How Much Does Professional Tree Trimming Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $270 - $1,800
The average cost of professional tree trimming is $460, but it can range between $270 and $1,800, depending on the quantity and condition of the trees.
We all hope that the trees on our property grow big, strong, and beautiful, and sometimes, a trim is the best way to help them thrive. The average tree trimming cost is $460, although it can go as low as $75 for small trees. The highest tree-trimming cost is $2,000 or more for a towering old oak or pine.
Your tree service professional may suggest additional treatments to maintain the health of your trees. Below, we break down the cost of trimming a tree.
- Average
- $460
- Low end
- $75
- high end
- $2,000
Tree Trimming Cost Factors
When deciding who to hire for tree services, you'll find a range of landscape professionals with the tools and knowledge to trim trees without damaging their long-term health. The extent of the tree trimming job and whether the tree is healthy will determine whether it's best to call a local certified arborist or a local tree trimming service. In either case, professionals will weigh the following factors when putting together a quote.
Size of the Tree
The tree size affects the trimming cost for a few reasons. On a basic level, there is more to trim on larger trees. In addition, very tall trees may require a skilled climber if a budget-friendly bucket truck won’t reach the top.
| Tree Size (Feet) | |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | $80–$350 |
| 25–50 | $150–$800 |
| Over 50 | $300–$1,800 |
Type of Tree
The tree experts in your area should have experience with the species commonly found in your region. Here are the cost ranges for several common types of trees:
| Type of Tree | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pine | $200–$1,800 |
| Palm | $100–$1,500 |
| Oak | $180–$1,500 |
| Cypress | $150–$1,200 |
| Crepe myrtle | $80–$400 |
If you have a protected tree species on your property, be aware that you will need permission from your local town, county, or state to trim or remove it. For example, according to Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, a permit is needed to alter mangrove trees.
Number of Trees
Since they’re already going to be at your property with all their equipment, contractors will often offer you a discount if you get several trees trimmed at the same time. On average, the savings are around $100 off each tree.
Health of the Tree
Trees are susceptible to weather-related damage and health issues specific to their species and your region, such as fungal disease, cracks, insect damage, and weak roots. These problems can increase the price and length of a tree trimming job. Tree pest control can add between $50 and $250 to the cost of tree trimming.
Time of Year
The most common time to trim a tree is toward the end of winter before early spring. At this time, it’s easier for professionals to identify the best branches to trim without the leaves hiding them. It’s also better to trim trees when they’re dormant so that, come spring, they’re ready to flourish. However, tree trimming during the peak season may cost hundreds of dollars more than trimming during the offseason, so keep this in mind as you plan your project.
Labor
Most tree service teams will quote a per-tree or per-project flat rate fee after the initial visit and inspection. For example, as mentioned above, a small tree may cost $75 to trim, while a larger tree can cost as much as $2,000. You may receive a per-hour rate for labor, but this is rare, with most companies charging between $25 and $50 per hour per employee.
Accessibility
Does the tree that needs trimming sit right up against your house? Is it entangled with other trees? How close is it to utility lines? How accessible a tree is for trimming will sway the cost, especially if specialized equipment is needed.
If your tree’s branches impede local power lines, call your local utility company for advice. Some companies will even trim or cut down your tree for free if it's in everyone's best interest.
Location
The cost of living in your area and the amount of local competition will also affect the price of tree trimming. Contractors will incorporate travel time into their quotes, especially if you live in a remote area. The type of trees in your region can also affect the price. For example, tree trimming in the Miami area averages $350, while in Phoenix, it will cost an average of $600.
Tree Inspection
Let's say you've called your tree trimmer because you're concerned about a possible fungus or pest problem. The initial inspection to determine deeper health problems can add between $30 and $300 to the total. Your contractor may need to draw up a long-term health plan to keep the tree strong.
Tree Pruning
Pruning costs anywhere from $400 to $800 per tree. Remember, tree pruning helps remove dead or problematic branches, whereas trimming focuses on the aesthetics of your tree. If you need to remove diseased or precarious branches, you’ll likely need to consider tree pruning services in addition to your trimming service.
Tree Removal
If you have trees on your property that are beyond the point of saving, you’ll need to have them removed. Tree removal services cost between $200 and $2,000 and depend on the size of the tree, its location, and accessibility.
Pests
If your trees are infested by fungi, insects, and other pests, tree pest control costs between $50 and $250 on average. You may need to invest in monthly treatments to rid your trees of pests and conduct an inspection to determine whether the pest control treatments worked. Factor in any recurring costs to your total budget to avoid hidden surprises.
