How much does tree removal cost in Geelong?
Tree removal in Geelong costs $230–$745 for a small tree (under 5m), $745–$2,325 for a medium tree (5–10m), and $2,325–$5,600 for a large tree (10–15m). Extra-large trees over 15m can cost up to $13,950 depending on location, access, and complexity.
We've compiled pricing from arborists and tree services across Geelong as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Tree Removal Cost in Geelong 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $230per tree | $465 | $745 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $745per tree | $1,400 | $2,325 |
| Large tree removal (10–15 m) | $2,325per tree | $3,725 | $5,600 |
| Extra-large tree (15 m+) | $4,175per tree | $6,050 | $13,950 |
| Palm tree removal | $230per tree | $370 | $1,125 |
| Stump grinding (small <30 cm) | $140per stump | $185 | $280 |
| Stump grinding (medium 30–60 cm) | $230per stump | $325 | $465 |
| Stump grinding (large 60 cm+) | $370per stump | $560 | $835 |
| Tree pruning / trimming | $185per tree | $420 | $1,125 |
| Hedge trimming, maintained hedge up to 2.5 m (per m) | $5/m | $11 | $23 |
| Arborist report | $280per report | $420 | $650 |
| Emergency / storm damage | $465per job | $1,400 | $3,725 |
| Arborist hourly rate | $65/hr | $110 | $165 |
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Get Geelong quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Geelong metro area, October 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Tree Removal Work and Cost in Geelong
Breakwater averages 510.3 mm of rain a year, the least of the 15 cities we price.
An arborist report is $280–$650 in the Geelong table, and removing a medium tree of 5–10 m $745–$2,325; at the typical prices the two come to $1,820.
Geelong tree removal: an uprooted tree, and Mannerim and Barrabool
An uprooted or storm-damaged tree in Geelong
Emergency or storm-damage work is $465–$3,725 a job in our Geelong table. Grinding out a large stump afterwards (60 centimetres or more across) is $370–$835 a stump.
Tree removal in Mannerim or Barrabool
Our Geelong table prices tree removal by the size of the tree, not by suburb, so a job in Mannerim or Barrabool is priced the same way: a medium tree (5 to 10 metres) is $745–$2,325 and a large one (10 to 15 metres) $2,325–$5,600.
These answers use the prices in the table on this page.
What Affects Tree Removal Costs in Geelong
Tree size and height
Small trees under 5m are $230–$745 in our Geelong table, medium trees of 5–10 m $745–$2,325 and large trees of 10–15 m $2,325–$5,600. Trees over 15 m, or anywhere near power lines, run $4,175–$13,950. Height above 20m or a trunk diameter over 60cm typically requires a crane and our table prices an extra-large tree (15 m+) at $4,175–$13,950.
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 Geelong 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.
Council permits and protected species
In Greater Geelong a permit is needed to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree — at least 5 m tall with an average canopy at least 4 m across — in residential and mixed use zones, under clause 52.37, which was added to every Victorian planning scheme on 24 September 2026. It does not apply where the site already has a dwelling, except for canopy trees on a boundary, and some properties also carry their own planning-scheme tree controls.
Stump grinding and cleanup
Stump grinding is usually quoted separately at $230–$465 for a 30–60 cm stump and $370–$835 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 Geelong
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 ($230–$465 for a medium stump in our table) and many Geelong 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 Geelong
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 →