The expense associated with removing a tree in Georgia is highly variable, reflecting the state’s diverse geography and local governance. Costs in metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta, differ significantly from those in more rural counties. Local tree protection ordinances, the physical characteristics of the tree, and the complexity of the job all contribute to the final price. This article details the typical cost spectrum and the specific elements that drive the price up or down.
The Core Price Range for Tree Removal
The base cost for felling and removing a tree in Georgia typically falls between $300 and $2,200 for a standard job, covering the labor and equipment needed to bring the tree down and cut it into manageable sections. Tree size is the most significant determinant of this starting price, with costs broken down into clear tiers.
Small trees, defined as less than 30 feet tall, often cost between $200 and $400 for removal. Medium-sized trees (30 to 60 feet in height) commonly incur charges from $400 to $800. For large, mature trees exceeding 60 feet, such as a tall Georgia pine or oak, the price begins at $800 and can easily exceed $2,000, depending on the specific conditions. These figures represent the cost of the removal itself and do not include the cleanup of wood or the grinding of the remaining stump.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
The price for tree removal fluctuates based on the physical demands and logistical challenges of the specific site. Hardwoods like oak or hickory are denser and require more specialized equipment and time to dismantle compared to softer wood species like pine. The trunk’s diameter often impacts the price more than height alone, as a thicker trunk necessitates longer cutting times and greater effort to handle the resulting heavy wood sections.
Location and accessibility are also significant cost drivers, often altering the price by 25 to 50 percent. A tree situated near a structure, a fence, or utility lines requires technicians to use precise, piece-by-piece removal techniques, often involving ropes or cranes. This method, known as technical removal, is more time-consuming and hazardous than simply felling a tree in an open area.
The condition of the tree is a third factor that increases labor and risk. Trees that are dead, diseased, or leaning due to storm damage often require specialized rigging techniques because their structural integrity is compromised. The hazard associated with these unstable trees necessitates extra safety measures and greater expertise, which results in a higher removal fee.
Necessary Permits and Related Regulatory Costs
Administrative and regulatory requirements can introduce unexpected costs, particularly in Georgia’s major urban centers. Cities like Atlanta have strict tree protection ordinances. In Atlanta, a permit is required to remove any hardwood tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or greater on private property.
The permit process often begins with submitting an application to the city’s Arborist Division, followed by an inspection to assess the tree’s health. While the inspection for a dead or diseased tree may be free, the administrative time involved and the potential need for a certified arborist report add complexity. Failure to obtain the necessary permit for a regulated tree can result in substantial fines, increasing the total cost of the removal.
Post-Removal Services and Additional Fees
The core removal cost typically leaves behind the debris and the stump, necessitating separate services that add to the final bill. Stump grinding is the most common post-removal service, using a machine to shred the remaining stump down below ground level. This service generally costs between $100 and $400 per stump, or some companies price it at $2 to $3 per inch of the stump’s diameter.
Debris removal, which involves hauling away wood chips, branches, and logs, is often an optional add-on service. While some quotes include chipping and hauling, others charge a supplementary fee, sometimes $50 to $100 or more per tree, to clear the site. Property owners should also be aware of minimum service charges that many companies apply to small jobs. Finally, any removal required immediately due to an imminent hazard, such as after a storm, is considered an emergency service and carries a premium of 20 to 50 percent above the standard removal cost.