How much does trimming a large tree cost?
Large trees take a crew, climbing gear or a bucket truck, and careful rigging. Branches over a roof or near lines have to be lowered piece by piece. Most of the price is crew time, with cleanup and disposal on top.
Trimming a large tree prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| Large tree, open yard | $555 | $1060 |
| Large tree, over the house | $670 | $1305 |
| Large tree, near power lines | $745 | $1465 |
| Large tree, debris left cut and stacked | $430 | $870 |
| Very large tree over 60 ft, open yard | $950 | $1790 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
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What's usually included
- Climber or bucket truck to reach the upper canopy
- Dead and hazardous limbs removed
- Crown thinned and cleared from the roof
- Heavy limbs lowered with ropes when needed
- Chipping, hauling and yard cleanup
What changes the price
- Rigging. Limbs that cannot just drop must be tied off and lowered, which is slow.
- Power lines. Only line-clearance trained crews should work near lines.
- Equipment access. A bucket truck is faster, but only if it can reach the tree.
- Wood volume. Big trees produce a lot of debris to chip and haul.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
Trimming a large tree is not a DIY job. It means working at height with a chainsaw while heavy limbs fall, often near a house or lines. You can save by stacking the wood yourself or keeping it for firewood, but leave the cutting to an insured crew.
Common questions
Why does a large tree cost so much more to trim?
It takes a skilled climber or a bucket truck, more crew time, and more cleanup than a small tree.
How much of a tree can be trimmed at once?
Most arborists remove no more than about a quarter of the canopy in a year to keep the tree healthy.
Will my insurance pay for tree trimming?
Usually not for routine trimming. Insurance may cover removing a tree that falls on your house in a storm.
Got a quote for trimming a large tree?
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