How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Georgia? (2026 Pricing)
I’m Rudy Perez, owner of All In Tree Services and Pro. We remove trees across Metro Atlanta every week, and the first question homeowners ask is always about price. This guide breaks down actual tree removal costs in Georgia by size, species, and job type so you know what to expect before you call for an estimate.
Most homeowners in our service area pay $400 to $2,500 for professional tree removal. The full range runs from about $200 for a small ornamental tree to $5,000 or more for a large hardwood near a structure. Every job is different, but the biggest price driver is always the same: how tall the tree is and how close it stands to something that can break.
Average Tree Removal Cost by Size
Tree height is the single biggest factor in pricing. Here is what we typically charge across Powder Springs, Smyrna, Fayetteville, and the rest of Metro Atlanta.
Tree Height | Typical Cost Range | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
Small (under 30 ft) | $200 to $800 | Dogwood, crape myrtle, Bradford pear |
Medium (30 to 60 ft) | $800 to $1,800 | Water oak, sweetgum, small pine |
Large (60 to 80 ft) | $1,500 to $3,500 | Mature red oak, loblolly pine, pecan |
Very large (80+ ft) | $3,000 to $5,000+ | White oak, tulip poplar, old-growth pine |
These ranges include cutting the tree down, sectioning it, and hauling away the wood and debris. Stump grinding is usually a separate add-on. More on that below.
Tree Removal Cost by Species in Georgia
Georgia yards are full of specific species, and each one comes with its own removal challenges. Wood density, branch structure, and root systems all affect how long the job takes and what equipment we need.
Species | Typical Size | Average Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Loblolly pine | 60 to 90 ft | $800 to $2,500 | Tall and straight, but dead pines are unpredictable |
Water oak | 50 to 70 ft | $1,000 to $3,000 | Dense wood, wide canopy, heavy branches |
Red oak | 60 to 80 ft | $1,500 to $3,500 | Heavier than water oak, often near structures |
Sweetgum | 50 to 70 ft | $800 to $2,000 | Fast grower, moderate wood density |
Pecan | 60 to 100 ft | $1,500 to $4,000 | Massive canopy, brittle branches, very heavy wood |
Magnolia | 30 to 60 ft | $600 to $2,000 | Dense evergreen canopy, year-round leaf drop |
Bradford pear | 25 to 40 ft | $300 to $800 | Weak branch structure, often splits in storms |
Bradford pears deserve a special mention. Georgia listed them as an invasive species, and many homeowners are removing them before they split and cause damage. The good news is they are relatively small and inexpensive to take down. We remove more Bradford pears per month than almost any other species.
Factors That Affect Your Tree Removal Cost
Every yard is different. Here are the main variables that move the price up or down on any given job.
Tree Size and Weight
Height matters, but trunk diameter and canopy spread matter just as much. A 50-foot pine with a 16-inch trunk is a very different job from a 50-foot oak with a 30-inch trunk and a 60-foot canopy spread. The oak has more wood, heavier branches, and takes two to three times longer to section and lower.
Location on the Property
A tree standing alone in an open field is the simplest removal. A tree that hangs over a roof, wraps around power lines, or sits between a house and a fence line costs more because every piece has to be rigged and lowered with ropes. We cannot let anything free-fall when your house is directly below.
I walked a job in Mableton last spring where a 70-foot water oak was growing 8 feet from the back corner of the house, directly over the deck. Every branch had to come down in controlled sections. That job ran about $3,200, which was nearly double what the same tree would have cost in an open lot.
Dead vs. Living Trees
Dead trees cost more to remove, not less. Dead wood is brittle, unpredictable, and harder for our climbers to work in safely. Branches snap without warning. Trunks can split during cuts. We take smaller sections, use more rigging, and work slower. Plan on a 15% to 30% premium for a dead tree compared to a healthy tree of the same size.
Accessibility
If our truck and chipper can park within 50 feet of the tree, that is ideal. If the tree is in a backyard behind a fence with a 36-inch gate, our crew carries every piece of wood out by hand. That adds labor hours and cost. Steep slopes, wet ground, and narrow driveways also slow us down.
