Tree Removal Services in Charlotte, NC

When Do You Need Tree Removal in Charlotte?

Not every tree problem calls for removal. Sometimes trimming or pruning is enough. But there are situations where taking the whole tree down is the only safe, practical option. Here are the most common reasons Charlotte homeowners call for tree removal:

• Dead or dying trees — A dead tree is a falling tree waiting to happen. Once a tree loses most of its canopy, has large sections of bark falling off, or shows fungal growth at the base, it needs to come down before it falls on its own.
• Storm damage — Charlotte gets hit with strong storms, especially in late spring and summer. Trees that split, lean heavily after a storm, or lose major limbs often can't recover and become hazards.
• Too close to structures — Trees growing into your foundation, pushing against your roof, or tangled in power lines create ongoing risk. If the tree can't be trimmed back far enough, removal is the answer.
• Disease or pest infestation — Diseases like oak wilt, hypoxylon canker, and pest infestations (emerald ash borer, southern pine beetle) can kill trees and spread to healthy ones nearby.
• Construction or landscaping projects — Building a deck, pool, addition, or driveway sometimes means a tree has to go. See our land clearing page for larger projects.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Charlotte?

The price of removing a tree depends on a few things: how tall it is, how thick the trunk is, where it's located on your property, and what's around it. A small tree in the middle of an open yard is a simple job. A 70-foot oak hanging over your garage next to power lines is a very different situation. Here's what Charlotte homeowners typically pay:

Tree Size	Height	Typical Cost
Small tree	Under 25 feet	$300 – $800
Medium tree	25 – 50 feet	$800 – $2,000
Large tree	50 – 75 feet	$2,000 – $4,000
Very large / hazardous	75+ feet or difficult access	$4,000 – $8,000+

These ranges include cutting, sectioning, hauling away debris, and basic cleanup. Stump grinding is usually an add-on that costs $100–$500 extra depending on the stump diameter.

What Drives the Cost Up?

Several factors push a tree removal bill higher:

• Proximity to structures — If the tree is within falling distance of your house, shed, fence, or a neighbor's property, the crew has to take it down in sections using ropes and rigging. That takes more time, more skill, and more equipment.
• Power lines — Trees near Duke Energy lines require extra precautions. In some cases, the power company needs to be involved, which can add time and cost.
• Access — If the tree is in a backyard with no gate access for trucks, crews have to carry everything out by hand. That adds labor hours.
• Trunk diameter — A tall, thin pine is cheaper to remove than a wide, heavy hardwood like a willow oak or red oak.
• Multiple trees — Most companies give a discount per tree when you're removing more than one.

The Tree Removal Process: What to Expect

If you've never had a tree removed, here's what a typical job looks like from start to finish:

Step 1: On-Site Estimate

A crew member or arborist comes to your property, looks at the tree, checks what's around it, and gives you a written quote. Good companies do this for free. Be cautious of anyone who quotes a price over the phone without seeing the tree — that's a red flag.

Step 2: Permits (If Needed)

Charlotte's tree ordinance may require a permit before removal. Trees with a diameter of 8 inches or more (measured at 4.5 feet above the ground) on properties within city limits may fall under the ordinance. Your tree service company should know whether a permit is required and can handle the paperwork. Removal without a permit when one is required can result in fines.

Step 3: Removal Day

The crew shows up with chainsaws, a chipper, rigging equipment, and usually a bucket truck or crane for large trees. Small trees in open areas can be felled in one piece. Larger trees near structures get taken down in sections — limbs first, then the trunk in manageable pieces. Each section gets lowered with ropes so nothing hits the ground uncontrolled.

Step 4: Cleanup and Hauling

Branches go through the chipper. Trunk sections get loaded onto a truck and hauled away. The crew rakes up sawdust and smaller debris. By the time they leave, the only sign a tree was there should be the stump (if you didn't add stump grinding to the job).

Charlotte's Tree Ordinance and Permits

The City of Charlotte takes its tree canopy seriously. The Urban Forestry division manages the tree ordinance, which applies to trees on developed and undeveloped land within city limits. Here are the basics:

• Trees 8 inches in diameter or larger may be protected, depending on your zoning and property type.
• Commercial properties and new development projects almost always need tree permits.
• Single-family residential properties have more flexibility, but it's worth checking before you cut.
• Mecklenburg County properties outside Charlotte city limits have different rules.
• Dead or hazardous trees can usually be removed without a permit, but document the condition with photos first.

