Tree Removal Costs

In Wilmington, tree removal can cost as little as $200 or as high as $2000, depending on how risky or complex it is. Most properties in the Delaware region have small to medium-sized trees – this generally puts the tree removal cost in the range of $400 to $1200, with the typical average-sized trees costing $750 to remove. 

Tree removal professionals consider a wide range of factors during price estimation. In this guide, we will take you through all these factors. 

Factors Affecting the Tree Removal Cost in Wilmington 

1. Tree Size 

When it comes to tree size, tree removal experts consider the height and the diameter of the trunk. However, the height of the tree takes more precedence since almost every tall tree will have a large trunk diameter. 

As you would expect, the removal of tall trees takes more time compared to the removal of small trees. Big trees are generally heavier and often require more complicated gear to bring them down without causing harm to the neighboring amenities. 

Below, we have outlined the costs to expect for trees of varying sizes: 

Small Tree Removal Cost 

For a tree to fit in the small category, it has to be under 30 feet tall. These trees have a diameter of fewer than 15 inches. Since they are generally light, small trees can be removed with normal gear, with most of them taking a few hours to bring down. Professionals charge $150 to $400 to remove small trees. 

Examples of trees that fit in the small category include: 

• Crepe Myrtle 
• California juniper 
• Japanese maple 
• Dogwood 
• Magnolia 

Medium Tree Removal Cost 

These trees grow to a height of 30 – 60 feet. The trees will have a diameter of 15 to 19 inches. Removing medium-sized trees does take some extra time – that is, if compared to the small tree category. However, tree removal professionals can remove the trees in 4 to 8 hours. The trees cost $450 to $700 to remove. 

In Wilmington, trees in the medium category include: 

• Copper wood 
• Crab apples 
• Red maple 
• Small varieties of the red oak 

Large Tree Removal Cost 

These trees have a height of 60 to 100 feet and their trunks reach diameters of 20 to 24 inches. Large trees can be removed in one day. However, tree removal teams with less advanced gear can take multiple days to complete the removal. On average, you should expect to be charged $900 to $1200 to remove a large tree. 

Some of the trees that fit in this category include: 

• Large varieties of red oak 
• Conifer 
• Sycamore 

Very Large Tree Removal Cost 

These trees have the highest tree removal cost, with professionals asking for $1,300 to $2000 to bring them down. The trees grow to heights of above 100 feet and will have a trunk diameter of 24+ inches. Even with experienced workers and advanced tree removal gear, the removal of very large trees can take multiple days. 

Some of the trees that fit in this category include: 

• White pine 
• Sequoia 
• Palm 
• Eucalyptus 

2. Crane-Assisted Removal 

Huge trees in risky conditions have to be handled with extreme care to minimize the possibility of property damage. A crane is generally needed to control the tree’s falling direction. In emergency tree removals, the crane may be needed to lift the tree off buildings, roads, or other amenities. 

Cranes are generally not needed in regular tree removals. For this reason, most tree removal experts do not own the machine. When it is needed, tree owners often have to take the weight of renting the crane. 

In Wilmington, you can rent a crane for $200 to $600 per day. You will also need an average of $50 to $100 to pay the crane operator. Using a crane for a day costs an average of $250 to $700. If you have been charged $2000 to remove a tree without a crane, you may need to pay $2,250 to $2,700 if a crane has to be used. 

3. Tree Species 

Different tree species have different heights, weights, and wood hardness. While a tree species like oak can reach 80+ feet, you will never find a crepe myrtle with a height of more than 30+ feet. While the oak may weigh several tons at maturity, the crepe myrtle’s weight will be much lower. 

This means that different tree species will have varying degrees of complications when it comes to their removal. If the characteristics of a tree species make it easier to remove, its removal cost will be lower compared to that of a tree species whose characteristics complicate the tree removal process. 

Oak Tree Removal Cost 

Oak trees in Wilmington reach heights of 60 to 100 feet. Oaks with a height of 30 to 80 feet have a tree removal cost of $200 – $800. When the oak tree height reaches 80 feet and starts approaching 100 feet, you will need $800 to $1000 to remove the tree from your compound. 

Magnolia Tree Removal Cost 

You will be hard-pressed to find a magnolia tree with a height of above 30 feet. Magnolias are generally very easy to bring down, with experts removing them in under 2 hours. You will be charged $375 – $500 to remove magnolia trees. 

Sycamore Tree Removal Cost 

At maturity, sycamore trees grow to heights of 30 – 60 feet. Depending on your sycamore’s height, you should expect a tree removal cost of between $600 and $900. 

Pine Tree Removal Cost 

Pine trees reach heights of above 80 feet at maturity. Depending on how old your tree is – that is if it is still growing or it has already reached maturity – you should expect a tree removal cost of $200 to $1500. It is worth noting that the white pine can grow to heights of above 150 feet – these trees can have a removal cost as high as $2000. 

4. Tree Condition 

Different conditions affect trees in Wilmington. Most of the conditions make the tree removal process more complicated – this means that they often drive the tree removal cost up. Below, we have looked at some of the conditions: 

Decay and Cavities

These show that your tree has extreme stability issues. Such a tree can fall unexpectedly, causing injuries or significant damage to your home. To avoid this, a lot of care may be needed during the tree’s removal.  

Weak Branches 

The biggest risk with weak branches is that they may drop unexpectedly. While the branches may not do as much damage as the tree trunk, they are still heavy enough to create damages that could cost you a lot of money to fix. To help you avoid spending thousands of dollars on home repair costs, professionals prefer to prune the trees before removal. 

Significant Lean 

Trees that are leaning in the right direction might have a lower tree removal cost. However, those that are leaning over powerlines, houses, and other crucial structures may have a higher cost of removal – this is because the tree removal professionals will have to put in extra work to make the trees fall in the right direction. 

Dead Trees

Compared to live trees, dead trees are significantly lighter. This makes their removal much easier, which could lead to a lower tree removal cost. To remove a dead tree, you may be charged $75 to $400 depending on its size. 

Fallen Tree Removal 

If your tree has fallen on open space, meaning that it is not lying on structures or utilities, its removal will be much easier. This can reduce the tree removal cost between $75 and $150. The cost, however, may increase if the tree is lying on sensitive structures. 

5. Additional Costs

Since most of the services outlined below are generally not included in the quoted cost, professionals are generally charged for them separately: 

Tree Chipping 

This service cuts the trees into small pieces, making hurling easier. The procedure costs $50 to $100. 

Wood Splitting 

This service is ideal for tree owners who use firewood in their homes. To turn the tree trunk into firewood, you will pay $50 – $100. 

Travel Fees 

You can avoid travel fee by working with professionals living near your home. Tree owners only pay the travel fee when they decide to work with a team living too far from their property. Each mile traveled costs $0.5. However, the overall cost can add up to $50 to $200. 

Permits and Licenses 

The law in Wilmington requires tree removal professionals to have permits before removing a tree with a height of more than 10 feet. The permits can cost $60 to $150. 

Stump Removal Cost 

To remove a tree stump, you may be charged $100 to $150. If your goal is to remove more than one stump, the following prices may apply: 

• Per stump – The fist stump may set you back $150. The remaining stumps may cost you $50 each. 
• Per hour cost – Tree removal professionals will charge you $150 per hour to clear large areas with tree stumps.
• Per diameter inch cost – You will be charged $2 to $3 per diameter inch, with a minimum cost of $100.