Tree removal cost by height
| Tree | Typical 2026 NY price |
|---|---|
| Small tree, under 30 ft (ornamentals, young maples, fruit trees) | $300 – $600 |
| Medium tree, 30 – 60 ft | $600 – $1,200 |
| Large tree, 60 – 80 ft (mature oaks, tulip poplars) | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Crane removal over a house | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
| Already fallen tree, open area | $85 – $300 |
Sources: Environmental Forest Products, "How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in New York? (2026)", eforestproducts.com; LawnStarter tree removal price guide (updated October 2026) for fallen trees; HomeGuide 2026 tree removal costs. Ranges are published figures, not quotes.
Cost by trunk diameter
Height is the easiest thing to see, but crews price mainly on trunk diameter, because that is what sets how much wood comes down and how heavy each piece is. New York's Environmental Forest Products puts most mid-range residential removals, 12 to 24 inches in diameter with moderate access, at $600 to $1,500 per tree, with large-diameter hardwoods in tight yards needing rigging or a crane at $3,000 or more. HomeGuide notes that trunks over 24 inches cost significantly more than smaller ones. LawnStarter's national figure is about $10 to $14 per foot of height, $630 on average, which matches small and medium Rockland trees but undershoots big oaks near houses.
To measure diameter, wrap a tape around the trunk about 4.5 ft up and divide by 3.14. The same measurement decides whether many Rockland towns require a permit (8 inches in Clarkstown, 12 in Nyack and Suffern), so it is worth knowing before you call.
Extras that change the price
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 – $400 per stump, or about $2 – $6 per inch of diameter |
| Crane removal over a house | About $2,000 – $3,500+; very large trees or long setups cost more |
| Emergency / after-hours storm work | Roughly 20 – 50% above standard pricing |
| Wood chipping of branches | $50 – $100 |
| Log splitting for firewood | $50 – $100 |
| Hauling away logs and debris | Often not included; ask |
| Several trees on one visit | Often 10 – 25% less per tree |
| Lot clearing | $1,200 – $8,000 per acre, depending on density |
Sources: HomeGuide 2026 tree removal and stump removal cost pages (stump grinding, chipping, splitting, multi-tree discounts, land clearing per acre); Environmental Forest Products 2026 New York guide (what is not included in standard pricing); ArboStar, "Emergency tree removal cost" (20–50% emergency premium).
Permit fees in Rockland
Most homeowners in Rockland pay no permit fee at all, because most towns do not require a permit for an ordinary removal at an existing home. Where a permit is needed, Nyack charges $50 per tree; Clarkstown, Pomona, Airmont and Montebello set the fee in their fee schedules, so call for the current amount. Budget for replacement planting where it is required (Nyack, Clarkstown violations, Sloatsburg, Upper Nyack). The full list is in our Rockland tree permit table.
What pushes a Rockland quote up or down
- Distance to the house, wires and fences. A tree that can be dropped in one piece costs a fraction of one that has to be climbed and lowered piece by piece.
- Slope and access. Hillside lots in Nyack, Piermont, Sloatsburg, Pomona and along the Hudson, and back yards with no gate a machine can fit through, mean more hand labor.
- Dead trees. Dead ash and oak get brittle; crews often cannot climb them and need a lift or crane, so a dead tree can cost more than a live one.
- Narrow village streets. Parking a chipper or crane on a busy road can need traffic control or a road permit.
- Timing. Storm-season emergencies cost more; late fall and winter are often the easiest time to book and price.
- Wood value. Large straight oak or cherry logs can have timber value on bigger rural lots; ask whether it offsets the bill.
How to compare quotes
Get two or three written quotes and compare the same scope: removal, stump grinding (and to what depth), whether logs and chips are hauled away, cleanup, permits, and the company's Rockland County home improvement contractor license and certificate of insurance. The cheapest quote without insurance is the most expensive one if a limb goes through your roof. Insurance usually covers removal only when a tree hits a covered structure, typically up to a set limit; check your policy after storm damage.
Cost questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Rockland County, NY?
Published 2026 New York ranges: about $300 to $600 for a small tree under 30 ft, $600 to $1,200 for a medium tree, $1,200 to $2,200 for a large tree and $2,000 to $3,500 or more for a crane removal over a house. Stump grinding is usually extra at $100 to $400 per stump.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Usually not. Environmental Forest Products notes stump grinding is almost always priced separately, at about $100 to $400 per stump. Ask for it on the quote.
Why is a dead tree more expensive to remove?
Dead wood is brittle and unpredictable, so crews often cannot climb it safely and must use a bucket truck or crane, which adds cost.
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
Usually only when a tree falls on a covered structure such as your house or garage, and typically up to a set limit. A dead tree that has not fallen is normally the owner's cost. Check your policy.
Do I pay anything to use this site?
No. Rockland Tree Removal is a free matching service. The tree company you hire gives you its own written price.
How it works
- Tell us about the job. Your town, what you need, and a photo if you have one. Takes about a minute.
- We match you with a local tree pro. An independent Rockland County tree care company that holds a Rockland County home improvement contractor license and carries liability insurance, and that actually serves your town.
- Get a free on-site quote. The company contacts you directly, looks at the tree and gives you a written price. No obligation, and you deal with them from there.