How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Raleigh, NC? (2026 Prices)
Most Raleigh homeowners pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 to remove a tree, but a big willow oak over a roof in Five Points can cost several times what a small pine in an open North Raleigh yard does. Here are the real ranges and what moves them.
Typical price ranges by tree size
These are typical market ranges for the Triangle, not a quote: small trees under 30 feet (dogwoods, crepe myrtles, young pines) usually run about $300–$700. Medium trees of 30–60 feet commonly cost about $700–$1,500. Large trees over 60 feet — the mature loblolly pines and willow oaks Raleigh is known for — often run $1,500–$4,000, and more when they hang over a house or need a crane.
A Raleigh example: pine in an open yard vs. oak over a roof
A 70-foot loblolly pine in an open backyard in North Raleigh can often be dropped in sections with plenty of room, so it lands near the bottom of the large-tree range. A willow oak of the same height in an older neighborhood like Hayes Barton or Oakwood, leaning over a slate roof with power lines nearby, has to be climbed and lowered piece by piece with ropes — that extra crew time is what pushes it toward the top of the range.
What else moves the price
Condition (dead, brittle trees are riskier to climb), access (can a bucket truck reach it, or does everything come out by hand through a side gate), the number of trees (several trees in one visit usually cost less per tree), and whether it's an emergency. After-hours and storm work typically costs more than scheduled removal.
Add-ons to ask about
Stump grinding is usually a separate line item — commonly about $150–$400 for a typical residential stump. Ask whether hauling, chipping and cleanup are included. At Kapok, cleanup and debris removal are included unless you ask us to leave wood behind.
How to get a firm price
Online ranges only get you close. Call (919) 708-8422 or request a free estimate — we'll look at the tree, the access and what's around it, and give you a clear number before any work starts.
Questions about your trees?
Estimates are free across Central North Carolina.
Common questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Raleigh?
Typical ranges in Raleigh are about $300–$700 for small trees, $700–$1,500 for medium trees, and $1,500–$4,000 or more for large trees near homes. Kapok gives free on-site estimates — call (919) 708-8422.
Why does removing a tree near my house cost more?
Trees over roofs, decks or power lines can't be dropped. They have to be climbed and lowered in sections with ropes, which takes more time and crew.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal cost?
Usually not. It's typically a separate charge of about $150–$400 for a residential stump, and Kapok can do it the same visit.
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
Typically only when a tree damages a covered structure like your home, garage or fence. Removing a healthy standing tree is usually out of pocket.