Cost for Tree Services in North Carolina

We know. We’ve heard all of the horror stories of sticker shock, too!

“I just got a quote to take my trees down for $15,000. That’s one semester of my child’s college education!”

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably searching the internet to find the average cost of tree removal, tree trimming, or stump grinding in Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh/Durham, NC. And you’re probably coming up short because, quite honestly, it depends on a lot of different factors (We know, spoken like a true arbor consultant, right?).

So, much like taking down a tree, let’s approach this topic in small, manageable pieces.

Tree Removal Costs

Removing a tree is a lot like getting a tooth pulled. It’s likely in your best interest, but it’s an investment that nobody really wants to make!

Depending on why you’re interested in tree removal, the rationale may be easy. You may have a dead or dying tree that poses a danger to your home and family if it were to fall during a storm. Or you may have an opportunity to expand your lawn and invest in stunning landscaping. Perhaps you’re putting in a new pool (lucky you).

Following are some average prices to provide high-level guidance on tree removal costs:

• 6″ to 12″ diameter at breast height: $500-$800
• 12″ to 18″ diameter at breast height: $800-$2K
• 18″ to 30″ diameter at breast height: $2K-$4K
• 30″ to 40″ diameter at breast height: $3,500-$5K
• 40+” diameter at breast height: $4K+

Note: The type of tree, accessibility, the health of the tree, disposal needs, the size of the tree, the urgency of the situation, and the surrounding terrain all matter when a tree professional determines the price of a project.

Our professional arborists are always happy to stop by and provide a free consultation.

Please read the section below entitled What factors affect the cost of tree services? to learn more.

Costs for emergency tree removal

First and foremost, price gouging is against the law in most states, including North Carolina. Since there are always predatory companies who are willing to make a quick buck, it’s more important than ever to work with a reputable, insured, bonded company like Carolina Tree Care during an emergency.

Not only do we live by our operating principles at all times, but we also are skilled at working with insurance companies to manage the process and make life easier for you.

With that said, there are legitimate factors that lead to increased costs during emergency tree removal: the need for increased workplace safety (for the tree crews, property owners, and general public) as well as the need to ensure careless treatment does not cause further property damage.

Stump grinding prices in NC

Buyer beware: The prices for tree removal quoted by your local mom-and-pop tree service may not include the cost of stump grinding or stump removal.

Stump grinding is typically factored at $2.5–$3 per inch but may be less expensive if the stump is rotting and easier to grind.

Following are some average prices to provide high-level guidance:

• 1″ to 12″ diameter: $225
• 12″ to 24″ diameter: $525
• 24″ to 36″ diameter: $550
• 36″ to 48″ diameter: $575
• 60″+ diameter: $600+

As always, our professional arborists are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate for your specific tree(s).

There’s good news for the DIY folks out there: Carolina Tree Care is available for stump grinding services only.

Depending on the size and depth of your tree stump, using our stump grinding service may be more economical (not to mention safer and easier!) than renting a stump grinding machine for the day.

Learn more about our services here: Tree Removal and Stump Grinding

Cost for Tree Trimming or Pruning

And, really, what’s the difference? (Spoiler alert: they’re the same!)

Trimming a tree is a lot like getting your hair cut. They both grow back, but, like a bad haircut, how your foliage grows back can make all the difference. Luckily, most people understand the importance of spending wisely to get the most out of their investment, whether it’s for the health of their trees, the beauty of their lawn, or to maximize the value of their property.

There are many factors that affect the price of tree services (outlined in the section below) but there are two main factors to be considered when pricing a tree trimming job: the size of the tree(s) and class of pruning.

While the growth characteristics of certain tree types may differ, there are 4 main classes of pruning:

1. Fine pruning—where aesthetics play a major role in the pruning process, but structural integrity is always obeyed
2. Standard pruning—where structural integrity and tree health is critical, and aesthetics play an important (but secondary) role
3. Hazard pruning—where the safety of your trees and property is the highest concern (e.g., due to disease, decay, structural weakness)
4. Crown reduction pruning—where it’s necessary to cut back the top or sides of a tree (e.g., due to prior incorrect pruning, crown dieback, storm damage) or there’s interest in dwarfing or training a tree

As always, our professional arborists are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate for your specific tree(s).

Common factors that affect the cost of tree services

Some of the most common factors that affect the cost of tree work include:

• Size of tree: Do you have a 70’ tall magnolia? A strong, 60’ oak? A 40’ pine? A dawn redwood that’s 10’ thick? Do our climbers need to ascend a tall tree and rope it down in manageable pieces? Do we need to bring in specialized equipment to grind a thick, sturdy stump?
• Size of crown: Do you have a large oak or hickory tree with a wide branch spread? Or a small pine tree?
• Access: Is your property small and difficult to access? Will it be hard to get large equipment into your yard to do the job? Will removing debris, and getting it to the chipper, be a time-consuming and/or labor-intensive process?
• Terrain: Does the area surrounding your tree pose any problems? Is the tree on a slope? Are any obstacles present (e.g., gardens, fences, structures, streams, above ground/underground utilities)?
• Tree condition: Is the tree healthy or diseased? Are there signs of decay or damage that require increased safety measures? (Yes, you read that right. Healthy trees pose less danger and are less expensive to take down. If you see signs of decay, don’t wait!)
• Level of urgency: Is immediate tree removal required? Has the tree fallen on a roof or car? Is it blocking a street or driveway? Or is there eminent danger from a coming storm?

As you can see, there are a lot of variables to weigh. But when it comes to our tree services, you’ll never be in the dark.

Our consulting arborists will walk through each proposal with you thoroughly to help you understand the variables affecting your price so you can make an educated decision.

You can help reduce the cost of your tree service

To make your tree care more affordable, take a look at the list of factors above that impact the cost and see if there are ways to minimize any of them.

For example, do you have a fence around your property that restricts access? Enlist the help of your friends to temporarily remove a good-size portion before we arrive so our tree crews can get right to work.

Will it be easier for us to access your trees through an adjoining property? We recommend gaining your neighbor’s permission before we arrive.

Another cost-saving effort: let us leave our wood chips on your property.  Not only do you get mulch to use around your yard, but we save time and energy in clean-up and hauling.

Lastly, if it’s a slow time of year (e.g., late November through January), some tree care companies may be willing to give you a discount just to keep their crews busy. On the flip side, prices may go up during the busy season as demand increases.

When your arbor consultant stops by, share with him or her your level of urgency. If the tree service can wait, it may be a win-win situation.

Want to save some money? Read our blog post on Your Next DIY Project: Tree Banding!

Of course, we provide free consultations

Now that you have a rough estimate of what your costs might be to maintain or take down a tree in North Carolina, contact us for service! We’re happy to stop by and provide a free 30-minute consultation. We’re your friendly, Charlotte-, Greensboro-, and Raleigh/Durham-area tree experts.

Fill out this form to get started:

Permits for tree services in North Carolina

When you hire an expert tree care company, you don’t need to worry about municipal or town tree ordinances, permits, or preservation requirements. No matter where you live in the Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh/Durham area, we have the knowledge and expertise of your specific area to guide your decisions.

We’ll manage the entire permitting process on your behalf.

Want to learn more about your specific town? Feel free to click any of the links below to research your local ordinance in greater detail:

City of Charlotte NC Tree Ordinance

City of Concord NC Urban Forestry

Greensboro Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual

Durham Tree Protection and Tree Coverage

Raleigh City Tree Manual