How Much Does an Arborist Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you're looking to give your trees expert care, arborist services cost an average of $875, with prices ranging from $750 and $1,000, depending on factors like service type, tree size, and location. Regular maintenance like trimming and pruning can help keep costs lower over time. Trees are complex living things that benefit from the professional insight of an arborist for proper diagnosis and care.

Arborist Cost per Hour

Most local tree surgeons (another term for arborist) don't charge an hourly rate. Rather, they provide a per-project cost for their services. Based on project costs and durations, their rates average between $75 and $200 per hour.

Arborist Cost by Service

The largest factor impacting how much an arborist costs to hire is the project or service you are asking them to complete.

Wood Chipping

Wood chipping costs between $75 and $300, depending on how many trees you need chipped. Arborists have a minimum call-out fee of $75 to $100, regardless of the project's number of trees. A massive, mature tree may cost even more to chip.

Tree Trimming and Surgery

Tree trimming costs $75 to $1,500. The pricing depends on tree height and the number of trees needing service. Larger or more numerous trees will increase the cost. Get multiple quotes before choosing a tree trimming service near you.

Deep Root Aeration

Deep root aeration prices vary, but expect to pay at least $100 to $300. The service involves making deep holes to allow water to reach roots faster (and sometimes filling those holes with compost). This service is more common for trees in urban areas where the soil is more compact.

Deep Root Fertilization

Deep root fertilization costs $100 to $350. After making or drilling holes, an arborist applies fertilizer to the roots to promote growth.

Monthly Pest Control

Pest control costs for trees vary depending on the type of tree, infestation, and severity. Budget between $40 and $75 per month for this service. A local arborist or pest control service will have the most accurate information on tree pests in your area.

Tree Cabling

Tree cabling ranges from $200 to $400 on average and helps brace a tree for proper alignment and growth. Small trees cost $175, but medium or large trees cost $400 or more for professional cabling.

Tree Removal

The average cost to remove a tree is $750 but ranges between $200 and $2,000. Removing a very large tree could cost up to $5,000. The size, condition, and location of the tree play a big role in the price. For example, a tree that’s close to a house will likely cost more to remove than one in an open space. Compare quotes from several local tree removal companies before moving forward with your project.

Tree Planting

Planting a tree costs $100 to $300, including the cost of labor and the tree itself. Most trees average $200 but certain varieties cost $350 to $1,000 or more.

Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 to plant a large or mature tree. At this size, just the tree alone costs more than $2,100, on average. Often, planting mature trees is a part of a major landscape project. Landscape installation costs range from $1,300 to $6,300.

Tree Inspection

Some arborists offer a free tree inspection or will waive their fee if, after diagnosing your tree, you choose to employ their services. Arborists charge $75 to $150 for a general inspection, but formal tree reports cost up to $700.

Tree Injections

A tree injection costs between $50 and $200 per tree, or $10 per inch of the tree’s diameter. The size of the tree is the largest factor in determining the cost of a tree injection. Tree injections are a common way that arborists will attempt to heal a sick or dying tree.

Stump Removal

A basic stump removal costs $180 to $560. The average tree stump removal costs $370. The size and location of the stump are two of the biggest cost factors.

DIY Tree Care vs. Hiring a Professional

Trees are complex living entities that can experience sickness, infestations, weather damage, and soil irregularities. While homeowners might handle minor tasks, professional arborists have the expertise and equipment that most don't possess. Their experience and safety knowledge are essential for difficult work like removing or trimming trees.

By hiring a local arborist, you ensure your trees receive the expert care they need.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.