Stump Grinding Add-On
Most removal quotes do not include grinding the stump. Adding stump grinding at the time of removal costs $100 to $400 per stump, depending on diameter. Bundling it with the removal saves money because the equipment and crew are already on site. If you schedule stump grinding as a separate visit later, expect to pay more. Read our full stump grinding cost guide for detailed pricing by size.
Multi-Tree Discounts
Removing three or more trees in one visit usually drops the per-tree price by 10% to 20%. The crew is already set up, the chipper is running, and we save time on mobilization. If you have several trees that need to come down, get them quoted together. We would rather give you a better price and handle them all at once.
Emergency Surcharges
Storm damage, a tree on your roof, or a trunk cracking and leaning over your driveway at 2 AM: these are emergency tree removal situations. Emergency pricing runs 25% to 50% above standard rates. That covers after-hours crew mobilization, faster response, and the increased risk of working on a compromised tree. We respond to emergencies 24/7 across Metro Atlanta, and we prioritize life-safety calls.
Crane-Assisted Removal
Some trees cannot be climbed or reached with a bucket truck. Trees in extremely tight spaces, trees too tall or too decayed for safe climbing, or trees directly over a structure sometimes require a crane. Crane-assisted removal adds $500 to $2,000 or more to the total job cost, depending on the crane size and how long it is needed. The crane lifts entire sections straight up and sets them down in a safe area, which actually speeds up the removal and reduces risk to your property.
Permit Requirements in Metro Atlanta
Several cities and counties in our service area require a tree removal permit before any work begins. Requirements vary, and fees typically run $25 to $150 per tree.
- Cobb County: Trees over 6 inches in diameter on developed residential lots may require a permit. Exemptions exist for dead or hazardous trees.
- Fulton County: Unincorporated Fulton County has a tree preservation ordinance. Check with the county arborist’s office.
- City of Smyrna: Requires permits for trees over a certain diameter. Dead and hazardous trees can sometimes get expedited approval.
- City of Powder Springs: Has a tree ordinance with canopy replacement requirements.
We know the permit rules across the cities we serve and handle the application process for our customers. If your tree needs a permit, we take care of it as part of the job.
Georgia law does not require a statewide permit for tree removal on private property. The rules come from your city or county, so always check local requirements. Call us and we can tell you exactly what your jurisdiction requires.
Seasonal Pricing: When Is Tree Removal Cheapest?
Tree removal pricing in Georgia follows a seasonal pattern that most homeowners do not realize.
Winter (December to February): This is typically the least expensive time to schedule removal. Demand drops after the fall leaf season, deciduous trees are bare (which makes them faster to work on), and crews have more availability. If your tree is not an immediate hazard, scheduling for winter can save you 10% to 15%.
Spring (March to May): Demand picks up as homeowners start yard projects. Pricing is mid-range. Spring storms also generate emergency calls, which pulls crews away from scheduled work.
Summer (June to August): Peak season. Hot weather means more storm damage, more fallen trees, and more emergency calls. Lead times are longer and pricing is highest.
Fall (September to November): A second busy period. Homeowners preparing for winter storm season call to take down risky trees before the weather turns. Pricing is moderate to high.
If you know a tree needs to come down and there is no immediate danger, book it for late fall or winter. You will likely get a better price and faster scheduling.
How to Save Money on Tree Removal
Here are legitimate ways to bring the cost down without cutting corners on safety.
- Bundle multiple trees. Get all your removals done in one visit. The per-tree cost drops when we can work efficiently across the whole property.
- Add stump grinding to the removal. Scheduling it separately costs more. Bundle it with the removal while the crew is already there.
- Keep the wood. If you have a fireplace or fire pit, tell us to leave the trunk wood on site instead of hauling it away. That saves hauling time and reduces your cost. We will cut it to firewood length at no extra charge.
- Schedule in the off-season. Winter removals are often cheaper and faster. If the tree is not urgent, plan ahead.
- Get three estimates. Prices vary between companies. Get at least three written quotes and compare scope of work, not just bottom-line price. The cheapest bid sometimes leaves out cleanup, stump grinding, or debris hauling.
