Tree Removal Costs

Tree owners in Columbus, OH, spend $200 to $2000 on professional tree removal. Since most homeowners have medium-sized trees, a tree removal cost of $400 to $1200, is more common, with $750 being the typical removal cost for an average-sized tree with minimal risks. 

The tree removal cost varies significantly depending on tree height, proximity to utilities, and the time needed to bring a tree down safely. Taking a deeper look at all these factors will help you create a more accurate budget for your tree removal project. 

Factors Affecting the Tree Removal Cost in Columbus, Ohio 

1. Tree Size 

Both tree height and trunk diameter have a significant impact on the tree removal process. Tall trees are generally heavier, and hence require more advanced tree removal machines to bring down safely – for example, a tall tree growing next to utilities may need a crane to control its falling direction – this minimizes the possibility of property damage. In Columbus, Ohio, cranes have their own separate cost, which is often added to the quoted tree removal cost. 

Since tree removal generally involves cutting through the tree trunk at the base, trees with bigger trunk diameters take more time to bring down. It is worth noting that the trunk diameter generally increases with tree height – for this reason, the tallest trees will have the highest tree removal cost. 

Small Tree Removal Cost 

Trees with a height of below 30 feet have the lowest tree removal cost, with professionals charging $150 to $400. This is because small trees are the lightest and have the smallest trunk diameter – it is hard to find a small tree with a trunk diameter of more than 15 inches. In Columbus, OH, small trees include magnolia, dogwood, Japanese maple, California juniper, and the crepe myrtle. 

Medium Tree Removal Cost 

Medium-sized trees mature at a height of 30 to 60 feet, with a trunk diameter of between 15 and 19 inches. Some of the trees that fit in this size category include copper wood, crab apple, small varieties of red oak and red maple. These trees take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to remove. Professionals charge $450 to $700. 

Large Tree Removal Cost 

Trees like sycamore, conifer, and big varieties of red oak mature at a height of 60 to 100 feet. These large trees feature a trunk diameter of 20 – 24 inches. Depending on how well-equipped and experienced a tree removal team is, the large tree removal can take one or more days. You will spend an average of $900 to $1200 on large tree removal. 

Very Large Tree Removal Cost 

It is very rare for trees like white pines, palms, eucalyptus, and sequoia to mature at a height of below 100 feet. These trees are classified in the “very large” category and have a trunk diameter of above 24 inches. In almost all cases, very large trees take multiple days to remove. Tree removal experts charge $1,300 to $2000. 

Crane-Assisted Removal 

The removal of large and very large trees is sometimes too complicated such that a crane has to be used. This often happens when the trees are standing next to buildings, utility lines, and other important structures. With a crane, the tree removal experts can control the tree’s falling path. 

In Columbus, Ohio, the cost of renting a crane is often calculated separately – this is because most tree service providers do not own cranes. To rent a crane for one day, you will pay $200 to $600, depending on the crane’s horsepower. You will also need to hire a crane operator at $50 to $100 per day. Therefore, the total cost of renting the crane adds up to $250 to $700. 

If you had been quoted $2000 for the removal of a 150-foot pine tree without a crane, you should expect this cost to increase to between $2250 and $2,700 if the crane has to be used. 

2. Tree Species 

Tree species influence characteristics like tree height, trunk diameter, wood hardness, and even tree weight. While eucalyptus trees are known to grow to heights above 200 feet, crape myrtles mature at a height of 30 feet. 

When comparing the eucalyptus tree and the crape myrtle, it is easy to see that the eucalyptus will be much harder to remove, which means a higher tree removal cost. Below, we have outlined the tree removal costs to expect for a variety of tree species. 

Oak Tree Removal Cost 

Oak trees mature at heights between 60 and 100 feet. If your oak has a height of 60 – 80 feet, you should expect a tree removal cost of about $500 to $800. Oaks with heights between 80 and 100 feet have a tree removal cost of $800 to $1200. 

Magnolia Tree Removal Cost 

Magnolias are small trees with a height of below 30 feet. These trees are extremely easy to remove and professionals can complete the work in less than 120 minutes. You will spend $375 to $500 on Magnolia tree removal. 

Sycamore Tree Removal Cost 

Medium-sized trees, sycamores mature at a height of 30 to 60 feet. Depending on how tall your sycamore is, you will be charged $600 to $900. 

Pine Tree Removal Cost

The most common pines reach maturity at a height of 80 to 100 feet. These trees often cost $200 to $1500, depending on how old they are and how tall they have grown. White pines, however, can grow to over 150 feet – removing this type of tree may cost you $2000+.

3. Tree Condition

Some pre-existing conditions can affect how easy or hard it is to remove a tree. These conditions can increase or decrease the tree removal cost. Below, we have listed some of the most common conditions. 

Weak Branches 

It is not uncommon for branches to be affected by conditions that weaken them and leave them on the verge of falling. Movement of the trunk during tree removal can force the branches to detach and fall. To avoid the damage that might result from the branches, tree removal experts prefer to conduct tree pruning ahead of removing the tree. This leads to a higher tree pruning cost. 

Cavities and Decays 

These are an indicator that the tree’s structural stability is compromised. To keep the tree from falling unexpectedly, professionals may need to stabilize it. Alternatively, they may need to bring the tree down foot by foot, so that they can lighten it, minimizing the chances of falling. The extra work required can increase tree removal cost. 

Significant Lean 

If your tree is leaning over open ground, meaning there are no structures under it, the tree removal cost may be lower for the tree. However, if a tree is leaning over your house or powerlines, the extra effort needed to bring the tree down without causing property damage may increase the tree removal cost. 

Dead Tree Removal Cost 

Compared to live trees, dead trees are drier. The absence of water in their wood structures makes them lighter, and hence much easier to handle. This leads to a lower tree removal cost, with professionals charging $75 to $400, depending on the wood hardness and size of the tree. 

Fallen Tree Removal Cost 

There are 2 types of fallen trees – one which is lying on open ground and one which is lying on utilities. Trees lying on the open ground are extremely cheap to remove, generally featuring a removal cost of $75 to $150. However, trees lying on utilities need more effort to remove – this tends to increase the overall tree removal cost. 

4. Additional Tree Removal Costs 

Tree removal is often associated with several other services. While some tree removal experts may include the cost of these services in the quoted tree removal cost, not all do. To know whether the following services carry extra costs, you should ask your tree service provider: 

Tree Chipping 

This procedure turns the huge tree trunk into small portable chips. The service is necessary for homeowners who would like the tree to be hurled away. You will pay $50 – $100 for tree chipping. 

Wood Splitting 

If you use firewood in your home, you may want to pay the professionals $50 to $100 to get them to turn the trunk into firewood. 

Permits and Licenses 

Homeowners are required to have a permit before removing a tree. In Columbus, OH, tree removal permits and licenses cost $60 to $150. 

Stump Removal Cost

For professionals to remove the stump after bringing the tree down, you may need an extra $100 to $150. However, if you would like to remove multiple tree stumps, you may spend the amounts listed below: 

• Per tree stump – You may be charged $150 for the initial tree stump. Other tree stumps may cost you $50 each. 
• Hourly cost – Professionals in Columbus charge $150 per hour. 
• Per diameter inch – You will pay $2 to $3 for every diameter inch. Most professionals, however, do have a minimum cost of $100. 

Travel Fee 

Whenever professionals have to cover a significant distance to get to the worksite, they charge a travel fee of $0.5 per mile or a fixed cost of $50 to $200. You can, however, avoid this cost by working with tree removal experts closest to your home.