How much does tree removal cost in 2023? A guide from root to branch

Trees can add shade, greenery and birdlife to your garden, but when things go wrong, tree removal costs can leave you stumped – especially if the job calls for a professional. So, how much does tree removal cost?

It can be tempting to nurture an old, ailing or badly located tree for as long as possible. But in some cases, the cost of not removing a problem tree could be significant. Falling branches can be a hazard for you – and your neighbours, and if a tree falls down in a storm, you could be faced with a cost far higher than if you chose to proactively remove it.

There are lots of variables, risks and intricate factors to consider when it comes to tree removal cost. If you’re struggling to see the wood for the trees, we’ve rounded up some of the main points to help you understand your options.

How much does tree removal cost?

The average or typical cost of removing a tree across Australia is about $1,150, according to GoTreeQuotes, a service that lists local arborists. However, it says that the range of prices for individual jobs can vary widely – from $450 to $4,500 – depending on the circumstances. The GoTreeQuotes Tree Removal Cost Guide, updated in 2023, shows that a range of factors can influence tree removal costs. These may include:

• Tree height: A Bottlebrush shrub can cost an average of $250 to $950 to be removed. Allow extra if you want the stump removed. A tall species such as Angophora can cost $1,000 in tree removal costs, though this depends on the size of the trunk and the extent to which the branches spread. If you are looking to remove a true giant of the botanical world, such as a mature Norfolk Island Pine, which can top heights of 50 metres, the price could climb as high as $10,000 – largely because you may have to bring in a crane to complete the job.
• Your location: Sydney tends to be more expensive in terms of tree removal costs, while the GoTreeQuotes report found Brisbane and Newcastle can be at the more affordable end of the scale.
• Tree species: Expect to pay more for trees with lots of large branches, such as gum trees, or for those that may grow in awkward shapes such as a Radiata Pine.
• Accessibility: Generally speaking, the easier it is for the arborist or other professional to reach the tree, the faster they will be able to remove it. Not surprisingly, tree removal costs can be higher for backyard trees than those in the front yard, where access can be more straightforward.
• Timing: Arborists tend to be busy following major storms, when branches and even entire trees have been blown down. During these periods of peak demand, you may be asked to pay more. If it’s an emergency, you could even pay double the normal tree removal cost. This highlights the value of taking action before you’re facing a critical situation.

Does home insurance cover tree removal costs?

The Financial Rights Legal Centre explains that when it comes to damage caused by fallen trees, your home and contents insurance may only cover you for the tree removal cost of it has caused damage to your home or belongings. If there is no damage, you could be up for paying tree removal costs out of your own pocket.

What are the finance options for tree removal costs?

How a tree removal job is financed may depend on how much it costs. There are several options available to consider, including using a personal loan or a credit card.

Personal loan

Depending on your personal circumstances and the cost of the job, you may be able to consider using a personal loan to fund the work. This could be a secured loan, or an unsecured loan. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that interest rates are generally higher for personal loans than for home loans, and it’s a good idea to read the lender’s terms and conditions first.

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Credit card

It may also be possible, depending on the cost and your ability to repay the debt quickly, to pay for the job on a credit card. Keep in mind that credit card interest rates are typically much higher than home or personal loan rates, and interest can quickly accumulate on large balances. So it is a good idea to weigh up your options and consider them carefully. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the card’s balance in full each month, it may be worth reconsidering whether a credit card is the right option for you.

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How much does it cost to dispose of a tree?

How much would a wood chuck cost? Well, the good news is that the cost of disposing of a tree is usually included in the cost of its removal, but clarify this upfront with whoever is cutting down the tree. Otherwise, you may need to consider the cost of transporting the tree, plus your local council’s waste charges if applicable.

An alternative could be to keep some or all of the wood and use it as fuel for your firepit or fireplace, if you have one, provided you have space to store the wood while it dries out.

How much does it cost to remove a tree stump?

Paying for tree removal costs is one thing, but if you’re looking at a sizeable tree you could be left with a massive stump in the garden. And this can bring extra costs. According to GoTreeQuotes, the cost of stump removal for a regular hardwood stump can range from $60 through to $550 for one with a larger diameter, while the cost for a softer palm stump may be expected to range from $40 to $320. GoTreeQuotes cautions, however, that stump removals can be more expensive, and can cost you $1,200 and up, depending on your particular needs and circumstances.

Removal of hardwood stumps can be at the higher end of the cost scale simply because – as the name suggests – the wood is much harder, and may require more time and effort to grind away or remove.

Can DIY trim tree removal costs?

Depending on the size of the tree and where it’s located, it may be possible to remove it yourself using equipment such as a manual saw or chainsaw, as well the appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection.

However, there can be risks associated with DIY tree removal. Safe Work Australia cautions that chainsaws are “potentially dangerous” and “can cause fatal or major injuries, especially if used by untrained workers”. Even if you are trained to use the necessary equipment, there are also the potential dangers that could be posed by a branch or the main trunk of a tree falling. For example, it could hit a power line or fall on someone or something – a shed or carport for example – either on or outside of your property.

As we’ve noted, if you have home insurance your policy may cover you for damage caused to your property by a tree or branch that falls as a result of a storm. But you may not be covered if the damage is caused by an intentional tree-felling job gone wrong. Because of the risks and difficulties that can be involved in removing a tree, some people choose to seek out the services of professional tree specialists.

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree?

The regulations around tree removal and whether permits are required can vary from state to state, and even council to council. So it is definitely worth contacting your local council to check on the regulations in your area before you commence any tree removal work.

In some cases, councils have been known to impose large fines on homeowners who remove trees without a permit. A Sydney woman, for example, received a fine of $83,000 for cutting down two native trees on her neighbour’s property without council permission in a well-publicised case in 2018.

Generally speaking, certain factors may determine whether or not you would need a permit to remove a tree. According to Queensland-based tree removalists JC Tree Services, these include:

• Tree size: If the tree’s trunk is below a certain circumference, or its height is under a certain level, you may not need a permit to remove it.
• Species of tree: You may need a permit to remove a native tree, while facing less stringent rules for invasive species or trees regarded as noxious weeds.
• Distance from house: If the tree is situated within a certain distance of your house, you may be able to remove it without a permit. This exemption can be particularly common in bushfire-prone areas.

Remember, though, it’s important to check for the specific regulations that apply in your area.

Do you really need to remove the tree?

One of the most effective ways of keeping down the cost of tree removal could be to leave the tree where it is, if that’s an option. In some situations, simply tidying up some of its branches – a process sometimes referred to as tree lopping – can make a tree less prone to leaving a mess or obstructing views.

Consider, too, the impact that cutting a tree down could have on any wildlife that may be using it as a home. After all, it might only take a couple of hours to cut down and remove a mature tree, but it could take years, or decades, to grow a new one.

It is not just wildlife that may value your trees. First National Real Estate says trees offer shade, shelter, aesthetic appeal and energy savings, and as a result they can increase the overall value of your property by anything from $1,000 to $10,000 per tree.

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