How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Phoenix? (The 2026 Guide)
By B&C Tree Service | Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes
We want you to be the most educated buyer in Phoenix. That is why we have published our full 2026 Phoenix Tree Removal Market Report.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Phoenix?
While every tree is unique, we have analyzed market data across the Valley to create transparent pricing tiers for everything from small Acacias to massive Eucalyptus giants.
We have compiled this data into a comprehensive 2026 Pricing Guide that covers:
Size Tiers: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large (80ft+).
Specialty Pricing: Specific ranges for Saguaro Cacti and Palm Trees.
Service Differences: What you get with a "Price Fighter" vs. a Certified Arborist.
Want to see the numbers? Click the chart below to view our full, interactive 2026 Cost Guide and see exactly where your tree fits.
click on the image to view our full 2026 pricing data based on recent local tree removal jobs across the valley
The 4 Factors That Determine Your Price (The "Why")
Once you have checked the guide above, you might ask: "Why is the range for a Large Tree anywhere from $1,300 to $2,500? That’s a big difference."
Great question. In the tree industry, we don’t just price by the hour; we price by Risk and Resources. Here is exactly how an Arborist calculates your number.
1. The "Gate Test" (Accessibility)
This is the single biggest factor homeowners overlook.
Best Case: You have a wide RV gate, and we can drive our bucket truck, chipper, or stump grinder right up to the tree. This is faster, safer, and cheaper.
Worst Case: The tree is in a backyard with a standard 36-inch gate. This means we can’t bring in heavy machinery. Our crew has to climb the tree, cut it into small, carry-able pieces, and manually haul every log to the street. This takes 3x the labor, which increases the cost.
2. The Species (Weight = Money)
In Phoenix, not all wood is created equal. Landfills charge us by the ton to dispose of organic waste.
Mesquites & Palo Verdes: These are standard hardwoods. They are heavy, but manageable.
Eucalyptus & Aleppo Pines: These are the heavyweights. A large Eucalyptus holds massive amounts of water. When we take it to the landfill, that water weight adds up quickly.
Saguaro Cactus: We call this "Green Concrete." A rotting Saguaro is dangerous and incredibly heavy. Unlike wood, which can be chipped into mulch on-site, cactus must be hauled away in bulk.
3. The "Target" (Liability & Risk)
Where is the tree falling?
Low Cost: The tree is standing alone in a rock landscape. We can drop large sections at once.
High Cost: The tree is overhanging your tile roof, your pool pump, or a shared block wall with a neighbor. This requires Advanced Rigging. We have to rope down every single branch carefully to ensure zero property damage. Precision takes time, but it saves your roof.
4. The Condition of the Tree
Is the tree alive, dead, or dangerous? Many people assume a dead tree is cheaper to remove because "it's already dead." The opposite is true. A dead tree is brittle and unstable. It is unsafe to climb, meaning we often have to bring in a crane or lift to remove it safely. Live trees are predictable; dead trees are hazards.
Specialty Removals: Saguaros and Palms
The Phoenix market has two unique challenges that generic "National" cost guides always miss.
The Saguaro Cactus: Why it Costs More
Removing a Saguaro—especially one compromised by Bacterial Necrosis (that black, oozing rot)—is not a landscaping job. It is a hazardous materials job.
A 20-foot Saguaro can weigh several tons. If it falls the wrong way, it goes through roofs and crushes block walls.
The Permit Factor: Saguaro Cacti are protected native plants. Even on private property, specific regulations often apply for removal or relocation. B&C Tree Service handles the Arizona Department of Agriculture permit paperwork for you, but this is a legal requirement that affects the cost.
The Equipment: We often use cranes to lift them out vertically. This guarantees the cactus never touches your home.
Palm Trees: The "Skinning" vs. Removal Myth
Many homeowners ask for "Palm Skinning" (removing the dead fronds) thinking it is a removal.
Skinning/Trimming: Affordable maintenance ($100-$300 range depending on height).
Full Removal: Complex. Date Palms, in particular, have massive, fibrous root balls that are incredibly difficult to grind out. The trunk itself is extremely heavy and fibrous, making disposal more expensive than standard wood.
The Hidden Costs: What the "Cheap Guys" Don't Tell You
When you are comparing quotes, you might find someone with a pickup truck offering to do the job for $500 less. Before you say yes, ask about these three things. If they aren't included, that "cheap" quote is actually the most expensive one.
1. Stump Grinding vs. Stump "Flush Cutting"
Most low-ball quotes do not include stump grinding. They will cut the tree flush to the ground and leave the root ball.
The Problem: Termites love burying into old stumps. Plus, you can't replant or pave over that area.
The B&C Standard: Our removal packages can include full stump grinding, chasing the roots down 6-12 inches so you have a fresh start for your landscape.
2. Debris Haul-Away
Does the quote include "Complete Cleanup"? We have seen budget services cut the tree down and leave the wood stacked on the homeowner's curb for them to deal with.
The B&C Standard: When we leave, your yard should look cleaner than when we arrived. We rake, blow, and haul everything.
3. Insurance and Liability (The Big One)
This is the uncomfortable truth of the tree industry. Tree work is dangerous. If an uninsured worker drops a limb on your roof—or worse, hurts themselves on your property—you are liable. Your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim if you hired an unlicensed contractor.
The B&C Standard: We carry comprehensive Liability and Worker's Compensation insurance. When you hire us, you are hiring peace of mind.
"Can I Just Trim It Instead?"
Sometimes, you don't need a removal. You need a Restoration Prune.
If your tree is healthy but just "too big," aggressive topping (often called "Lion Tailing") is the wrong move. It stresses the tree and creates weak growth that breaks in the next Monsoon.
However, if the tree is:
Lifting the foundation of your home.
Interfering with power lines (SRP/APS often require removal).
Suffering from advanced rot or disease (like Sooty Canker in Mulberry trees).
Then removal is the financially smart decision. Trying to "nurse" a dying, hazardous tree often costs more in repeated treatments than simply removing it and planting a healthy, native replacement.
Ready for an Exact Number?
We hope this guide gives you a confident starting point for your budget. You now know the ranges, the risks, and the reasons.
If you are ready to get an exact, written quote (not a guess), B&C Tree Service is here to help. We don't use high-pressure tactics. We simply look at your tree, assess the access, and give you a fair price to do the job safely and correctly.
