Learning how to price your tree service business services is not a cakewalk.
There are plenty of factors to consider, such as the tree size, type of tree, kind of service your customer need, and the location, among many others.
But if you learn to do this right, you can make $200,000 annually as a tree service business owner.
In fact, according to IBISWorld, the market size of the Tree Trimming Services industry has grown 8.5% per year on average in the U.S. between 2018 and 2023. So there is a wide scope for growth in this business.
Keep reading to learn more!
Step-By-Step Pricing Guide For Tree Service Business
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can price your tree service business that ensures good profit and repeated demand:
1. Pricing Based on the Size of the Tree
Trees are basically categorized into three sizes: small, medium & large.
For large trees, you will have to bring in heavy equipment and cut off plenty of branches, and that too at a great height that could be really dangerous, so it is obvious to charge more for large-sized trees.
Similarly, small trees would require less labor and effort, so you have to price your service accordingly.
Here’s how you can determine which size of the tree comes under which category:
- Small – Trees up to 30 feet in height, such as dogwood trees or Russian olive, come under this category. You can charge $75 and $450 for such trees.
- Medium – Trees having a size of 30-60 feet falls under this category, and you can charge $150 and $875 for such trees.
- Large – Trees that are more than 60 feet in height, such as oak trees, pine, etc., falls under this, and you can charge $200 and $1,000 for this.
2. Tree Removal
The U.S. homeowners pay $385 to $1,070 to get their trees professionally removed.
You can charge up to $150 for removing a small tree, whereas, for a larger tree, you can charge as much as $2000.
Homeowners may ask for tree removal service in the following cases:
- Poor Tree Health – Tree removal can be suggested when a tree has been infested with pests or diseases and can’t be saved.
- Cause of Danger – If the tree is too close to your home and may fall off in case of a storm, hurricane, etc., or if the tree is close to the power line, etc., and poses some kind of danger to you and your family.
3. Stump Removal
Stump removal is another very popular service in the tree service business, which involves removing the tree’s remaining root system from the ground.
You can charge as low as $77 for a low-end project and as high as $1,033 for a high-end project. On average, a U.S. homeowner pays $326 for stump removal.
Why would homeowners want to get a tree stump removed?
- The stump is acting as a hurdle in their landscaping plans.
- The remaining root system is causing plumbing or any other problems in your house.
- The stump is ruining the look of your garden or backyard.
4. Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is different than Stump removal. You can charge $158 and $450 for this service. Typically Tree service owners charge $35 for the first stump and then $63 per additional stump.
Why would homeowners want Stump Grinding done?
- The stump poses as a hurdle in your garden or backyard and can cause kids to get hurt.
- The stump is ruining the appearance of your garden.
5. Tree Health
The deteriorating tree health can pose a great risk to your family or home. If your tree is pest-ridden or if you see woodpeckers on your tree, then that is a signal of poor tree health.
In such cases, it is recommended to get the tree removed because such trees become unstable & may fall anytime.
The charges would be less for removing a weak tree, and for removing a slightly healthier tree, you can charge more.
6. Emergency Tree Removal
Sometimes heavy winds, hurricanes, etc., causes a tree to fall unexpectedly. In such emergency tree removal cases, you can charge more as compared to the cost you charge for regular tree removal.
The cost will also depend on when you get the call, the complexity of the job, etc. You can charge up to $5000 in such situations.
7. Fallen Tree
A fallen tree requires less effort, as the main job has already been done, and now you only need to clear the area by grinding it, breaking off the branches, carrying it in your vehicle, etc. In such situations, you can charge $75-$150.
8. Tree Trimming & Pruning
Homeowners opt for trimming & pruning the trees when they have overgrown branches or when the branches pose as obstacles.
A homeowner might ask you for Trimming & Pruning services annually, and you can charge $75 to $1,500 for pruning a tree and $200 and $760 for tree trimming. The cost varies on the size of the tree.
9. Tree Removal Cost By Type of Tree
Different types of trees require different efforts, and so the cost to deal with them differs. Here’s a list of the most common tree types and the money that you can charge:
| Type of Tree | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cedar | $250-$1,500 |
| Aspen | $1000-$1,800 |
| Palm | $650-$1,500 |
| Oak | $200-$2,000 |
| Pine | $250-$1,500 |
| Japanese Knotweed | $2,000+ |
| Ash | $250-$1,800 |
| Maple | $250-$2,000 |
10. Tree Removal Charge By State
The standard cost of your tree service fees is also influenced by where you live, and the following table shows the average fees that most tree business charge:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $535 – $730 |
| Maine | $515 – $700 |
| California | $650 – $1,300 |
| Colorado | $350 – $650 |
| Washington, D.C. | $250 – $700 |
| Texas | $300 – $850 |
| New York | $750 – $1,100 |
| Washington | $550 – $800 |
| North Carolina | $600 – $900 |
| Florida | $750 – $1,500 |
Mistakes to Avoid While Pricing Your Tree Service Business Services
Wrap Up
The tree service business is a highly profitable business, and it never goes out of demand.
But to make the most out of your business, you need to know how to price your tree service business services, and we hope this guide has helped you in learning how to do it the right way.
FAQ’s
What is the average cost of tree removal service in the U.S.?
The average cost of tree removal service in the U.S. is $315 and $700.
How long does it take to remove a tree?
Removing a small tree can take 1-2 hours, whereas for removing a large tree, you might have to work for up to 8 hours.
How profitable is the tree service business?
If you are an individual tree service provider, then you can expect to make $21,000 and $49,000 annually, and if you own a tree service business, then you can make $100,000 to $200,000 annually in gross income.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.