Cost guides › Tree removal
Australia
Tree removal cost by tree height
Having an arborist remove one tree of about 9 to 15 m, grind the stump and take the green waste away typically costs $2,100 including GST, with most quotes between $1,600 and $2,700. Removal without the stump is about $1,750; with the grindings removed and the hole filled with soil and turfed or seeded it is around $2,250. Change the height and the site in the calculator, or add a council permit and arborist report.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $1,900 | $2,250 | $2,450 |
| Western Australia | $1,850 | $2,150 | $2,350 |
| New South Wales | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,300 |
| Northern Territory | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,300 |
| Queensland | $1,750 | $2,050 | $2,250 |
| Victoria | $1,750 | $2,050 | $2,250 |
| South Australia | $1,650 | $1,950 | $2,150 |
| Tasmania | $1,600 | $1,900 | $2,050 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Crew, mulcher and stump grinder brought to site
- Tree dismantled in sections by a climbing arborist
- Branches mulched on site
- Logs and mulch removed from site, green waste fees included
- Stump ground below ground level
- Raking and cleanup of lawn and garden beds
What affects the cost
Height and species
Price rises steeply with height. A 6 m lilly pilly is quick work; a 20 m gum with heavy limbs can take a full crew a day or more, and hardwood is heavy to handle and slow to grind.
Access and hazards
A tree that can be dropped into an open yard costs far less than one standing over a roof, pool, fence or power lines, where every piece has to be roped down. Rear yards with no side access add carrying time.
Palms
Palms are quick to cut but their fronds and trunk can't be mulched, so they go to landfill and disposal costs more than for ordinary green waste.
Stump grinding
Stump grinding is often quoted as an extra. Large gum stumps with surface roots cost more; a stump left in the ground can attract termites.
Council approval
Many councils protect trees above a certain height or trunk size, and some ask for an arborist report with the application. Approval can take weeks, so apply before booking the crew.
How to save
- Check your council's tree rules before you get quotes so the job isn't held up.
- Keep the mulch for your garden and ask for the price without taking it away.
- Combine removals with pruning of other trees while the crew and chipper are on site.
- Use an arborist with public liability insurance; many home insurers won't cover damage caused by an uninsured contractor.
Grants, tax and rules
Council permits
Rules and fees for removing trees on private land are set by each council. Check whether your tree needs approval, and whether an arborist report is required, before any work.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in Australia?
A tree of about 9 to 15 m with the stump ground and green waste removed costs around $2,100 including GST. Without the stump it is about $1,750.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
Often, yes, depending on the tree's size, species and your council's rules. Some councils also want an arborist report. Check with council first.
Is stump grinding included?
Not always. Our mid-range price includes grinding the stump below the surface; the basic price leaves it cut low.
Why is removing a gum tree so expensive?
Large gums are tall, heavy and often hang over houses or fences, so they have to be taken down piece by piece with rigging. The timber is dense, which makes cutting, handling and grinding slower.
How long does it take?
A medium tree is usually a half-day to a full day for a crew of two or three, depending on access and how much has to be roped down.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 21.3 · Labour: $1,420 · Materials: $472
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: One 9-15 m tree, stump ground, incl. GST. hipages tree removal cost (updated 22 Jan 2026: 6-9 m $650-1,500, 9-20 m $1,000-3,500, 20-50 m $2,500-10,000; stump $100-400; council applications $75-100); GoTreeQuotes tree removal guide (8 Sep 2026: national median $1,740, 10 m tree $1,600-3,000, council permits $65-250, arborist report about $500).
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy