How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Melbourne? (2026 Guide)

Tree removal costs in Melbourne range from $500 for a small tree to $10,000 or more for a large one. The price depends on the size of the tree, where it is on your property, and how much work is involved. This guide breaks down realistic price ranges so you know what to expect before you call for quotes.

Tree Removal Price Ranges in Melbourne

Every tree is different, but here are the typical ranges Melbourne arborists charge in 2026.

Small Trees ($500 — $1,500)

Small trees are generally under 5 metres tall. These include ornamental trees, young natives, small fruit trees, and saplings that have outgrown their spot.

Removal is usually straightforward. The tree can often be felled in one piece with minimal equipment. Most small tree removals take a few hours.

Medium Trees ($1,500 — $4,000)

Medium trees are between 5 and 15 metres tall. This covers a large portion of residential trees in Melbourne — established eucalyptus, mature fruit trees, medium-sized gums, and larger ornamentals.

These trees usually need to be dismantled in sections, especially if they are close to fences, power lines, or buildings. The crew may need a cherry picker or elevated work platform. The job typically takes half a day to a full day.

Large Trees ($4,000 — $10,000+)

Large trees are over 15 metres tall. Think mature eucalyptus, large pines, established oaks, or big Moreton Bay figs.

Large tree removal is complex work. It often requires crane assistance, traffic management (if near a road), specialised rigging, and a larger crew. These jobs can take one to two days, sometimes longer.

Trees over 20 metres, or those in extremely difficult locations, can push costs beyond $10,000. If the tree is near power lines, the electricity distributor may need to be involved, which adds time and cost.

What Affects the Price?

The price is not just about the tree’s height. Several factors push the cost up or down.

Tree Size and Species

Taller, wider trees cost more. Dense hardwood species like eucalyptus are heavier and harder to work with than softer species. Palm removal is often cheaper than hardwood removal because the timber is lighter.

Access to the Tree

If the tree is in an open front yard with clear truck access, the job is easier and cheaper. If the tree is in a tight backyard behind the house, the crew needs to carry every piece of timber out by hand. Limited access adds time and labour cost.

Proximity to Structures

Trees close to houses, sheds, fences, pools, or power lines require more careful dismantling. The arborist may need to lower branches on ropes rather than dropping them. This precision work takes longer and costs more.

Stump Grinding

Most tree removal quotes do not include stump grinding by default. Stump grinding is a separate service that typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on the stump’s size and root system. Ask your arborist whether it is included in the quote or quoted separately.

Green Waste Disposal

Some arborists include green waste removal in their price. Others charge extra or leave the timber and branches for you to deal with. Always clarify what happens to the waste before you agree to a quote.

Council Permits

If your tree needs a council permit before removal, there will be an application fee (usually $100 to $500). The arborist may also charge for an arborist report if the council requires one. This is separate from the removal cost.

Why Cheap Quotes Can Be Risky

Getting multiple quotes is smart. But if one quote is significantly lower than the others, be careful.

Low-cost operators may:

• Lack proper insurance — If a worker is injured on your property or damage occurs, you could be liable.
• Skip safety procedures — Cutting corners with rigging, PPE, or traffic management puts people at risk.
• Not hold the right qualifications — A qualified arborist (minimum AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture) understands tree biology, risk assessment, and safe work practices. An unqualified operator may not.
• Leave a mess — Cheap quotes sometimes exclude green waste removal, stump grinding, or site cleanup. You end up paying someone else to finish the job.
• Not carry public liability insurance — Ask for a Certificate of Currency. Any professional arborist will have at least $10 million in public liability cover.

A professional tree removal company carries insurance, employs qualified arborists, and follows safe work method statements. That costs money, and it is reflected in the quote.

What Should a Professional Quote Include?

When you get a quote from Precision Arbor Care or any reputable Melbourne arborist, it should clearly state:

• Scope of work — Exactly which tree or trees are being removed
• Method — How the tree will be removed (felled, dismantled in sections, crane-assisted)
• Stump grinding — Whether it is included or an additional cost
• Green waste — Whether all timber, branches, and leaves will be removed from site
• Timeline — When the work will be done
• Insurance — Confirmation of public liability and workers compensation cover
• Permit requirements — Whether a council permit is needed and who will handle it

If a quote does not cover these points, ask. A professional arborist will be happy to clarify.

How to Save Money on Tree Removal

There are a few legitimate ways to reduce your tree removal cost:

• Get 2-3 quotes — Compare like-for-like. Make sure each quote covers the same scope.
• Bundle multiple trees — If you have several trees to remove, the per-tree cost is often lower when done together.
• Keep the wood — If you have a fireplace, ask the arborist to leave the firewood-grade timber. This may reduce disposal costs.
• Be flexible on timing — Some arborists offer better rates during quieter periods, typically winter.
• Skip the stump — If the stump is not in the way, you can leave it and save a few hundred dollars. Just know that some stumps attract termites over time.

Get a Quote for Your Tree

Call Rob at Precision Arbor Care on 0410 266 708 for a free, no-obligation quote. We assess the tree on-site, explain exactly what is involved, and give you a clear price with no hidden costs. We service all Greater Melbourne suburbs.

Real Quote Examples From Recent Melbourne Jobs

To make the price ranges concrete, here’s what we quoted on three actual jobs across Melbourne in March-April 2026:

What Drives Price Variation on the Same-Size Tree

Two identical-looking 10m trees in two different yards can quote $1,400 apart. Four factors explain most of the variation:

Why We Don’t Charge a Site-Visit Fee

Most Melbourne arborists charge $100-$200 for an on-site quote visit. We don’t. The reason is simple: the on-site visit is worth more to us than to you. It’s where we confirm access, identify hidden issues, and lock in a fixed price we can stand behind [1].

Written by

Rob Tufuga

Founder & Lead Arborist, Precision Arbor Care

Rob has been climbing, cutting and shaping trees across Melbourne for more than 15 years. He started Precision Arbor Care to do tree work the way he always wished he could when he worked for bigger crews — one job at a time, no upselling, and an honest number on the quote. He still personally inspects every job over $1,000 and answers the phone himself whenever he’s not up a tree.

Need a tree out, a hedge trimmed, or a stump ground? Call Rob on 0410 266 708 or request a quote online.