By: Shelby McCullough| Published: September 14, 2026
TL;DR: Tree removal in Orlando typically runs $200–$1,800 depending on tree size, species, location, and access. Palm trees, large live oaks near structures, and emergency storm removals sit at the higher end. Always get at least two itemized quotes from fully insured, ISA-Certified Arborists before you commit.
You have a tree that needs to go — maybe it’s dead, leaning toward your roof, or just in the wrong spot. Your first question is almost always the same: how much is this going to cost?
The honest answer is that tree removal pricing in the Orlando area has a wide range, and the variables matter a lot. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect to pay, what drives costs up or down, and what to watch for when comparing quotes.
Orlando Tree Removal Cost: Quick Numbers
Tree removal in Orlando can cost as low as $160 for a 30-ft tree or up to $1,800 for a tree over 80 ft tall. That wide range reflects just how different one job can be from another.
Tree removal costs in Orlando vary between $203 and $2,028, and most homeowners in the city pay an average of $761. Nationally, the picture is similar: the average cost to hire a tree service to remove a tree is between $385 and $1,070, with a national average of $850.
Here is a quick size-based reference for Central Florida:
- Small tree (up to 30 ft): $160–$450
- Medium tree (30–60 ft): $450–$1,200
- Large tree (60–80 ft): $800–$1,500
- Very large tree (80 ft+): $1,000–$1,800+
These ranges assume reasonable access and do not include stump grinding, debris hauling, or crane work — all of which add to the total (more on that below).
What Drives Tree Removal Costs in Central Florida
1. Tree Size
Height is the single biggest factor in a tree removal estimate. Taller trees require more climbing, more rigging time, and often heavier equipment. Tree height matters more than width because of rigging time, safety, and equipment needs — and doubling the height can roughly triple the cost.
2. Species and Wood Density
Central Florida homeowners deal with a wide mix of tree species. Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory cost 15–30% more to remove than softer woods like pine, and palms are generally the easiest.
The cost to remove a palm tree in Orlando ranges between $1,100 and $1,500 — largely because of their height and the specialized equipment needed to handle them safely.
3. Location and Access on Your Property
Location is the single biggest cost driver beyond tree size. Removal costs can be 50% higher if trees are located near buildings or utility lines.
Trees near power lines may require coordination with the utility company, and if your tree is in a backyard behind a narrow gate, heavy equipment can’t reach it — forcing manual techniques that take longer.
4. Crane-Assisted Removal
Large trees growing over rooftops, pool cages, or tight Orlando lots often require a crane. When a compromised tree is in danger of falling on your roof, car, or surrounding property, tree removal pros need to use a crane to remove branches safely — and you can expect to pay an additional $500, or around $250–$600 per day, for crane service, though the total cost can increase to $6,000–$7,000 depending on the difficulty of removal.
At McCullough Tree Service, crane-assisted removal is a core specialty — essential for the mature live oaks and large pines common throughout Orange and Seminole counties.
5. Tree Condition
Some trees are relatively simple to remove, requiring minimal equipment and time — but large, old, or structurally compromised trees demand specialized tools, safety rigging, and professional expertise, which increases the cost. A dead or rotting tree can actually cost more than a healthy one because it is unpredictable during cutting.
6. Add-On Services
Most base quotes do not include everything. Common line items to ask about:
- Stump grinding: Stump grinding typically costs $75–$1,000 depending on several variables, while basic stump removal may range between $60 and $350.
- Debris hauling: A company might haul away your tree for about $70, put it through a chipper for an average cost of $95, or split it into firewood for about $70.
- Bundle discount on stumps: Most tree services offer 30–50% off stump grinding when bundled with tree removal — the crew is already on-site with equipment, so mention it when getting your quote.
7. Emergency and Storm Removal
Hurricane season runs June through November in Florida. Emergency removal after a storm adds a 25–50% premium due to priority scheduling and added risk from unstable debris. If you need same-day service, emergency tree removal typically costs $1,500–$5,000+, which is 50–100% more than standard pricing.
Booking non-urgent removals outside of peak storm season can meaningfully reduce your bill.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Orlando?
This is one of the most common questions Central Florida homeowners ask — and the answer depends on your municipality.
All counties and many cities in the State of Florida have a tree protection ordinance in place. Depending on your location, you will need a permit before removing one or more trees, and the permitting process varies from county to county and city to city.
Florida does provide one important statewide protection for homeowners. Florida Statute 163.045 says a property owner may remove a tree on residential property without a local permit if the tree poses an unacceptable risk — meaning removal is the only practical way to mitigate that risk below moderate. However, the owner must have written documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that performs the assessment using Best Management Practices.
In plain terms: if a tree is genuinely hazardous, a certified arborist’s written assessment can clear the path to removal without a local permit on single-family residential properties. This is one of the most practical reasons to have an ISA-Certified Arborist consultation before any removal — McCullough Tree Service has three on staff.
Permits are typically needed when removing trees larger than 10 feet, and you can expect to pay $60–$150 per permit. Always confirm requirements with your city or county before work begins — Orange County and Seminole County each have their own ordinances.
Why Hire an ISA-Certified Arborist?
Not all tree companies are equal. Certified arborists cost 10–25% more than general tree services but reduce property damage risk, ensure trees are evaluated for health rather than just removed, and provide work that is recognized by insurance companies.
A certified arborist may also identify that the tree does not need removal at all — pruning, cabling, or treatment may address the problem at a fraction of the cost.
For large or complex jobs, a crane job should always be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist. Credentials matter, especially when the tree is over your home or near a neighbor’s fence.
Before hiring anyone, confirm the company is fully insured. Untrained crews have higher accident rates, and if a worker is injured on your property without workers’ compensation insurance, you face significant liability.
How to Get the Best Price on Tree Removal in Orlando
- Get multiple quotes. Request at least three itemized estimates from ISA-certified arborists — this lets you compare not just cost, but scope, safety coverage, and cleanup terms.
- Bundle services. If you have a stump to grind or multiple trees to remove, ask for a package price. The crew and equipment are already mobilized.
- Time it right. Book non-urgent removals during winter months — demand drops from December through February and contractor schedules open up.
- Ask what’s included. Confirm whether debris hauling, stump grinding, and cleanup are part of the quoted price or billed separately.
- Verify insurance and credentials. Ask for proof of general liability coverage and workers’ compensation before anyone picks up a chainsaw on your property.
McCullough Tree Service: Free Estimates in Greater Orlando
McCullough Tree Service is a family-owned company based in Longwood, FL, serving Orange County, Seminole County, and surrounding Central Florida communities for over 30 years. With three ISA-Certified Arborists on staff, the team handles everything from small single-tree removals to large-scale crane-assisted removals for trees in tight or hazardous positions.
Every job starts with a free estimate. McCullough is fully insured, drug-free, and serves homeowners, property managers, HOA boards, and commercial clients across Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Apopka, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, and surrounding areas.
Contact McCullough Tree Service today for a free, no-obligation estimate on tree removal.
Sources
