Tree removal in South Salt Lake runs $200 to $600 for a small tree, $800 to $1,200 for a medium tree, and $1,200 to $3,000 for a large one. Most homeowners only face this cost once, usually when a dangerous tree is already threatening a house or fence line, so knowing the real numbers ahead of time keeps the estimate from being a surprise.
This guide breaks down exact costs by tree size in Salt Lake City, plus a few ways to save money on the job.
Factors That Affect Tree Removal Pricing
Salt Lake City sees 4,000 to 5,000 tree service requests a year, and no two jobs price out the same. An arborist looks at the tree’s condition, the equipment it will take, and what is around it before quoting a number.
Tree Size and Height
Size is the biggest factor. A small tree under 30 feet runs $125 to $437 for basic removal. Medium trees between 30 and 60 feet need a bucket truck and cost more. Anything over 60 feet usually needs crane equipment and more planning.
Proximity to Homes, Fences, and Power Lines
A tree near a structure adds 25 to 50 percent to the cost, since the crew has to work slower and rig each piece carefully to protect the property. A tree near power lines adds a coordination step with the utility company and sometimes a permit, which adds time and cost.
Tree Health and Condition (Diseased, Dead, or Weak)
A dead or diseased tree costs 15 to 30 percent more to remove. The wood is unpredictable, so a crew has to take extra precautions cutting it. Diseased wood also needs proper disposal so it does not spread to healthy trees nearby.
Accessibility and Equipment Requirements
Tight access changes everything. A backyard tree with no gate access often means hand-carrying debris and equipment instead of using machinery, which can double the time and cost of an otherwise simple job.
Species and Wood Density (Cottonwoods, Maples, Pines)
Soft wood like cottonwood cuts faster and costs less than dense hardwoods like maple or oak, which dull blades quickly and take longer to work through. Pines need their own handling because of the sap.
Seasonal Pricing Differences in Utah
Winter removal runs 10 to 20 percent less than peak season, since demand drops once storm season passes. Spring and summer bring the most calls and the highest prices.
Emergency vs. Scheduled Services
Emergency removal after storm damage can run double the scheduled rate, since it means an urgent, after-hours response. Booking ahead of time is the simplest way to keep the price down.
Tree Removal Costs by Tree Size
The national average for tree removal runs $700 to $1,000, and Salt Lake City pricing lines up closely with that. Arborists price by height and trunk diameter together, since both affect labor time.
Small Trees (Under 30 Feet)
Small tree removal runs $200 to $600 in Salt Lake City. A ground crew can usually finish the job in a day with basic equipment and simple cleanup.
Typical Costs in Salt Lake City
Small ornamental trees run $200 to $400. Fruit trees run $300 to $500. Small evergreens run $400 to $600, depending on wood density and how easy the site is to access.
Medium Trees (30–60 Feet)
Medium tree removal runs $800 to $1,200. These jobs need a bucket truck and more careful, systematic cutting, since there is more debris to manage.
Average Pricing for Utah Homeowners
Mature shade trees run $900 to $1,100. Medium evergreens run $800 to $1,200. Deciduous trees average $850 to $1,200. A multi-trunk tree or one with a complex branch structure will run toward the higher end.
Large Trees (Over 60 Feet)
Large tree removal runs $1,200 to $3,000. Crane-assisted removal becomes necessary at this size, and the job usually takes more than one day, with permits and sometimes neighborhood notice required.
Costs for Cottonwoods, Maples, and Other Large Trees
Cottonwood removal runs $1,200 to $2,000. Mature maples run $1,500 to $2,500. Large pines run $2,000 to $3,000. Extensive root systems on trees this size also raise the risk to nearby foundations, so a professional assessment matters before work starts.
Add-On Costs Homeowners Should Expect
A tree removal quote rarely covers everything. Wood chipping adds $150 to $300, and hauling extra debris adds $200 to $500 depending on volume. A good contractor will walk through these add-ons up front so nothing shows up as a surprise on the final bill.
Stump Grinding and Removal
Stump grinding is a separate service and runs $75 to $400 per stump, depending on size and how far the roots extend. Grinding gives you a clean, immediate result. Chemical removal takes months, and manual removal costs more than grinding for the same outcome.
Getting an Accurate Estimate in Salt Lake City
No company can give a reliable quote without seeing the tree. Salt Lake City’s urban canopy covers about 15 percent of the city, and an arborist needs to see the tree’s condition and surroundings in person before pricing the job. Ask for a detailed written estimate that spells out what is included.
How Homeowners Can Save Money on Tree Removal in Salt Lake City
Scheduling in winter saves 10 to 20 percent over peak season. Combining multiple trees into one project also saves money per tree, since many companies offer a package discount. Salt Lake City offers free curbside collection for Christmas trees, which can lower disposal costs on smaller jobs, and keeping usable wood for firewood cuts hauling fees too.
Conclusion
Tree removal in Salt Lake City runs $200 to $600 for a small tree up to $1,200 to $3,000 for a large one. A professional estimate and a little planning around timing are the best ways to avoid surprises.
We are the trusted tree removal contractor serving Salt Lake City. Contact Diamond Tree Experts today for a free estimate.
