How much does tree removal cost? All the details you need to know.
The big question is: how much does it cost? This is the most common and the hardest question to answer in arboriculture. The factors that influence the cost of tree removal or pruning are numerous. The best approach is to get an estimate. Often, estimates in this field are free, so it’s best to take advantage of that.
It’s important to know that these estimates apply to the Montreal, Laval, and Laurentian regions. The prices reflect the local realities. However, it's worth noting that the factors influencing the costs are likely to be similar regardless of the region
The Risks.
Risk is the crux of the matter when it comes to price. We, the arborists, manage risk. A tree without risk doesn’t cost a fortune to work on. It’s the kind of tree your brother-in-law can handle with a beer in his hand. It’s not a big deal if he messes up – the tree won’t kill or break anything. But for this tree, will you call your brother-in-law?
"Probably not, because one wrong move and the tree will end up on the house, costing you much more than a cold beer for your brother-in-law.
Not all working hours are the same.
Risk is a key factor in determining the price. One hour of tree removal on a dangerous tree is not worth the same as one on an easy tree. If I have 10 hours of work cutting down trees in a field and 10 hours of cutting trees above a house, the price will be very different.
With the same equipment and workers, why would we take on a risky job when we could take on an easier one? The answer is that it pays more. Imagine I give you $100, and you have the choice between petting a friendly dog for an hour or petting a rabid dog for an hour. You would certainly choose to pet the friendly dog because the risk is lower. Arboriculture is the same. We love taking on challenges, don’t get me wrong, but when a single cut can cost us more than the price of the job, I have no choice but to charge more."
The Location of the Tree
The position of the tree is an important factor in determining the cost of felling or pruning work. Indeed, the location of the tree will influence the risks involved in the work as well as the removal of debris. For example, moving debris from a tree over a distance of 10 meters will not cost the same as moving it over a distance of 100 meters, especially if stairs have to be climbed or a rocky surface has to be scaled. Given the heavy weight of a mature maple tree, which can reach up to 10 tons, every meter counts. The path to the tree is also important, as if steps must be navigated, it will be difficult to use machinery to transport the trunks. Additionally, tracked machines can damage the lawn when turning, and if the lawn needs to be preserved, plywood will have to be used. Finally, the distance between the tree and the truck will also have a significant impact on the cost of the work.
Debris Removal
Debris removal is another major factor in the price. It is the removal process that requires the most expensive machinery. It is possible for a person to dispose of the debris themselves. If someone is doing light pruning of the tree, it is often possible to leave the debris for the green waste collection that many cities offer.
However, it quickly becomes complicated if the branches from a tree removal need to be transported to an eco-center, for example. To move the branches, at least a pickup truck is needed. Branches take up a lot of space when they are not shredded. So, with a pickup truck, we're quickly talking about several trips to the eco-center. This can become costly in terms of time and fuel.
The Rental
It is always possible to rent a wood chipper for branches, with a cost of around $230 per day at Loutec (as of March 2023). However, it is important to note that a truck is needed to pick up the chipper, which weighs around 1800 lbs. Most rental centers in the Montreal area offer 6'' chippers, which are capable but somewhat small and slow. In comparison, professional arborists typically use 12'' chippers that are much faster and more powerful.
Even when chipped, branches quickly take up space in a pickup truck bed. Therefore, felling an average-sized tree will require several trips to the eco-center.
It is also possible to rent a pickup truck or a dump trailer to speed up the transportation of branches or wood chips, with costs of around $300 for the pickup and $150 for the trailer.
The Health of the Tree
The condition of the tree is an important factor that greatly influences the cost of tree removal. A tree that has been dead for a long time can become dangerous to climb, and in some cases, a crane or a lift may be required to carry out the work safely. For a 40-ton crane, the average cost is around $250 per hour, with a minimum rental time of 4 hours. These additional costs are added to the other expenses needed for the removal.
It’s important to note that the distance of the tree from the crane is a major concern. For example, if the tree is located 100 feet from the crane, a 60-ton crane might be required, which is significantly more expensive than a 40-ton crane.
Similarly, in some cases, large lifts cannot reach the tree, necessitating the rental of expensive spider lifts, with an average cost of around $1,000 per day.
Constraints.
Constraints determine the methods used for tree removal. For example, if a tree needs to be removed and it overhangs a slate roof, it will take much more time to safely remove the tree. Similarly, if the client absolutely wants to avoid any impact on their lawn, this can also influence the method used for the removal. Of course, we always strive to minimize the impact on the lawn, but it’s important to note that there can be a significant difference between minimal impact and no impact at all. If the client insists on avoiding any impact on the lawn, it might require the use of a crane if the trunks are too large to be moved without causing damage.
Distance.
Distance influences the price. Employees are paid for travel time, so the greater the distance, the higher the cost. For most jobs, three people are needed in the Montreal area, and travel time is typically not less than an hour. The return trip and traffic must also be taken into account.
Additionally, fuel costs must be considered. A 10-wheel truck consumes about 35 to 40 liters per 100 km, while a service pickup consumes about 20 liters per 100 km.
As of now (01/03/2024), diesel costs around $2 per liter.
For jobs involving debris removal, both a service pickup and a 10-wheel truck are generally required to remove a tree.
Price Table.
| |
Fuel cost (2$ per liter): | 1,2 $ per km |
Minimum crane cost: | 1000$ |
Minimum spider lift rental (1 day): | 1000 |
Minimum debris removal for tree felling: | 500$ |
Minimum branch chipping: | 400$ |
Estimate | Gratuite |
Stump grinding: | 100$ du pied |
Exemple de prix

