Tree removal
Dead pines, leaning water oaks and big trees close to the house, taken down in sections when space is tight.
Tree removal in Wilmington NCShort answer: national price guides estimate most single-tree removals at roughly $400 to $1,200, and Angi estimates the typical North Carolina price at $600 to $900 per tree. Those estimates start around $200 for small trees. Tall pines or oaks over a house, emergency jobs and crane work can run $2,000 or more. These are published estimates, not our prices. Local quotes vary with the tree, the site and the season.
Tree removal cost by height
Height is the starting point for most quotes. Two major price guides publish these estimates:
| Tree height | HomeGuide estimate | Angi estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft (small: crepe myrtle, young pine, Bradford pear) | $200 to $500 | $150 to $450 |
| 30 to 60 ft (most yard oaks and pines) | $500 to $1,500 | $450 to $1,200 |
| 60 to 80 ft (mature loblolly pine, water oak) | $850 to $2,000 | $800 to $1,500 |
| Over 80 ft | $1,200 to $2,500+ | $1,000 to $2,000 |
About these numbers
Wilmington-area trees skew tall. Mature loblolly pines often reach the 60 to 80 foot band, which is why many local quotes land in the upper part of these ranges.
Cost by tree type
| Species | HomeGuide estimate | Angi estimate | Local notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | $250 to $1,600 | $250 to $1,500 | Straight and light for their height, but often close to houses. |
| Oak (live, water, laurel) | $300 to $2,500 | $200 to $2,000 | Heavy, spreading wood. Big live oaks may need a permit. |
| Palm | $200 to $1,200 | $650 to $1,500 | Single trunk, but the stump and root ball are bulky to remove. |
What pushes the price up or down
- Targets and access. A tree over a roof, pool or power line must be taken down in pieces. Angi says difficult access can add 25% to 50%.
- Crane. When a crane is needed, Angi estimates it adds around $500, or $250 to $600 per day.
- Condition. Dead, rotten or storm-split trees are less predictable to climb and cut. An already-fallen tree is often cheaper: Angi estimates $300 to $500.
- Several trees at once. HomeGuide reports multi-tree discounts of 10% to 25%.
- Season. HomeGuide notes summer and fall prices can be 10% to 20% higher, and storm season adds demand.
- Emergency work. Commonly 2 to 3 times the standard price.
Add-ons to ask about
| Item | Published estimate |
|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 to $500+ per stump (HomeGuide); first stump $120 to $400, extra stumps $30 to $60 each |
| Hauling debris | About $70 (Angi); often included |
| Wood chipping | $50 to $100 (HomeGuide); about $95 (Angi) |
| Log splitting | $50 to $100 (HomeGuide) |
| Hourly crew rate | $100 to $400+ per hour (HomeGuide) |
Good to know
Hauling matters more here than in many places. The City of Wilmington will not collect commercial contractor waste, Oak Island won't pick up tree service debris, and Pender County convenience centers don't accept yard waste. Make sure the quote says the wood leaves with the crew. More on stump grinding cost.
Permit and rule costs in Wilmington
Most removals on ordinary house lots in the City of Wilmington don't need a permit, but some do: trees in the public right-of-way, trees on residential lots over 1 acre, non-residential lots, conservation buffers, and local historic districts. The city lists these fees:
- Private property tree removal permit: $25 (under 1 acre), $50 (1 to 5 acres), $100 (5 to 10 acres), $150 (over 10 acres).
- Mitigation, when required: $175 per caliper inch.
- Removing a protected tree without a permit: $150 per inch DBH or $1,200 per tree, whichever is greater, plus mitigation.
See the permit rules that can add to the cost. Southport permits are free, but mitigation can apply to larger trees.
Will insurance cover it?
From the official source
Sometimes, and usually not all of it. The NC Department of Insurance says a homeowners policy typically pays up to $500 per loss for tree removal when a tree damaged a covered structure or blocks the driveway. Read when insurance pays for tree removal.
How to get an accurate quote
- Send photos showing the whole tree and what is near it.
- Say whether you want the stump ground and the wood hauled, chipped or left in rounds.
- Ask for the price in writing, itemized.
- Get more than one quote for big jobs.
Related: how much it costs to trim a tree, and when you're ready, hire a tree removal service in Wilmington or get a free quote for your tree.
Common questions
What is the average cost to remove a tree in North Carolina?
Angi estimates typical tree removal in North Carolina at about $600 to $900 per tree. National price guides estimate the overall average at around $750 to $850, with small trees from about $200 and very large or difficult trees $2,000 or more. Get a free estimate for your exact price.
Why do quotes for the same tree vary so much?
Crews price the risk and time, not just the height. A pine over a roof that must come down in sections with ropes takes far longer than the same pine in an open yard that can be felled in one piece. Hauling, stump grinding and access also change the number.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Often not. Many quotes cover cutting and hauling only. Ask whether the stump is ground, how deep, and whether the grindings are hauled or left.
Does insurance pay for tree removal?
In North Carolina, a homeowners policy generally pays for removal only when the tree damaged a covered structure or blocks a driveway, and the NC Department of Insurance says that removal coverage is typically up to $500 per loss. A dead tree standing in the yard is a maintenance cost.
Is emergency tree removal more expensive?
Yes. HomeGuide reports emergency removal often runs 2 to 3 times the standard price, because of night or weekend work, hazards and demand after storms.
Prices and rules last checked: 2026-10-02.
