How Much Does A Tree Surgeon Cost? [2024]

A tree surgeon can do many jobs for you and their services can be a great home improvement. No one likes having a dead or dying tree in their yard and tree surgeons know how to revive a tree or know when it has to be removed. This cost guide will tell you what you need to know about tree surgeons rates.

1. What does a tree surgeon do?
2. How much does dead-wooding cost?
3. How much does tree removal cost?
4. How much does tree pruning cost?
5. Nutrient injections and branch bracing
6. How much does stump grinding cost?
7. Choosing a tree surgeon

What does a tree surgeon do?

Tree surgeons have a number jobs they can do for you. Some of them include:

• Dead-wooding (removal of dead limbs)
• Tree removal
• Tree pruning to remove diseased limbs
• Nutrient injection to strengthen a tree
• Branch bracing
• Stump grinding

A tree surgeon can also help you with council matters. In some cases, trees are protected and you will need a good reason to remove a tree. In other cases, you may need council permission to remove a large tree. Tree surgeons are familiar with council regulations and can help you through the process. Their rates may range from $25 to $45 per hour, but they will give you quotes for the job you need done.

How much does dead-wooding cost?

A tree surgeon may have to climb a tree and take precautions when dead-wooding. Depending on the size of the tree and the amount of deadwooding a tree surgeon has to do, the cost can range from $400 to $1000 for a large tree.

Some factors that may affect the cost include:

• Whether the tree is in the front or backyard
• Proximity to a home, power lines and other obstructions
• The tree species
• The size of the trunk
• The number of branches that need to be removed

All of these things will slow the tree surgeon down. If a tree is in the front yard, it is easier to load dead branches on the truck. Obstructions mean the tree surgeon will have to take extra precautions to avoid falling branches. Some tree species have dense timber and that will slow their work down and the size of the trunk is an indication of a large tree that has to be climbed. The number of branches that have to be removed is another factor that will play a part in the cost of dead-wooding.

How much does tree removal cost?

Tree removal will depend on the size of the tree. Some approximate costs may be:

• $500 to $850 for a small tree (as high as a single storey house)
• $1000 to $1500 for a medium sized tree (as high as a 2-storey house)
• $1000 to $2500 for a large tree
• Up to $7000 for removal of a very large tree (50 metres or more)

Tree removal isn't limited to standing trees. Some trees may have fallen. These are easier to remove because they have fallen. A 10 metre tree may cost $600 while a 15 to 20 metre tree will be closer to $1000 to remove.

How much does tree pruning cost?

Tree pruning has three main techniques:

• Canopy elevation
• Pollarding reduces the height of a tree
• Cutting back

Canopy elevation depends on the species and size of a tree. It can cost between $200 for a small tree to $1200 for a very large tree.

Pollarding is not recommended for large trees, but can be done on smaller trees of some species. It generally costs between $200 and $400.

Cutting back involves thinning a tree. It can cost between $400 for a smaller tree to $1000 for a large tree.

Nutrient injections and branch bracing

You will need to get quotes from arborists (another word for tree surgeon) for branch bracing and adding nutrients. The cost will depend on the amount of bracing a tree needs and the number of nutrients that need to be added to a tree. At an hourly rate of between $25 and $45 per hour, it could take up to a day to do either job or it may take a shorter amount of time. The tree surgeon will probably want to inspect the tree first and then will give you a firm quote.

How much does stump grinding cost?

Stump grinding is the process of removing a tree stump. If a tree surgeon cuts down a tree for you, they may only charge an extra $100 for stump grinding. If it's a separate job, the cost will be higher.

Some general costs for stump grinding may be:

• $60 for trees with diameters between 15 and 25cm
• $120 for trees with diameters between 25 and 40cm
• $200 for trees with diameters between 45 and 60cm
• $300 for trees with diameters between 65 and 80cm
• $400 for trees with diameters between 85 and 120cm

Larger trees will cost more and the cost may depend on the position of the stump. The tree surgeon uses special equipment to remove a stump and must be able to get the equipment to the tree. If a tree is close to a house or other obstruction, they may have to take further precautions to prevent an accident.

Choosing a tree surgeon

Tree surgeons are also called arborists. You can get quotes from several in your area using our Get Quotes service. Not all tree surgeons are alike, though. Some may have less experience than others and some may even hang a shingle saying arborist or tree surgeon, but not have the necessary experience.

In the past, arborists acquired their skills through working with a more seasoned arborist. Today, certificate courses are available for tree surgeons. TAFE courses are available, but many tree surgeons are getting diplomas in arboriculture. Both types of courses prove a tree surgeon is serious about their work. Some things they learn in TAFE or diploma courses include:

• Safe use of chainsaws
• Preparation and application of chemicals
• Recognising hazards on a site
• First aid training
• How to scale trees
• Ground based rigging
• Removal of trees in confined spaces

These are just some of the things a tree surgeon will learn, but experience is often the best teacher. When looking for an arborist or tree surgeon, ask them if they:

• Have a certificate or diploma
• Have insurance
• Are experienced in the type of job you need done
• Can give you references

In the past, certificates and diplomas were not needed. If you find a tree surgeon who has years of experience, they can probably be relied on. Some have been in business for 20 years or more and started work with an experienced arborist. You can probably rely on them to do a good job for you.

Tree surgeons have to work at heights and must know the dangers posed from falling branches. They often tie off a tree branch and lower it to the ground and must take extra precautions when working close to a road or near power poles or houses. An experienced tree surgeon knows exactly what to do, but they should also carry insurance in case of an accident or mishap. Don't hire a tree surgeon who doesn't carry insurance because you may be liable for a debt in case something goes wrong. And don't forget to ask for references. A client who has been pleased with a tree surgeon's work is your best bet you've found a good arborist.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.