How much does tree removal cost in Canberra?
Tree removal in Canberra costs $275–$880 for a small tree (under 5m), $880–$2,750 for a medium tree (5–10m), and $2,750–$6,600 for a large tree (10–15m). Extra-large trees over 15m can cost up to $16,500 depending on location, access, and complexity.
We've compiled pricing from arborists and tree services across Canberra as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Tree Removal Cost in Canberra 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $275per tree | $550 | $880 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $880per tree | $1,650 | $2,750 |
| Large tree removal (10–15 m) | $2,750per tree | $4,400 | $6,600 |
| Extra-large tree (15 m+) | $4,950per tree | $7,150 | $16,500 |
| Palm tree removal | $275per tree | $440 | $1,325 |
| Stump grinding (small <30 cm) | $165per stump | $220 | $330 |
| Stump grinding (medium 30–60 cm) | $275per stump | $385 | $550 |
| Stump grinding (large 60 cm+) | $440per stump | $660 | $990 |
| Tree pruning / trimming | $220per tree | $495 | $1,325 |
| Hedge trimming, maintained hedge up to 2.5 m (per m) | $6/m | $13 | $28 |
| Arborist report | $330per report | $495 | $770 |
| Emergency / storm damage | $550per job | $1,650 | $5,500 |
| Arborist hourly rate | $77/hr | $130 | $200 |
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Get Canberra quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, October 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Tree Removal Work and Cost in Canberra
Canberra Airport averages −0.1°C overnight in July, the coldest winters of the 15 cities we price.
Where a report is needed, an arborist report is $330–$770 in the Canberra table; a large tree of 10–15 m costs $2,750–$6,600 to remove.
In Canberra a tree on private land is protected if it is 8 metres or taller, has a canopy 8 metres or wider, or has a trunk circumference of 1 metre or more at 1.4 metres above the ground, and removing a protected tree needs ACT Government approval through a tree activity application. A reputable arborist quotes you knowing this, and either sorts the permit themselves or refuses to remove until you have one. If a quote seems suspiciously cheap, ask explicitly whether the permit is included.
What Affects Tree Removal Costs in Canberra
Tree size and height
Small trees under 5m are $275–$880 in our Canberra table, medium trees of 5–10 m $880–$2,750 and large trees of 10–15 m $2,750–$6,600. Trees over 15 m, or anywhere near power lines, run $4,950–$16,500. Height above 20m or a trunk diameter over 60cm typically requires a crane and our table prices an extra-large tree (15 m+) at $4,950–$16,500.
Site access and drop zone
If a truck can't get within 30m of the tree, gear has to be carried in and timber carried out — that's 1–3 hours of extra labour. Tight Canberra blocks, fences, and overhead wires all reduce the safe drop zone, forcing the arborist to dismantle the tree section by section. That alone can double the price of the same tree on an open block.
Permits and protected species
Permit rules vary, but a protected (regulated or registered) tree needs ACT Government approval through a tree activity application and can require an arboricultural assessment (an arborist report is $330–$770 in our table) before approval. Removing a protected tree without a permit can attract penalties of up to $80,000 for an individual (ACT Government), so this isn't a step to skip.
Stump grinding and cleanup
Stump grinding is usually quoted separately at $275–$550 for a 30–60 cm stump and $440–$990 for one over 60 cm in our table. Full cleanup (chipping, removal of timber and debris) adds to the base quote, so ask for it to be itemised. Keeping the timber for firewood — if the species is suitable — is one of the easiest ways to save.
How to Save Money on Tree Removal Cost in Canberra
Tree removal pricing has unusually wide spread between quotes — getting three written quotes for the same scope is worth the effort. Beyond that:
- Sort the permit before quoting. Arborists pad the price when permit status is unclear. Showing up with the permit in hand removes that risk and unlocks a better quote.
- Book in autumn or winter. Demand drops sharply outside spring and storm season. Arborists with empty calendars in June–August often quote lower than for the same work in October.
- Keep the timber. If the species is suitable for firewood and you have somewhere to store it, ask the arborist to leave the cut timber on site. That cuts the cleanup cost.
- Skip the stump grind if you can. If the stump's in a low-traffic area, having it ground 30cm below grade isn't always necessary. Leaving it to rot saves the grinding cost ($275–$550 for a medium stump in our table) and many Canberra homeowners just plant over the top.
- Group with neighbours. If the arborist is doing one tree on your property and one next door, the call-out and setup costs are shared. A coordinated booking with two or three neighbours can lower everyone’s bill.
- Check insurance. Always confirm the arborist holds public liability insurance ($10–$20M minimum). Cheap quotes from uninsured operators expose you to massive liability if something goes wrong — not a saving worth chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tree Removal Cost in Canberra
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →