Guide · Costs
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
Most Sydney tree removals cost between about $575 for a small tree and $4,000 for a large one. Here's what's behind the range, and what makes lower north shore jobs cost more or less.
Typical prices
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $290 | $575 | $920 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $920 | $1,725 | $2,875 |
| Large tree removal (10–20 m) | $2,300 | $4,025 | $5,750 |
| Stump grinding, small (under 30 cm) | $170 | $230 | $345 |
| Stump grinding, medium (30–60 cm) | $290 | $400 | $575 |
| Stump grinding, large (60 cm+) | $460 | $690 | $1,025 |
| Arborist report | $345 | $520 | $805 |
Typical Sydney prices including GST, from the What's The Damage Sydney cost guide (November 2026). Your quote depends on the tree, access and what's around it.
What changes the price
- Height and trunk size. More wood to cut, lower and take away.
- Access. No side access, stairs or a steep block means equipment is carried in and every section is lowered by hand. This is the big one on harbourside blocks in Mosman, Neutral Bay and Cremorne.
- What's underneath. Roofs, pools, glass and neighbours' houses mean sectional removal on ropes instead of felling.
- Power lines. Work near lines needs authorised crews and sometimes Ausgrid involvement.
- Green waste and the stump. Check whether the quote includes taking everything away and grinding the stump.
- Several trees at once. The crew and equipment are already there, so each extra tree usually costs less.
Council costs on top
If the tree needs approval, there's the application fee, and possibly an arborist report and replanting:
- Lane Cove: From 1 July 2026: $160 for pruning or removing 1–3 trees, plus $35 for each extra tree. Meeting the Council arborist on site costs $110 (20 minutes). Pensioner concession card holders get 50% off the application fee.
- Willoughby: approved removals need three replacement trees for each one removed, or a payment into Council's Tree Offset Planting Scheme.
- Ku-ring-gai: From 1 July 2026: $88 to remove one tree or hedge, $44 to prune one, and $13 for each extra tree or hedge. Pensioner rates are $42 and $20. Fees aren't refunded if the application is refused.
- Mosman and North Sydney: application fees are listed in each council's fees and charges.
- Arborist report, where needed: typically $345–$805.
See the council permit guide to check whether your tree needs approval.
Getting an accurate quote
Send photos of the whole tree, the base, and the path from the street to the tree. Mention the rough height, anything it overhangs, and whether you want the stump ground. That's usually enough for a ballpark before the on-site quote.
Prices for specific jobs
Common questions
Why are north shore quotes higher than the Sydney average?
Access and what's around the tree. Steep blocks, no side access and big trees over roofs mean more climbing, more rigging and more labour per tree.
Is the stump included in a tree removal quote?
Not always. Ask for stump grinding as a separate line so you can compare quotes properly.
Need a tree looked at?
Tell us the suburb and send a photo. We'll tell you what's involved, whether council needs to approve it, and what it should cost.