The cost to cut up a fallen tree usually ranges from $150 to $1,500, with many straightforward jobs landing near $500. Trunk diameter, tree length, access, whether the crew must move or haul debris, and emergency scheduling have the biggest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree, cut into sections | $150 | $300 | $500 | Under 12 inches in diameter; easy access |
| Medium tree, cut and stacked | $300 | $650 | $1,000 | 12-24-inch trunk; branches included |
| Large or difficult tree | $700 | $1,300 | $2,500+ | Over 24 inches, tangled, or near structures |
| Debris hauling | $100 | $350 | $800+ | Added when logs and brush leave the property |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a single fallen tree, ordinary daytime scheduling, and no major crane or structure-repair work.
Typical Price to Cut a Fallen Tree by Size
A crew may charge $150-$500 to buck a small, accessible tree into shorter pieces. Cutting a medium tree and stacking the wood commonly costs $300-$1,000. Large trunks, multiple stems, or trees pinned under tension can push the bill to $1,000-$2,500 or more, especially when equipment or extra workers are needed.
Cutting into manageable sections is usually less expensive than cutting, loading, and hauling everything away. Ask whether the quote covers the trunk only or includes branches, stacking, and cleanup. Some companies have a minimum service charge of about $150-$300, even for a brief job.
How Labor, Chainsaws, and Hauling Shape the Quote
The estimate typically reflects crew time, saw work, safety setup, and debris handling. Labor may be priced as a flat job rate or at roughly $75-$150 per worker-hour; specialized arborist crews and difficult jobs can run higher.
| Quote component | Typical range | What it covers | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor and cutting | $150-$1,200 | Setup, bucking trunk, limb cuts | Often the largest share |
| Equipment | $25-$250 | Chainsaws, wedges, protective gear | May be included in labor |
| Loading and hauling | $100-$800+ | Moving and disposing of wood and brush | Depends on volume and distance |
| Stump or root work | $100-$500+ | Separate grinding or limited root removal | Usually not included in cutting |
Confirm the scope in writing because “cut up” does not automatically include hauling or stump grinding. Disposal can be billed by truckload, volume, or labor time, and large logs may require extra handling.
Which Trunk Diameter and Access Conditions Raise Rates
Diameter changes cutting time and equipment needs: a trunk under 12 inches is generally simpler than one over 24 inches, which may require repeated cuts, wedges, or a larger saw. A long trunk exceeding 30 feet can also take longer to section and move. Root balls, multiple trunks, and branches tangled with fences add labor.
Access matters as much as tree size. A crew that can park within about 50 feet of the tree may work faster than one carrying sections 100 feet or more through a yard. Trees resting on a house, vehicle, or power line need specialized coordination and may fall outside an ordinary cut-up estimate.
Give the estimator trunk diameter, approximate length, and the distance from the tree to vehicle access. Photos showing the full tree, nearby structures, and the intended wood pile can improve quote accuracy.
Save by Choosing Log Placement and Cleanup Scope
Leaving logs on site can avoid much of the loading and disposal charge. Buyers can ask for wood cut to a practical length and stacked in one accessible location, while arranging brush pickup separately. If the tree is already safely on open ground, clearing small branches before the crew arrives may reduce billable time, but cutting under tension should be left to trained workers.
Specify exactly what should stay, what should be hauled, and whether the crew must rake or chip the site. Compare quotes with the same scope, and avoid paying for stump grinding, log splitting, or fine cleanup unless those services are needed.
Three Fallen-Tree Quotes for Common Yard Jobs
A small 10-inch tree, about 20 feet long, with clear access might take one worker around 1-2 hours to section and stack. A typical quote could be $200-$400, with hauling priced separately.
A 20-inch tree, roughly 35 feet long, with limbs to cut and logs stacked 40 feet from the work area might require two workers for 3-5 hours. A plausible total is $600-$1,100, depending on brush handling and local rates.
A 30-inch trunk tangled near a shed could require a three-person crew, 5-8 hours, and controlled cutting. The estimate may reach $1,500-$3,000 before extensive hauling or property repairs.
These examples assume ordinary daytime work and illustrate how size and handling change the total, not fixed national rates.
Does Emergency Timing Change Fallen-Tree Rates
After-hours, weekend, or storm-response service can add roughly 25%-100% to standard labor pricing, depending on urgency and local demand. A tree blocking a driveway may receive faster service than one that is safely down in an open yard. If the tree threatens a home or blocks access, tell the company when requesting the estimate and ask whether the price includes immediate stabilization.
When the tree is not an immediate hazard, scheduling during normal business hours can avoid emergency premiums. Keep people away from hung-up limbs and trees touching power lines; contact the utility for electrical hazards rather than approaching or cutting them.
How U.S. Location Shifts Tree-Cutting Quotes
Labor and disposal costs vary by market. Dense metro areas and regions with high contractor demand may price 15%-35% above a typical estimate; rural areas can be 10%-25% lower when travel and disposal are straightforward. Storm-hit neighborhoods can temporarily exceed both ranges because crews are booked and debris sites are busy.
Local access, disposal rules, and crew availability matter more than a national average. Compare at least two itemized quotes from insured providers and check whether travel, minimum charges, and disposal fees are included.
Cutting Only Versus Full Debris Removal
Cutting a tree into sections for the homeowner to keep is the lower-cost option. Adding brush chipping, log loading, and off-site disposal commonly adds $100-$800 or more, while very large volumes can require multiple truckloads. Wood may be left in longer rounds or stacked if the property has space and the buyer plans to use it for firewood.
Ask for separate prices for cutting, stacking, chipping, and hauling so each service can be compared. Confirm the maximum log length and whether the crew will remove small limbs; those details prevent surprise charges on completion.