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Specialty Contracting · Updated 2026-10-03

Tree Service & Removal near you: costs, licensing & how to hire

Removals, trimming, stump grinding and storm cleanup — insured crews who protect your house and your trees. Below: what tree services do, what they cost, how to check a license, and the questions to ask before you hire.

tree removaltree trimmingstump grindingstorm cleanuphazard treesarboristland clearingpruning

What tree services do

The jobs people hire tree services for most.

Tree removal

Taking down dead, dying or dangerous trees safely, in sections if needed.

Trimming and pruning

Removing dead limbs, clearing roofs and power lines, shaping young trees.

Stump grinding

Grinding stumps below the soil so you can replant or mow.

Storm cleanup

Removing fallen trees and limbs, often working with your insurance.

Tree health checks

An arborist looks for disease, rot and hazards before they fail.

Lot and brush clearing

Clearing overgrowth for fences, driveways or building.

How much do tree services cost?

Typical national price ranges. Prices in your town will vary, so always get a written quote.

Job	Typical price	Notes
Tree removal (average)	$400 – $1,200	National average about $850
Removal by height	$200 – $2,000	Under 30 ft $200–$500; 60–80 ft $850–$2,000
Stump removal	$100 – $500+	Per stump
Tree trimming	$400 – $900	Per tree

Source: HomeGuide tree removal cost (2026). Checked 2026-10-03.

Does a tree service need a license?

Most states don't license tree workers, so insurance and training matter most. The ISA Certified Arborist credential is voluntary, and you can look it up at TreesAreGood.org. A few states do require a license: Maryland requires a Licensed Tree Expert for paid tree care, and Connecticut requires an arborist license to advertise or contract for tree work.

Sources: Why hire an arborist (ISA) · Maryland Licensed Tree Expert (DNR) · Connecticut commercial arborist license (DEEP)

Good to know

Have mature trees checked at least once a year (ISA).
Homeowners insurance often pays only about $500–$1,000 to remove a fallen tree, and may not cover damage from a tree that wasn't cared for (Insurance Information Institute).
About 36,000 people a year go to the ER for chainsaw injuries; CDC says to leave felling to trained operators.

Questions to ask a tree service before you hire

Ask these on the phone or at the estimate. A good pro answers every one without dodging.

Do you have liability and workers' comp insurance? Can I see the certificates?
Is anyone on the crew an ISA Certified Arborist?
Does the price include stump grinding, hauling and cleanup?
How will you protect my house, fence, lawn and power lines?
Can I get the full job and price in writing?

Red flags to watch for

Warning signs from consumer protection agencies and trade groups.

Door-to-door storm chasers who want a big payment or cash up front. Source
They ask you to sign over your insurance claim. Source
They suggest "topping" your tree. Arborists call it one of the most harmful practices. Source
They can't show proof of insurance. Call the insurer to confirm. Source

If you get scammed, report it to your state attorney general's consumer protection office and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Find tree services by state

Pick your state, then your town, to see tree services near you.

Alabama321 towns Alaska56 towns Arizona71 towns Arkansas246 towns California327 towns Colorado176 towns Connecticut155 towns Delaware37 towns Florida322 towns Georgia372 towns Idaho123 towns Illinois846 towns Indiana399 towns Iowa427 towns Kansas264 towns Kentucky291 towns Louisiana205 towns Maine365 towns Maryland120 towns Massachusetts319 towns Michigan419 towns Minnesota477 towns Mississippi193 towns Missouri461 towns Montana79 towns Nebraska195 towns Nevada14 towns New Hampshire214 towns New Jersey490 towns New Mexico73 towns New York509 towns North Carolina402 towns North Dakota88 towns Ohio656 towns Oklahoma292 towns Oregon181 towns Pennsylvania754 towns Rhode Island35 towns South Carolina182 towns South Dakota112 towns Tennessee278 towns Texas917 towns Utah182 towns Vermont214 towns Virginia157 towns Washington216 towns West Virginia149 towns Wisconsin466 towns Wyoming52 towns

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Common questions about hiring tree services

How much does it cost to remove a tree?

Most tree removals cost $400 to $1,200, with a national average around $850. Small trees can be $200 to $500; large trees near a house can cost $2,000 or more.

Does my homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?

Often only if the tree fell on a covered structure, and many policies pay just $500 to $1,000 for removal. Call your insurer before work starts.

Do tree services need a license?

In most states, no. A few states, like Maryland and Connecticut, do. Everywhere, ask for proof of liability and workers' comp insurance.

What is an ISA Certified Arborist?

A tree-care pro who passed the International Society of Arboriculture exam and keeps up training. It's voluntary, but a good sign. You can verify it at TreesAreGood.org.

Is stump grinding included?

Not always. Ask if the price includes stump grinding, hauling the wood away and raking up.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-03. Great Local Pros is a directory; we don't do the work or guarantee it. Terms.