Tree Species Guide: Problems, Size & Removal Cost

Tree Species Comparison: Size, Problems and Removal Cost

Tree height is the biggest driver of removal cost, so the typical removal range below follows each species’ usual mature height. Heights come from the university extension and USDA sources cited in each guide. Prices are 2026 national averages from Lawn Love; your local price will vary.

Tree	Typical mature height	Main problems	Typical removal cost (2026)
Mimosa	20–40 ft	Invasive, resprouts, vascular wilt	$285 – $870
Bradford pear	About 35 ft	Splitting, bad smell, invasive	$285 – $870
Willow	30–80 ft	Roots in pipes and septic, weak wood	$435 – $1,160
Maple	40–80 ft	Shallow roots, weak silver maple limbs	$435 – $1,160
Palm	Up to 80 ft	Ganoderma, freeze damage, frond care	See the palm removal cost guide
Sweetgum	60–75 ft	Gumball litter, surface roots	$870 – $1,160
Ash	50–100 ft	Emerald ash borer, brittle when dead	$435 – $2,000
Cottonwood	75–100 ft	Brittle limbs, cotton fluff, big roots	$870 – $2,000

Removal cost bands by height (Lawn Love 2026): up to 30 ft $285–$435, 30–60 ft $435–$870, 60–80 ft $870–$1,160, over 80 ft $1,160–$2,000. Stump removal usually adds $180–$525.

For a price based on your own tree, use the tree removal cost by size and type calculator. Measure the tree first with the tree height calculator and the DBH calculator.

What Makes Some Trees Cost More to Remove

• Height and trunk size. Tall trees need more climbing, rigging and sometimes a crane. See large tree removal cost.
• Wood strength and condition. Brittle or dead wood, common in ash killed by emerald ash borer and in old cottonwoods, has to be taken down slowly in small pieces. See dead tree removal cost.
• What’s underneath. Trees over a house, fence or power lines cost more than trees in an open yard.
• Root sprouting. Sweetgum, mimosa and Bradford pear can resprout after cutting, so plan for stump grinding with the stump removal cost calculator.

Choosing a Tree to Plant Instead

Many of the trees above end up removed because they were planted too close to a house, driveway or sewer line, or because they outgrew the space. Before you plant, check the tree’s mature size and give it room. Our guides on how far apart to plant trees and tree distance from a foundation help you choose the spot, and the tree planting cost guide shows what to budget.

Tree Species FAQs

Which trees are the most expensive to remove?

Tall, heavy trees such as cottonwood, ash and large sweetgum or maple usually cost the most, because removal prices rise with height. Based on 2026 national data, trees over 80 feet typically cost $1,160 to $2,000 to remove.

Which trees should not be planted near a house?

Trees with aggressive or shallow roots, such as willow, cottonwood, silver maple and sweetgum, need plenty of space from foundations, paving and pipes. Each guide explains how much room the tree needs.

Which common yard trees are invasive?

Bradford (Callery) pear and mimosa are both listed as invasive in parts of the U.S. Several states ban the sale of Callery pear.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

It depends on your city and the tree’s size. Check whether you need a permit to cut down a tree before you book the work.

Sources: Lawn Love, How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in 2026? Tree heights and problems are cited in each species guide. More articles: all tree guides.