- Ask about wood chip delivery. We can leave the chips from your job for use as mulch in garden beds. This saves disposal time, which can lower your cost slightly.
Check your insurance. If a tree fell on a covered structure, your homeowners policy may cover removal. Storm damage claims often cover the tree removal plus structural repairs, minus your deductible.
Tree Removal vs. Tree Trimming: Which Do You Need?
Not every problem tree needs to come out. Sometimes tree trimming solves the issue at a fraction of the removal cost.
Trimming makes sense when:
- The tree is healthy but overgrown
- Branches are rubbing against the house or growing into power lines
- You want to thin the canopy for more light or better wind resistance
- A few dead branches need to come off, but the rest of the tree is solid
Removal is the better option when:
- More than half the canopy is dead
- The trunk has visible decay, cracks, or fungal growth
- The tree is leaning in a new direction
- Roots are damaging your foundation, driveway, or sewer line
- The tree is an invasive species (Bradford pear, Chinese tallow)
- Storm damage has compromised the trunk structure
See our tree trimming cost guide for full pricing on trimming jobs.
Real Cost Scenario: Oak Removal in Smyrna
Here is a real example from a job we completed last year.
A homeowner in Smyrna called about a 65-foot red oak with a 28-inch trunk growing 12 feet from the back of their house. The tree had a large dead section on the house side and a few branches overhanging the roof.
Job breakdown:
- Tree height: 65 feet
- Trunk diameter: 28 inches
- Proximity to structure: 12 feet from house, branches over roof
- Condition: partially dead, some decay at the base
- Access: rear gate was wide enough for the chipper, but the bucket truck could not reach
Our quote: $2,800 for removal plus $250 for stump grinding. Total: $3,050.
The job took our crew about six hours. Every branch on the house side had to be rigged and lowered. We sectioned the trunk in four cuts. The homeowner kept the larger trunk rounds for firewood, which saved about 45 minutes of hauling time.
A tree this size in an open lot with no structures nearby would have cost around $1,600 to $1,800. The tight access, partial decay, and proximity to the house added about $1,000 to the total.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Georgia?
Most Georgia homeowners pay $400 to $2,500 for tree removal. Small trees under 30 feet cost $200 to $800. Medium trees (30 to 60 feet) run $800 to $1,800. Large trees over 60 feet range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. The final price depends on tree size, species, location on your property, and accessibility.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Generally, insurance covers tree removal only if the tree fell on a covered structure like your house, garage, or fence. Storm damage claims typically cover both the removal and the structural repair, minus your deductible. A standing tree that you want removed for any reason is usually not covered. Contact your insurance agent for your specific policy details.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Metro Atlanta?
Many cities and counties in Metro Atlanta require a permit for removing trees above a certain diameter, typically 6 to 12 inches. Dead or hazardous trees sometimes qualify for expedited permits or exemptions. We handle the permit process for our customers and know the requirements across Powder Springs, Smyrna, Fayetteville, and the rest of our service area.
How long does tree removal take?
A small to medium tree in an open area takes two to four hours. Large trees near structures can take a full day. Very large removals with crane assistance may span two days. We give you a time estimate along with the price estimate so you know what to expect.
Can I remove a tree myself?
For small trees under 15 feet with nothing nearby that can be damaged, DIY removal is possible if you have the right tools and experience. For anything taller, near a structure, near power lines, or dead, hire a professional. The risk of property damage and personal injury goes up fast with tree height. A $1,500 removal is much cheaper than a roof repair or an emergency room bill.
Is tree removal cheaper in winter?
Yes. Winter is typically the least expensive season for tree removal in Georgia. Demand is lower, deciduous trees are easier to work on without leaves, and crews have more open scheduling. If your tree is not an immediate hazard, booking a winter removal can save you 10% to 15%.
Get a Free Tree Removal Estimate
If you have a tree that needs to come down, we will walk your yard, assess the situation, and give you a written estimate with no surprises. All In Tree Services and Pro serves Powder Springs, Smyrna, Mableton, Fayetteville, Villa Rica, and all of Metro Atlanta. We are licensed, insured, and family-owned. I walk every job personally.
Call (470) 608-2545 or contact us to schedule your free estimate.