Your tree removal company should be familiar with these rules. If they seem unsure, that's a sign they may not have much experience working in Charlotte.

Common Trees Removed in Charlotte

Charlotte's tree canopy is one of the biggest in the country for a city its size. That means plenty of trees — and plenty of tree problems. The species we see most often on removal jobs include:

• Loblolly Pine — The most common pine in the Charlotte area. They grow fast, get tall, and have shallow root systems that make them prone to blowing over in storms.
• Willow Oak and Red Oak — Beautiful shade trees, but when they get old or diseased, they become massive removal jobs. A mature willow oak in Myers Park or Dilworth can be 80+ feet tall with a canopy that covers the entire yard.
• Sweet Gum — Known for the spiky seed balls they drop everywhere. Many homeowners in South End and Plaza Midwood get tired of dealing with them and want them gone.
• Bradford Pear — Weak branch structure means they split apart in storms. Charlotte has moved away from planting these, but thousands of older ones are still standing.
• Water Oak — Common in lower-lying areas around Charlotte. They grow fast but have a shorter lifespan than other oaks, making them frequent removal candidates.

What to Do with the Wood

Once your tree is down, you have a few options for the wood:

• Have the crew haul it all away — This is included in most quotes. The wood gets taken to a recycling facility or turned into mulch.
• Keep the firewood — Ask the crew to buck the trunk into firewood-length rounds and leave them. You'll need to split and season the wood before burning it. Oak and hickory make great firewood.
• Have it milled — If you're removing a large hardwood, a portable sawmill service can turn the trunk into lumber. This is popular with woodworkers and furniture makers.
• Use the chips as mulch — The chipped branches make decent mulch for garden beds, though it's not as uniform as store-bought mulch.

Does Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Charlotte homeowners ask this all the time. The short answer: it depends on what happened.

Covered (usually): If a tree falls on your house, garage, shed, fence, or other insured structure, your homeowner's insurance typically pays for the removal and the structural repairs. If a tree blocks your driveway and you can't get out, that's usually covered too.

Not covered (usually): If you want a healthy tree removed because it's in the way, that's your expense. If a dead tree falls in your yard but doesn't hit anything, most policies won't pay for removal. And if the city or your neighbors complain about a tree you've neglected, insurance won't bail you out.

Always take photos before cleanup and call your insurance company before hiring a tree service if you think there might be a claim. That documentation makes the process much smoother.

Charlotte Neighborhoods We Serve

Tree removal crews cover every part of Charlotte and the surrounding area, including neighborhoods with some of the oldest, largest tree canopies:

• Myers Park — Mature willow oaks and pecan trees, many over 60 years old. Tight lots near Queens University mean careful removal is a must.
• Dilworth — Historic homes with large trees close to houses. Many removals here involve rigging and sectional takedowns.
• South End — A mix of older residential lots with big trees and new construction that sometimes requires removal to make room.
• Plaza Midwood — Eclectic neighborhood with dense tree cover. Lots of sweet gum and pine removals in this area.
• Ballantyne — Newer developments, but the loblolly pines that were left during construction are now 30+ years old and starting to cause problems.
• NoDa — Similar to Plaza Midwood, with older trees on smaller lots. Access can be tricky due to narrow driveways and alleyways.

We also connect homeowners with tree removal companies in Huntersville, Cornelius, Matthews, Fort Mill, and throughout the greater Charlotte metro.

Tips for Homeowners Before Scheduling Removal

• Get at least 3 quotes. Prices vary a lot between companies. Three quotes give you a clear picture of what the job should cost.
• Ask about insurance. Request a certificate of insurance showing both general liability and workers' compensation. Don't skip this step.
• Clarify what's included. Does the quote cover stump grinding? Debris hauling? Raking the yard? Get it in writing.
• Check the weather. Tree removal in rain is more dangerous and some companies will reschedule. Plan for a dry day.
• Talk to your neighbors. If the tree is near a property line, give your neighbors a heads up. It avoids drama and shows good faith.
• Clear the area. Move vehicles, patio furniture, and anything else away from the work zone before the crew arrives.