XL Pine in the backyard. We need to climb steps and a slope to remove the tree. No crane is needed, the tree is healthy. We're talking about $2,000 for debris removal and $1,500 for tree felling.

Felling an apple tree in the front yard, without any risk, costs $50 for the felling, which only requires a simple saw cut, and $500 for debris removal once the tree is down. Here, the majority of the cost is related to the transport of machinery, trucks, and eco-center fees

Felling a maple tree at a good distance from the house, with little risk for experienced climbers: $600 for felling and $1,000 for debris removal. Here, the majority of the costs are again related to the transport of machinery and trucks, but in addition, the wood is bulky. The trunk is so large that it’s impossible to wrap your arms around it.

Trees near the house and shed, with a risk of branches and the trunk being close to the structures. The felling costs $1,500, and the debris removal costs $1,000. In this case, there's a change: the risks during the felling are increased because the house and shed are nearby.

40-ton crane, as the tree had an injury at its base that made it unstable, requiring 4 hours of work at $250 per hour.
The felling costs $1,500, the crane $1,000, and the debris removal $1,500, for a total of $4,000.
Tips for Saving Money for tree removal.
Debris removal is extremely expensive and requires machinery. It is possible to save a lot by keeping the branches and logs. Logs can be given away quite easily on sites like Kijiji or Marketplace. Some people are willing to come and pick up the wood for free. The downside to this approach is that it takes time, and it's hard to know if the person collecting the wood will leave the area tidy. Branches are more difficult to get rid of. People generally don’t want branches, so it's almost impossible to give them away. Often, the city's branch collection service is the only remaining option, if it is available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining the cost of tree removal or pruning is a complex matter that depends on many factors. Cost estimates may vary depending on the region, but the main factors influencing the price remain similar regardless of location.
The risks associated with the tree, its proximity to surrounding structures, debris removal, the tree's condition, specific site constraints, distance, and necessary travel are all elements to consider when calculating the price. Arboriculture professionals manage these factors to provide accurate estimates and ensure the safety of the work.
Ultimately, the cost of tree removal or pruning can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances, and it is essential to request estimates for each project to make informed decisions and ensure smooth execution of the work.
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