Tree removal prices by size
| Job | Typical Long Island range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (under 30 ft) | $300 – $800 | Ornamentals, young maples, cherry, arborvitae. Open access, simple drop. |
| Medium tree (30–60 ft) | $700 – $2,000 | Most backyard oaks, maples, and pines on Long Island lots. |
| Large tree (60 ft +) | $1,500 – $3,500+ | Mature North Shore oaks, tulip poplars, tall pitch and white pines. |
| Crane-assisted removal | Crane often adds $1,500 – $3,500 | Over a house, pool or wires, or with no drop zone. Crane jobs cost more overall, but can be faster and safer than climbing over a roof. |
| Storm / emergency removal | $500 – $3,000 per tree | After-hours premium is common. A crane, if needed, is extra. |
| Hourly crew rate (3-person crew) | $240 – $320 / hr | Used for cleanup, brush and odd jobs rather than full removals. |
The 6 things that set your price
1. What the tree would hit
This matters more than height. A 50-foot oak in an open backyard can simply be felled. The same oak leaning over a Cape Cod roof in Levittown has to be climbed and lowered in pieces, or lifted out by crane, which can double the cost.
2. Size, species and wood weight
Oaks and hickories (common on the North Shore) are dense and heavy to rig. Pitch and white pines (common in central and eastern Suffolk) are lighter and faster.
3. Condition
Dead trees, including beetle-killed pines and beeches with advanced beech leaf disease, are brittle and often can't be climbed safely. That means bucket trucks or cranes.
4. Access
Narrow side yards, fenced pools, slopes (Huntington, Port Washington) and canal-front backyards (Massapequa, Bay Shore) slow crews down.
5. Timing
Emergency and after-hours calls cost more, and prices rise after big storms when crews are booked out. Dormant-season (winter) work is often cheaper.
6. What's included
Stump grinding, hauling the trunk wood, lawn repair and permit filing are frequently separate lines.
Stump and add-on costs
| Job | Typical Long Island range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding, single stump | $150 – $500 | Most residential stumps. Price scales with diameter and access. |
| Per diameter inch | $2 – $6 / inch | Measured across the widest point at ground level. |
| Minimum / trip charge | $75 – $160 | Covers mobilizing the grinder, even for one small stump. |
| Each additional stump (same visit) | $30 – $60+ | Much cheaper once the machine is on site. |
| Job | Typical Long Island range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Town tree permit | $25 – $200 | Depends on town, number of trees and property type. Some towns add replacement or payment-in-lieu fees ($150–$500). |
| Tree trimming / pruning | ~$150 – $1,800+ per tree | By tree size: about $80–$450 small, $150–$900 medium and $200–$1,800 large. Tight lots and roof clearance push it higher. |
Nassau vs. Suffolk: what's different
Nassau has smaller, denser lots and older post-war plantings, so more sectional take-downs and crane jobs, and more towns with backyard-tree permit rules (North Hempstead 6"+, Oyster Bay 8"+). Suffolk has bigger wooded lots, more pines (lighter but often many trees per job), and a mix of strict (Smithtown, Huntington) and relaxed permit rules. See permits by town.
7 ways to lower the bill
- Schedule non-urgent removals in late fall or winter.
- Bundle jobs: two trees and three stumps on one visit cost far less than separate trips.
- Keep the wood, or skip hauling the trunk rounds.
- Grind the stump later, or not at all, if it's out of the way.
- Clear access yourself: move cars, open gates, take down a fence section.
- Remove dead trees early. They only get more brittle and more expensive.
- Check your homeowners policy if the tree damaged a structure.
What a good quote includes
- The contractor's Nassau or Suffolk Home Improvement license number
- Proof of liability and workers' comp insurance
- Method (fell, climb and lower, crane, bucket truck)
- Separate lines for removal, stump, wood, cleanup and permit
- Who files the permit, if your town requires one
Frequently asked questions
Why is tree removal more expensive on Long Island?
Labor rates, insurance and disposal costs are higher, lots are tight, and many trees are mature 60–80-year-old hardwoods close to houses. Published Nassau averages run well above national figures.
Is it cheaper to remove a tree in winter?
Often, yes. Late fall through winter is the slow season for many tree companies, leaves are off (so less weight and debris), and frozen ground protects lawns from equipment. Storm-season and spring pricing tends to be highest.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes, at least two or three for anything over about $1,000. Make sure each quote lists the same scope: removal, stump grinding, wood removal, cleanup and permit handling.
Can I save by keeping the wood?
Yes. Leaving the trunk in rounds (for firewood or to haul yourself) cuts disposal time and cost. Say so when you ask for the quote.
Does the price include the stump?
Usually not. Most Long Island quotes list stump grinding separately at $150–$500 per stump.
Sources
- Competition Tree — Average Tree Removal Cost on Long Island (2026)
- HomeBlue — Tree Removal Cost in Nassau County (2026)
- Jones Plant Health Care — Stump Grinding Cost in Suffolk County (2026)
- Jones Plant Health Care — Storm Damage Tree Removal Cost (Suffolk)
- Long Island Best Tree Service — Tree Trimming Cost on Long Island (2026)
- Green Light Tree Services — Stump Grinding Cost Per Stump (Nassau, 2026)
