Removing a 20-foot tree in South Salt Lake City costs between $150 and $500. The exact price depends on tree type, location, and services included. Small trees like this fall on the lower end of removal pricing.

Many homeowners worry about tree removal costs when they need a medium-sized tree removed. The price varies widely based on accessibility and tree condition. Dead or diseased trees often cost more due to safety risks.

This guide explains exact costs for 20-foot tree removal in Salt Lake City. You’ll discover money-saving tips and learn when professional removal makes the most sense.

 

Key Factors That Influence Tree Removal Costs

Several important factors determine the final cost of removing your 20-foot tree. Tree size, location, and condition all affect pricing significantly. Understanding these factors helps you estimate costs before getting quotes.

Accessibility stands as the biggest cost factor for smaller trees. Easy access with equipment keeps costs low. Difficult locations with obstacles increase labor time and equipment needs.

Tree species affects removal difficulty and pricing. Hardwood trees like oak cost more to cut than softer species. Dense wood requires more cutting time and sharper tools.

Tree Size and Type

A 20-foot tree falls into the small to medium category. Most tree removal companies consider trees under 30 feet as small trees. This size typically requires basic equipment and shorter removal times.

Tree diameter matters as much as height. A thick 20-foot tree costs more than a thin one. Wide trunks need more cuts and create more debris.

Different tree species have varying removal costs. Evergreen trees often cost less to remove than deciduous trees. Pine and spruce cut easier than oak or maple trees.

Location and Accessibility

Trees in open yards cost less to remove. Equipment access and falling space reduce removal time. Trees near buildings, fences, or power lines cost significantly more.

Slope and terrain affect equipment placement. Steep yards prevent large equipment use. Manual cutting and rope techniques take much longer.

Narrow gates limit equipment access to backyards. Crews must use smaller tools when trucks cannot reach the tree. This limitation increases labor time and costs.

Tree Health & Condition

Tree condition significantly impacts removal costs and safety requirements. Healthy trees typically cost less to remove than damaged ones. Live trees behave predictably during cutting.

Dead trees create unpredictable falling patterns. Weakened branches may break during removal work. Safety precautions add time and equipment costs.

Healthy vs. Diseased vs. Dead Trees

Healthy 20-foot trees cost $150 to $350 for basic removal. Strong wood cuts cleanly with standard equipment. Predictable falling patterns keep safety risks low.

Diseased trees cost $200 to $450 due to safety concerns. Weakened wood breaks unpredictably during cutting. Workers need extra time for careful removal.

Dead trees often cost $250 to $500 for removal. Brittle branches fall without warning during work. Special techniques prevent property damage and injuries.

Fallen Trees and Storm Damage

Storm-damaged trees cost less if already on the ground. Ground-based cutting eliminates height work dangers. However, debris cleanup takes significant time.

Partially fallen trees cost more than standing ones. Tension in hung-up trees creates dangerous cutting conditions. Special equipment safely brings down suspended trees.

Extra Services That Affect Cost

Basic tree removal includes cutting and major debris removal. Additional services cost extra but provide convenience. Understanding these costs helps you budget accurately.

Most companies charge separately for stump work and cleanup. Basic quotes cover cutting and large debris only. Small branches and leaves often remain.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding adds $75 to $200 to removal costs. Machine grinding creates wood chips for mulch use. Complete stump removal costs more but clears the area entirely.

Stump size determines grinding time and cost. Wider stumps take longer to grind completely. Root systems may extend beyond the visible stump area.

Branch Chipping

Wood chipping services cost $100 to $200 extra. Professional chippers handle branches quickly and efficiently. Homeowners can keep chips for landscaping use.

Manual cleanup without chipping costs less upfront. However, debris disposal becomes your responsibility. Multiple dump runs add time and expense.

Debris Hauling

Full debris removal adds $100 to $300 to costs. Crews load and haul all tree materials away. This service provides complete cleanup convenience.

Partial cleanup leaves small debris for homeowners. You save money but handle final cleanup yourself. Consider your time value when choosing options.

Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City

Most residential tree removals don’t require permits. Private property trees under city ordinance limits qualify. However, protected species may need approval.

Street trees require city permits before removal. Public right-of-way trees belong to the city. Unauthorized removal results in fines and replacement costs.

Heritage trees over certain sizes need special permits. Salt Lake City protects significant trees through ordinances. Check local regulations before scheduling removal.

Cost Differences in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City tree removal costs stay competitive regionally. Local labor rates and equipment costs influence pricing. Multiple companies serve the area effectively.

