Tree removal cost in Sydney typically runs from about $290 for a small tree to $17,250 or more for an extra-large one (October 2026, including GST). Height is the biggest driver, followed by access, nearby structures or power lines, council approval and whether you want the stump ground out.
This guide shows how much tree removal costs by size, how Sydney compares with other capitals, what a fair quote includes, and when you need an arborist or council approval.
Key points
- Removing a small tree under 5 m in Sydney costs about $290 to $920, and an extra-large tree over 20 m costs about $5,200 to $17,250.
- Height, access, power lines and the need for a crane or climbing are the biggest cost drivers.
- Pruning instead of removing can cost less, at about $230 to $1,375 per tree, and may keep shade and privacy.
- DIY is only sensible for small shrubs you can cut from the ground; check your council’s tree rules before any cutting.
Tree removal cost: price table for Sydney
These Sydney prices include GST and are for October 2026. They cover the tree work itself, so stump grinding is a separate line.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $290 | $575 | $920 |
| Medium tree removal (5 to 10 m) | $920 | $1,725 | $2,875 |
| Large tree removal (10 to 20 m) | $2,300 | $4,025 | $5,750 |
| Extra-large tree removal (20 m+) | $5,200 | $7,450 | $17,250 |
| Tree pruning or trimming, per tree | $230 | $520 | $1,375 |
| Stump grinding, small (under 30 cm) | $170 | $230 | $345 |
| Stump grinding, medium (30 to 60 cm) | $290 | $400 | $575 |
| Stump grinding, large (60 cm+) | $460 | $690 | $1,025 |
How much does tree removal cost? A simple calculator
You can build a rough estimate yourself by adding the lines that apply to your job.
- Pick the size band that matches your tree’s height and take the low-to-high range from the table.
- Add stump grinding if you want the stump gone, using the stump diameter band.
- Add the cost of any pruning you need on neighbouring trees.
- Allow extra for hard access, power lines or a crane, which a quote will itemise.
- Check whether council approval is needed, since permit fees and delays may apply.
- Worked example (indicative — your quote will differ): a medium tree at a typical $1,725 plus a medium stump grind at a typical $400 gives a rough total of $2,125.
- Worked example (indicative — your quote will differ): a small tree at a typical $575 plus a small stump grind at a typical $230 gives a rough total of $805.
Palm and yucca tree removal prices
Palms and yuccas are priced by height and access, like other trees. A tall palm with a heavy crown near a house costs more than a short one in an open yard.
- Small palms and yuccas under about the small-tree height band usually fall in the small tree range above.
- Tall palms near power lines, roofs or pools need an arborist and often cost more because of the safety setup.
- Yucca trunks are fibrous and can be heavy, so quotes often include extra time for cutting and carting.
- Palm tree removal in Brisbane and other warm cities follows the same height-and-access logic as in Sydney.
- Stump grinding is usually a separate line, so ask whether the stump is included.
- Palm fronds and trunk sections are bulky green waste, so check that disposal is in the quote.
Tree removal cost by city: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide
Only the Sydney figures above are verified for this page. Other capitals follow the same drivers, so use local quotes for the final price.
| City | How it compares | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Verified ranges in the table above | Council rules, access and green-waste disposal |
| Melbourne | Tree removal cost in Melbourne varies by council (indicative — get local quotes) | Local tree protection overlays |
| Brisbane | Varies by size and protection (indicative — get local quotes) | Council permits for protected trees |
| Perth | Varies by access and local government (indicative — get local quotes) | Local government approval |
| Adelaide | Varies by tree status (indicative — get local quotes) | Regulated and significant tree rules |
| Near me | Search for local, insured arborists | Insurance and written quotes |
What affects tree removal cost
- Height and canopy: larger trees need more crew time, climbing and equipment, which is why the large band costs several times a small one.
- Access: narrow side gates, steep blocks and backyard-only access increase labour and sometimes require a crane.
- Nearby hazards: power lines, roofs, pools and fences require careful sectional removal.
- Tree condition: dead, split or diseased trees can be riskier and slower to cut.
- Council approval: some trees need a permit, which may add fees and time before work can start.
- Stump and waste: stump grinding, wood chipping and green-waste disposal are often quoted as extras.
- Time of year: storm clean-ups can push prices up when arborists are busy.
DIY vs hiring a pro for tree removal
| Factor | DIY | Hiring a pro |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Only for small shrubs you can cut from the ground | Qualified arborists handle height, chainsaws and power lines |
| Cost | Lower cash cost, but tools and disposal still add up | Higher upfront, includes insurance and cleanup |
| Council rules | You must check approvals yourself | A good arborist knows local rules |
| Noise | Powered tools must follow NSW hours: 7 am to 8 pm, or 8 am on Sundays and public holidays | Reputable crews work within legal hours |
| Result | Risk of damage to fences, roofs and neighbours’ property | Insured work with a clean finish |
How to save on tree removal without cutting corners
- Get at least three itemised written quotes and compare the scope, not just the total.
- Ask whether pruning a tree rather than removing it would solve the problem.
- Book several jobs together, such as pruning, stump grinding and a garden clean-up, so the crew travel once.
- Clear access paths and move vehicles, furniture and pots before the crew arrives.
- Ask about wood chip or timber you can keep for mulch to reduce disposal costs.
- Avoid peak storm-season rushes by booking non-urgent work early.
What a fair tree removal quote should include
- The tree species, height and location on the property written clearly.
- Itemised lines for removal, stump grinding, green-waste removal and any crane or traffic costs.
- Proof of public liability insurance and a recognised arborist qualification.
- A statement on who applies for council approval and who pays the fee.
- Start and finish dates, and what happens if the weather delays the job.
- Clean-up and disposal details, including what is left on site.
Council rules and permits before you cut
Check your council’s tree rules before any cutting, and read our guide to council tree removal permits.
- Most Sydney councils require approval to remove or significantly prune trees above certain sizes or of listed species.
- Work near power lines, above head height with a chainsaw or on large trees is for qualified arborists only.
- Ask the arborist whether they will lodge the application for you and who pays the council fee.
- Do not start cutting while an application is pending, because unapproved work can lead to penalties.
- Keep photos, species details and any arborist report, since councils often ask for them with the application.
- Tell neighbours before work starts if branches overhang or the crew needs to use their side access.
FAQ: tree removal cost
How much does tree removal cost?
In Sydney, a small tree under 5 m costs about $290 to $920, a medium tree $920 to $2,875, a large tree $2,300 to $5,750 and an extra-large tree $5,200 to $17,250 (October 2026, including GST). Stump grinding is usually extra.
What does tree removal in Sydney usually cost?
Most Sydney homeowners pay in the small to medium bands, with typical prices of about $575 and $1,725. Access, power lines, council approval and stump grinding can all move the total, so ask for itemised quotes.
Is stump grinding included in the quote?
Often it is not. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately, from about $170 for a small stump to $1,025 for a large one in Sydney. Ask the arborist to confirm whether it is included.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
Often yes. Many Sydney councils require approval to remove trees above set sizes or of listed species. Check your council’s rules first, because unapproved removal can lead to penalties.
Is palm tree removal cheaper than other trees?
Not always. Palms are priced by height and access like other trees, and tall palms near buildings or power lines need an arborist. Get at least three quotes and ask what is included.
Getting trees pruned or removed in Sydney
If you’re weighing pruning against removal, we can assess the job and quote it in writing. Read our pruning guide first, then book tree pruning in Sydney.
