Tree Removal Cost in Athens, GA
Tree removal cost in Athens, Georgia ranges from $200 for a small ornamental up to $5,000+ for a hazardous crane-assisted removal of an 80-foot oak. The average residential tree removal in Athens-Clarke County costs $800–$1,200. This guide breaks down exactly what drives that number, with real Athens-specific examples and a free estimate available any time at (706) 555-0200.
2026 Athens-area pricing
| Service | Size | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Tree | Under 30 ft | $200 – $500 | Dogwoods, crepe myrtles, small ornamentals |
| Medium Tree | 30 – 60 ft | $500 – $1,200 | Standard residential pines and hardwoods |
| Large Tree | 60 – 80 ft | $1,200 – $2,500 | Mature oaks, pecans, tall pines |
| Extra-Large / Hazard | 80 ft+ or hazardous | $2,500 – $5,000+ | Crane work, over structures, near power lines |
| Storm / Emergency Removal | Same-day | $500 – $3,500 | After-hours response, insurance documented |
| Dead Tree Removal | Any size | +15–30% | Added cost due to rigging risk and uncertainty |
| Stump Grinding (add-on) | Per stump | $100 – $400 | Bundled with removal for best pricing |
Pricing ranges reflect 2026 Athens-Clarke County tree removal market. Actual cost for your tree is determined in a free written estimate after on-site assessment. Prices outside Athens-Clarke County may vary based on travel distance.
Average tree removal cost in Athens
Based on hundreds of removals across Athens-Clarke County in 2025, here is what local homeowners actually paid: 30-foot dogwood near a fence — $350. 50-foot loblolly pine in an open back yard — $650. 60-foot water oak 15 feet from a house — $1,400. 75-foot pecan with crane assistance — $2,800. 40-foot dead oak on a power line — $1,900. Your number depends on which of these scenarios matches your tree.
Cost by tree size
Under 30 feet: $200–$500. These are small ornamentals, dogwoods, crepe myrtles, and dead saplings. Usually completed in 1–2 hours.
30 to 60 feet: $500–$1,200. Most residential hardwoods and pines in Athens fall here. Half-day jobs with full cleanup.
60 to 80 feet: $1,200–$2,500. Mature water oaks, southern reds, large pines. Full-day jobs requiring rigging.
80+ feet or hazardous: $2,500–$5,000+. Crane-assisted removals, trees over structures, complex multi-day jobs.
Additional cost factors
Stump grinding: $100–$400 per stump, often bundled at a discount. Emergency response after-hours: 50–100% surcharge. Crane rental on complex jobs: $800–$1,500 added. Permits and historic district documentation in Athens-Clarke: $50–$150 admin. Wood removal vs. leaving firewood rounds: usually no charge either way.
How to get an accurate quote
Phone quotes are guesses. The only accurate tree removal price is one given in writing after an on-site assessment. Athens Elite Tree Service provides free written estimates anywhere in Athens-Clarke County — usually within 24 hours of your call. We arrive on time, walk the property, ask what your goals are, and leave you with a quote you can compare apples-to-apples against any other Athens tree company.
What moves the price
Height & diameter
Doubling tree height roughly quadruples the work. Trunk diameter compounds it further.
Proximity to structures
Trees within 20 feet of a building usually need rigging — 30–80% added vs. open-area felling.
Power lines
Energized line involvement requires Georgia Power coordination and ANSI-rated crews.
Access
If our chipper can't get within 100 feet of the tree, labor hours grow significantly.
Species
Hardwoods (oaks, hickories, pecans) take longer per inch than softer pines.
Tree condition
Dead or decaying trees are unpredictable and priced for the added risk.
Time of day
Emergency / after-hours work carries a 50–100% surcharge.
Frequently asked cost questions
What's the average cost to remove a tree in Athens, GA?
The average residential tree removal in Athens-Clarke County costs $800 to $1,200 in 2026. Smaller trees can be as low as $200, and very large or hazardous removals reach $5,000+.
Is tree removal cheaper in winter?
Slightly. December through February is our slower season and we sometimes offer 5–10% off non-emergency removals booked during this window.
Does the quote include stump grinding?
No, stump grinding is a separate $100–$400 service. We offer a discount when bundled with the removal.
Will homeowner's insurance pay for tree removal?
Only if the tree damaged a covered structure (home, garage, fence). Insurance generally does not cover removal of healthy or even diseased trees in the yard.
Can I get an exact price over the phone?
No reputable Athens tree company can give an exact removal price without seeing the tree. We provide free in-person estimates within 24 hours of your call.
Do you require a deposit?
For jobs under $2,000 we collect payment on completion. For larger jobs we may collect 50% on the day work starts.
Get an exact written quote — free.
No phone-guess pricing. An ISA Certified Arborist visits your Athens property and gives you an itemized written estimate, usually within 24 hours.