Cleanup
When removing large branches, your contractor may charge between $25 and $100 for dumping fees. You can also hire a lawn maintenance team after trimming for a fall or spring landscape cleanup that costs $100 to $250.
Tipping
While not expected, it is kind to tip tree trimmers or removal specialists. You can opt for the typical 15% to 20% for a one-time visit, individual tips per employee, or holiday bonuses if they provide services throughout the season.
How Often Should You Trim Trees?
A general rule of thumb is to trim trees every few years. However, deciding when to trim your trees will also depend on factors like seasonality, tree development, and safety:
"Once we get repeat customers into a tree trimming maintenance routine, we consider timing when scheduling that repeat work. If you’re budget-oriented, you’ll get the best discount right before and after the holidays when work is slow."
— Lisa Tadewaldt, Founder, Urban Forest Pro, Portland, OR
Trim during the winter when trees are dormant to prevent pest infestation.
Only trim magnolia, redbud, and crabapple trees after they bloom in spring or summer.
Trim subtropical trees, like those in Florida and California, year-round.
When you notice weak, dead, rubbing, or damaged branches.
When the tree’s limbs interfere with power lines or obstruct the view of pedestrians or vehicles.
Wait two years before trimming a transplanted or new tree so it can develop properly.
Trimming helps trees maintain their size and shape, so keeping up with a schedule will keep them healthy and your costs down. Otherwise, your tree trimmer might charge extra for the additional work to get the tree back in shape. The best course of action is to contact a local arborist who can inspect your trees and advise you on the ideal trimming schedule.
Cost to Trim a Tree Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
The tools to trim a tree—from the ladders to the specialized saws—can cost up to $1,100, which isn't worth the investment unless you plan to use them regularly.
Safety is another issue when taking the DIY route. Unlike pruning, which only requires removing minimal parts of a branch, trimming a tree yourself can be dangerous for you and the plant. Trimming can require climbing and removing heavy parts of the tree.
Professionals use bracing systems to prevent large branches from damaging surrounding areas and bucket trucks to reach high branches. In other words, this job is best left to a tree trimming pro with training, experience, and the right gear.
Cost of Common Tree Trimming Add-Ons
If your trees could use additional help, you can save money by booking the services as add-ons to be done the same day as the tree trimming. Deep-root fertilization sends crucial nutrients deep into the ground, while topping and pruning focus on specific areas of the tree to encourage growth.
| Tree Trimming Add-Ons | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Deep root fertilization | $50–$300 per tree |
| Topping | $400–$800 per tree |
| Pruning a tree | $200–$800 per tree |
| Tree removal | $200–$2,000 per tree |
| Stump removal | $100–$150 per stump |
How You Can Save Money on Tree Trimming Costs
Tree trimming is a necessary cost if you want to keep your trees healthy and thriving. But there are ways you can make the process less cost-prohibitive. Here are ways you can save on tree service costs:
Trim often: Frequent trimmings help to keep the tree in good condition, reducing the need for an emergency tree trimming service.
Keep trees healthy: To maintain their health, provide trees with regular feeding, watering, and mulching around the roots.
Off-season booking: The high season for tree trimming is from the fall through the spring. Try to book during the off-season for a discounted price.
Clean debris: Clean up all the fallen debris and branches yourself weekly to avoid a large pileup in your yard.
Keep the wood: Reuse the fallen wood for firewood or try to sell it to a local carpenter.
Bulk pricing: Negotiate tree removal with bulk and multi-family pricing discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trimming a tree can take two hours to a full day, depending on the tree's age, the number of trees, and the species. Young trees are easier to trim, as their branches are thinner in diameter and more accessible to reach than mature trees. They also tend to be healthier. If you haven’t trimmed your trees before or it’s been a while, the process could take even longer.
Pruning a tree is a yearly job that involves removing small dead branches, leaves, and blooms to help the tree grow bigger and stronger. You can often complete the job with basic home gardening tools. On the other hand, trimming a tree removes larger sections to control the direction the tree grows in and protect your home, utility wires, and yard from potentially dangerous branches.
Yes, it’s okay to trim low branches on a tree, also known as limbing up or raising the crown. Essentially, you’ll trim the lower third of the tree (trunk) and leave the upper two-thirds of the tree (crown). Arborists recommend trimming 20% of a tree’s leaves per season for two to three seasons. Trimming low branches allows light to flow through the tree, increasing circulation and making the tree stronger and healthier.