Tree removal is one of the most variable home services you can hire. Two quotes for the same tree can differ by hundreds of dollars. Understanding what drives the price makes it much easier to evaluate bids — and recognize when something is off.
Typical Price Ranges in Northern Virginia
These figures reflect market rates in Fairfax, Arlington, McLean, and surrounding areas as of 2025. They include felling, removal of debris, and basic stump cutting to grade — but not stump grinding, which is typically quoted separately.
| Tree Size | Typical Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 25 ft) | $300 – $700 | Dogwood, young crape myrtle, small ornamentals |
| Medium (25–50 ft) | $700 – $1,500 | Mature dogwood, red maple, smaller oaks |
| Large (50–80 ft) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Tulip poplar, pin oak, silver maple |
| Very large (80 ft+) | $3,000 – $6,000+ | Large white oak, cottonwood, sycamore |
What Drives the Price Up
- Access and obstacles: A tree close to your house, fence, or power lines takes longer and requires more rigging. That labor cost gets passed to you.
- Dead or structurally compromised trees: Counterintuitively, dead trees can cost more to remove — brittle wood behaves unpredictably and takes more care to take down safely.
- Log hauling: Some companies quote removal without hauling. Make sure you know whether logs and brush are included or whether you're left with a pile.
- Permits: Some Northern Virginia jurisdictions (Arlington, Alexandria) require a permit to remove trees above a certain diameter on private property. Ask your arborist whether a permit is needed and who pulls it.
Red Flags in a Quote
- No certificate of insurance offered — don't proceed without it
- A quote given over the phone without seeing the tree
- Cash-only payment with no written contract
- Pressure to decide same-day ("I have a crew available right now")
- No mention of cleanup or debris removal
A reputable company will give you a written, itemized estimate after visiting your property. If a contractor won't put it in writing, walk away.
Should You Get Multiple Quotes?
Yes — especially for large trees. Three quotes is a reasonable standard. If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, ask why. It's not always a red flag (sometimes a company just has a crew nearby that week), but it warrants a question.
We provide free, itemized quotes with no pressure. ISA-certified arborists, $2M insured, serving all of Northern Virginia.