Seasonal demand affects pricing throughout the year. Storm seasons increase emergency calls and rates. Off-season work offers better pricing opportunities.

Urban density impacts equipment access and costs. Tight neighborhoods require smaller equipment and manual techniques. Rural areas allow larger machinery use.

Tree Removal Costs in Salt Lake City

Standard 20-foot tree removal ranges from $150 to $500. Open yard locations with easy access cost less. Difficult access or obstacles increase pricing significantly.

Emergency removal adds 25% to 50% to standard rates. After-hours and weekend work commands premium pricing. Storm damage creates high demand periods.

Average pricing falls around $300 for typical conditions. This includes cutting and basic debris removal. Additional services cost extra as outlined above.

DIY vs. Professional Tree Removal

Professional removal provides safety and insurance protection. Licensed contractors carry liability coverage and workers’ compensation. Their expertise prevents costly property damage.

DIY removal might seem cheaper initially. However, equipment rental and disposal costs add up quickly. Most homeowners underestimate total DIY expenses.

Cost of DIY Tree Removal

Equipment rental for DIY removal costs $200 to $400. Chainsaws, ladders, and safety gear rental adds up quickly. Professional-grade tools work safer and faster.

Chainsaw rental costs $50 to $75 per day. Add fuel, oil, and chain sharpening expenses. Multiple days may be needed for complete removal.

Disposal fees range from $50 to $150. Dump facilities charge by load or weight. Tree debris fills trucks quickly, requiring multiple trips.

Safety and Liability Risks of DIY

DIY tree work creates significant safety risks. Falls and falling branches cause serious injuries regularly. Proper training prevents most accidents effectively.

Property damage liability falls on homeowners. Insurance may not cover DIY project damage. Professional contractors carry appropriate liability coverage.

Electrical hazards near power lines prove deadly. Only trained professionals should work near utilities. Contact your utility company before starting work.

Why Hiring a Certified Arborist May Be Worth It

Certified arborists understand tree behavior and physics. Their training prevents cutting mistakes that cause problems. Proper techniques ensure safe and efficient removal.

Professional equipment completes work faster. Specialized tools and machinery reduce removal time significantly. Efficiency often offsets higher labor costs.

Insurance coverage protects all parties involved. Professional liability and workers’ compensation prevent costly claims. This protection often justifies professional costs.

How to Get a Reliable Estimate

Contact multiple tree removal companies for accurate pricing. Compare services, credentials, and pricing carefully. Similar services can vary significantly in cost.

Request detailed written estimates for comparison. Verbal quotes often change during billing. Written estimates protect both parties from misunderstandings.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Get at least three quotes from licensed companies. Compare total costs including all desired services. Verify what each quote includes specifically.

Ask for itemized pricing breakdowns. Understanding individual service costs helps decision making. Some services may be unnecessary for your situation.

Importance of On-Site Assessment

Professional site visits provide accurate pricing. Photos and descriptions miss important details. On-site evaluation identifies all challenges and requirements.

Tree condition assessment requires expert evaluation. Hidden defects affect removal difficulty and costs. Professional inspection prevents surprises during work.

How to Save Money on Tree Removal

Schedule removal during off-season periods. Late winter and early spring offer lower demand. Handle small debris cleanup yourself. Keep branches under 4 inches for personal disposal.

Bundle multiple tree projects together. Volume discounts apply to larger projects. Late winter provides the best pricing opportunities. February and March have minimal emergency calls.

Hardwood trees may have firewood value. Quality wood reduces disposal costs significantly. Wood chips make excellent landscaping mulch. This reuse eliminates disposal costs entirely.

Related Services That Affect Tree Removal Costs

Tree removal often connects to other landscaping projects. Coordination between services can reduce total costs. Planning multiple projects together provides efficiency benefits.

Landscaping after removal requires soil preparation. Root grinding and soil amendment add costs. New plantings need proper soil conditions.

Property cleanup may reveal additional needs. Tree removal exposes other landscape issues. Address multiple problems together for better pricing.

Conclusion

Removing a 20-foot tree in Salt Lake City costs between $150 and $500 depending on location and services needed. Tree condition, accessibility, and additional services all affect final pricing. Professional removal provides safety and insurance protection.

DIY removal might cost less upfront but creates significant risks. Equipment rental, disposal, and liability concerns often exceed professional costs. Safety should always be the primary consideration.

Diamond Tree Experts provides transparent pricing and expert service throughout Salt Lake City. We are the trusted tree removal contractor with certified arborists who handle removals safely and efficiently. Contact us today for a detailed quote on your 20-foot tree removal project.