How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Charlotte?

What Does Tree Removal Actually Cost in Charlotte?

If you've got a tree that needs to come down, one of your first questions is probably about cost. And the honest answer is: it depends. Tree removal pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. A small ornamental tree in the middle of an open yard is a very different job from a 90-foot oak leaning over your roof in Myers Park. And trying to save money with DIY removal is never the answer. But we can give you a realistic sense of what drives the price so there aren't any surprises.

The Biggest Factor: Size

Tree size is the number one cost driver. A small tree under 30 feet — a dogwood, redbud, or small crape myrtle — is typically the most affordable removal. Medium trees in the 30-to-60-foot range, like many of the maples and sweetgums around Charlotte, cost more because they require more equipment, more labor, and more time. Large trees over 60 feet — think the big willow oaks in Dilworth or the tall loblolly pines in Ballantyne — are at the upper end of the range because of the sheer volume of wood that needs to be carefully brought down and removed.

Location and Access

Where the tree is on your property matters a lot. A tree in the middle of a backyard with plenty of room for our equipment is straightforward. A tree wedged between your house and your neighbor's fence in a tight Plaza Midwood lot is a different story. Limited access means more rigging, more hand-carrying, and more time — all of which affect the price.

Trees near power lines are another factor. If a tree is tangled in or close to utility lines, the job requires extra precautions and sometimes coordination with Duke Energy. We never cut corners on safety, and that additional care is reflected in the estimate.

Condition of the Tree

A healthy, structurally sound tree is actually more predictable to remove than a dead or decaying one. Dead trees can be brittle and break apart unpredictably. Trees with internal rot may look solid from the outside but be hollow inside, which changes how we approach the cut. Storm-damaged trees that are partially uprooted or hung up in other trees also require extra caution. If you have a tree emergency, the urgency and complexity can add to the cost.

Stump Grinding

Most tree removal quotes don't automatically include stump grinding. Grinding the stump down below ground level is a separate step, and it's usually priced based on the diameter of the stump. We always recommend grinding — a rotting stump attracts termites and other pests, and it's an eyesore. Many homeowners bundle stump grinding with removal to save on the overall cost.

What About the Wood?

Standard tree removal includes cutting the tree down and hauling everything away — trunk sections, branches, and debris. If you want the wood left for firewood, that can sometimes reduce the cost slightly since we're not hauling it off. If the tree is large enough for a sawmill and you want lumber cut, we can coordinate that too.

Getting Multiple Quotes

We always encourage homeowners to get a few estimates. But be cautious about quotes that come in dramatically lower than everyone else. Unlicensed operators without proper insurance are common in the Charlotte area, and if something goes wrong — a dropped limb hits your roof or a worker gets hurt on your property — you could be on the hook. Always verify that the company carries liability insurance and workers' compensation.

How to Get a Realistic Estimate

The best way to get an accurate price is to have someone come look at the tree in person. Photos help for a ballpark, but an on-site assessment lets us evaluate access, hazards, and the full scope of the job. Our tree removal service includes a free, no-obligation estimate.

Get Your Free Estimate

Call Orlando Tree at (704) 749-0642 to schedule a free on-site estimate. We'll walk your property, explain what's involved, and give you an honest, transparent price. No surprises, no pressure.