How much does Tree pruning cost?

Tree pruning—that is, removing dead or unwanted branches—is an important part of regular tree care. Pruning your trees keeps them healthy and minimizes the risk of dead branches damaging your house or dropping on utility lines. Pruning also can direct a healthy tree’s new growth properly, resulting in better visual balance and, in the case of apple trees and other fruit trees, better fruit production.

Many homeowners take on pruning as a DIY job, but doing it right requires more than just attacking branches with a pair of shears or loppers. For best results, you may want the skill, knowledge, and experience of a professional tree trimmer, who has the equipment necessary to trim trees properly and safely. 

Be sure to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured tree trimming service, so you won’t be liable if something goes wrong. Ideally, find a service that has a professional arborist (or “tree surgeon”) on staff to ensure that they follow best practices. 

This cost guide covers what homeowners typically pay to have their trees pruned by a professional tree trimming company. 

Learn more: Tree trimming and removal—when to hire an expert.

Tree maintenance services usually charge by the job, not by the hour. The company will inspect your trees and provide specific recommendations—and a price quote—based on the types of trees you have, their condition, and the crew and equipment needed.

The price can range from $75–1,500+; but for most homeowners, the national average cost of having trees pruned is $250–900. The biggest factor affecting this price range: size of trees. Tall trees are a big job requiring more effort and equipment. Large trees also have large branches, which can be heavier and take more work.

Here are the average prices by size, based on tree height:

Certain types of trees can also add to the trimming expense. Prices for a sprawling 40-foot oak tree will be higher than a narrower 40-foot pine tree, because of the wide range of its branches. Palm trees have unique requirements as well, but because they’re narrow, trimming them may cost slightly less than average.

Cleanup. Talk to your tree-pruning pro about options for handling leftover limbs and debris. If a limb-chipping rig (called a “chipper”) is brought in to turn the material into mulch, this can cost another $75–125 per hour. You might also be charged a hauling fee of $50–100 if you want tree pruners to dispose of remaining material. 

Tree removal. When a tree becomes diseased or unstable, often the best thing to do is to cut it down. The average cost to remove a tree is $100–600. But this is highly dependent on the tree size. Trees under 30 feet in height cost $150–450; trees 30–60 feet tall cost $350–1,100; and those above 60 feet cost $700–1,500+.

Stump removal. When a tree is removed, a tree stump will remain—and you’ll pay an additional charge to have it taken out. Stump grinding by stump removal services, which leaves the below-ground portion, costs $125–350. Removing the stump entirely can cost $175–450. 

These variables can affect the cost of having your trees pruned:

Here are some ways you may be able to reduce your tree-trimming expenses:

How much does it cost to prune a tree?

Most homeowners will pay $250–900 to have their trees pruned. Prices can range from as little as $75 for a single small tree (under 15 feet), or as much as $1,500+ for a large tree (taller than 60 feet). Trimming costs also vary according to the type of tree and location of the tree.

Why is tree trimming so expensive?

Tree trimming and pruning are difficult, dangerous jobs that require a skilled crew and specialized trucks (such as a “bucket truck”), along with equipment such as chippers and mechanical lifts. Because of the many inherent risks, tree service companies must also carry costly insurance. 

Is it cheaper to trim a tree or cut it down?

In most cases, tree trimming costs are much lower. But if your tree is diseased or in distress, removal can often be the right choice. Discuss your options with a qualified tree professional, ideally a certified arborist. Trees that are 30–60 feet tall will typically cost $300–850 to trim or $700–1,600 to remove. 

Find a tree pruning professional in your area.