines. |
Stump grinding and extras
Grinding is priced by stump diameter. Debris haul-away and permit filing are the extras that surprise people on the final invoice.
| Line item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stump — under 12 in | $80–$150 | Ground 6–8 in below grade; chips left or hauled. |
| Stump — 12–24 in | $150–$300 | Most common size after removals. |
| Stump — 24–36 in | $300–$500 | Mature oak and pine stumps; surface roots add cost. |
| Debris haul-away | $150–$400/load | Only when wood doesn't stay on site as firewood or mulch. |
| Emergency after-hours premium | +25–50% | Nights, weekends, and active-storm callouts. |
What moves a quote up or down
- Proximity to structures. A tree leaning over a roof needs rigging and slower cuts — budget 30–60% more than the same tree in open lawn.
- Access. If a bucket truck can't reach, expect climbing rates; if the chipper is 100 ft from the tree, expect haul-time on the invoice.
- Decay and deadwood. Hollow or storm-damaged trees can't take standard rigging loads, which means crane time.
- Cleanup level. "Chips raked, wood stacked" is the baseline; full haul-away and fine raking is a line item.
- Permits. Street trees and some heritage trees need City sign-off — filing help is sometimes quoted separately.
Measure the trunk at chest height (arborists call this DBH — diameter at breast height). Every 6 inches of DBH on a mature oak is roughly $300–$600 of removal cost in Wake County. If a quote is wildly off that curve, ask why.
Get a free, exact quote
No cost, no obligation. A local operator walks the job, measures, and gives you a written number — not a guess.
Common questions
Why is stump grinding quoted separately?
Grinding requires its own machine and disposal of chips. Crews that bundle it often hide the cost in the removal price — a written itemized quote lets you compare honestly.
Is tree work cheaper in winter in Raleigh?
Sometimes. Demand dips after storm season, and deciduous trees without leaves are faster to work. Emergency premiums, not season, are what swing prices most.
Do these prices include permits?
No. Most private-tree removals in Raleigh don't need one, but street trees and heritage trees do. See the Licensing & Regulatory pillar for the current rules.