You've got a tree that needs to come down. Maybe it's dead. Maybe it's hanging over your roof after that last windstorm. Maybe you just want the yard to open up. Whatever the reason, the first thing most people want to know is: what's this going to cost me?
I've been removing trees in Lancaster County for over 15 years. I've quoted thousands of jobs. Here's the straight answer on what tree removal actually costs around here — no marketing fluff, no bait-and-switch ranges so wide they're useless.
Lancaster PA Tree Removal Cost: Quick Breakdown
| Tree Size | Height | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree | Under 25 ft | $150 – $400 |
| Medium tree | 25 – 60 ft | $400 – $900 |
| Large tree | 60 – 80 ft | $900 – $1,400 |
| Very large / old growth | 80 ft+ | $1,400 – $1,800+ |
| Emergency (storm damage) | Any | 1.5x – 2x normal rate |
These are real numbers from jobs we've done in Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, Manheim, and the surrounding townships. The national averages you'll find online tend to run higher — Lancaster County labor rates are a bit more reasonable than what you'd see in Philadelphia or DC suburbs.
What Actually Moves the Price
Size is the biggest factor, but it's not the only one. Here's what else comes into play when we're figuring out a quote:
Location and Accessibility
A tree sitting in the middle of an open yard is straightforward. A tree wedged between your house and your neighbor's fence with power lines overhead? That takes longer and requires more care. Tight access means more time, and time is money. If we need a crane — which happens on big jobs in confined spaces — expect to add $500–$1,500 to the bill depending on crane time.
Tree Condition
A dead tree with brittle wood can actually be harder to remove safely than a healthy one. Dead wood doesn't flex the same way — sections can break unpredictably. Diseased trees with soft, punky wood present their own challenges. We factor that in during the quote.
Species and Wood Density
Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and black walnut weigh significantly more than soft species. A 50-foot oak and a 50-foot pine are very different jobs. The oak might take twice as long to cut, haul, and chip.
Stump Removal
Most quotes don't include stump grinding unless you ask for it. Grinding a stump runs $75–$200 depending on size. We can usually do it the same day as the tree removal — just ask when you call. If you leave the stump, it'll sprout again and eventually rot, which can attract termites and carpenter ants.
Get a Free Estimate Today
We'll give you a firm number — not a vague range — before we touch anything. Call 717-297-1693 or visit our services page to see everything we handle.
How to Keep Your Tree Removal Cost Down
A few things that consistently save people money:
- Bundle multiple trees. If you've got 3 trees to remove, doing them all in one trip cuts the mobilization cost significantly. We'll almost always give a better per-tree price on multi-tree jobs.
- Book in winter. November through February is slower. Demand drops, prices often follow. If the tree isn't a hazard, waiting for the off-season can save you 10–20%.
- Keep the wood. If you want firewood, tell us up front. We'll cut it to length and stack it instead of hauling it. That reduces our hauling time and sometimes reduces your cost.
- Get multiple quotes — but verify insurance. Never just take the lowest bid. Make sure whoever you hire has current liability insurance and workers' comp. One slip without coverage becomes your homeowner's insurance claim.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
Sometimes. If a tree falls on your house, garage, or another covered structure, most policies cover removal costs — usually up to $500–$1,000. Call your insurance company before you assume you're paying out of pocket.
If a tree just falls in your yard without hitting anything? Most policies won't cover that. You're paying on your own.
One thing that catches people: even if insurance covers it, you still have to hire a legitimate, insured contractor. The insurance company will want documentation. We can provide everything you need for a claim.
Emergency Tree Removal in Lancaster County
Storm season in Lancaster County — and we get some serious storms — drives a lot of emergency calls. When a tree comes down on a house at 11pm, you don't have the luxury of shopping quotes.
Emergency rates typically run 1.5 to 2 times the normal rate. That's just the reality of after-hours mobilization. We're honest about it upfront. If a company is quoting you "emergency" rates 3x normal, push back or call someone else.
We respond to emergency calls 24/7 throughout Lancaster County. Call 717-297-1693 any time — we pick up.
Ready to Get a Quote?
We give free estimates — same day when possible. No pressure, no funny business. Just an honest number for the job.
Call 717-297-1693