How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Duluth, MN? (2026 Guide)

If you have ever tried to get a firm price for tree work in Duluth, you know how frustrating the silence can be.

Many contractors hesitate to quote figures over the phone because the variables here are unique.

We have found that the specific challenges of our region, from the bedrock in Piedmont Heights to the steep grades of the Hillside, make generic pricing impossible.

You need real numbers to budget effectively for 2026.

Let’s look at the actual data driving these costs, the local factors that change the math, and how you can get the best value for your property.

Average Tree Removal Costs in Duluth (2026)

Based on our current projects and local market rates, here are the realistic price ranges you can expect in the Duluth-Superior metro area.

These figures reflect standard removals where safety and property protection are the top priorities.

Tree Size	Height	Typical Cost Range
Small	Under 25 feet	$300 - $800
Medium	25-50 feet	$500 - $1,500
Large	50-75 feet	$1,000 - $2,500
Very Large	Over 75 feet	$1,500 - $3,500+

Keep in mind that these ranges are baselines.

Specific site conditions often dictate where a quote falls within this spectrum.

What Affects Tree Removal Pricing?

The price on the tag is rarely just about the tree itself.

We calculate quotes based on a combination of risk, time, and equipment needs.

Tree Size and Species Density

The volume of wood we need to process is the primary cost driver.

A 30-foot ornamental crabapple requires significantly less labor than a 70-foot white pine.

Species density also plays a major role in the final calculation.

Hardwoods like oak or maple are heavier and harder on equipment than softwoods like spruce, which generally keeps the cost of softwood removal slightly lower.

Access and Duluth’s Unique Geography

Our city’s topography is arguably the biggest wildcard in pricing.

Duluth’s hillside lots often prevent us from using bucket trucks, requiring climbers to manually ascend and rig the tree down piece by piece.

This manual approach takes more time and skill.

A removal in a flat backyard in Park Point is almost always cheaper than a similar job in a narrow, steep backyard in East Hillside where debris must be hauled up stairs.

Proximity to Structures and Utilities

Trees leaning over a roof or garage require “negative rigging.”

We use ropes and pulleys to lift cut sections away from the structure rather than letting them fall, a process that ensures safety but adds labor hours.

Electrical lines add another layer of complexity.

Working near high-voltage lines often requires coordination with Minnesota Power to drop the line or shield it, which can influence the scheduling and cost of the project.

Tree Condition and Stability

Dead or decaying trees are hazardous to climb.

A climber cannot rely on a dead branch for support, meaning we may need to bring in a crane or spider lift to access the canopy safely.

Storm-damaged trees present similar risks.

If a tree has been compromised by a storm off Lake Superior, the unpredictable tension in the wood requires advanced cutting techniques to prevent the trunk from snapping violently.

The Cost of Disposal: What’s Included?

A low quote often hides expensive exclusions.

We believe in transparency, so our standard removal package includes the following services:

• Complete tree removal: Cutting the tree down safely to ground level.
• Brush chipping: Processing all branches and hauling the chips away.
• Log removal: heavy wood is loaded and removed unless you request to keep it for firewood.
• Debris cleanup: Raking and blowing the area so your yard is tidy.
• Basic stump grinding: Taking the stump down 4-6 inches below grade (often quoted as a line item).

Be wary of “drop and leave” quotes.

Some operators will cut the tree down for a low price but leave you with a yard full of heavy logs and brush that cost hundreds of dollars to dispose of at the WLSSD yard waste site.

Stump Grinding and Utility Safety

Stump grinding is usually an add-on service ranging from $150 to $400.

The price depends on the diameter of the stump and the extent of the root system.

We often recommend grinding stumps immediately to prevent regrowth and reclaim the lawn space.

Crucial Safety Step: You cannot grind a stump in Minnesota without locating underground utilities first.

Professional services will always contact Gopher State One Call (811) before grinding to ensure we do not hit gas or electric lines buried in the root ball.

Why Prices Vary Between Companies

It is common to receive quotes that differ by $500 or more for the exact same job.

These discrepancies usually come down to the operational costs that protect you as the homeowner.

Insurance Coverage

Tree work is high-risk, and proper liability insurance is expensive.

We carry comprehensive coverage to ensure that if a limb falls on your fence or garage, the repair is fully covered.

Uninsured operators can offer lower prices because they skip this premium.

The risk falls on you in that scenario, as your homeowner’s insurance may deny a claim caused by an unlicensed contractor.

Equipment and Efficiency

Modern equipment changes the speed of the job.

Using a mechanized grapple saw or a bucket truck allows a crew to finish a two-day job in a few hours.

We invest in this machinery to minimize the disruption to your property.

Cheaper quotes often come from individuals using basic consumer gear, which leads to longer job times and potential safety hazards.

Worker Protection

Legitimate companies pay for Workers’ Compensation insurance.

This is a critical shield for homeowners in Minnesota.

If a worker is injured on your property and their employer does not have Workers’ Comp, you could be sued for their medical bills and lost wages.

When to Remove a Tree

Delaying removal often increases the cost and the risk.

We recommend acting quickly if you spot these warning signs:

• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): This invasive pest is active in St. Louis County; look for canopy die-back and “D” shaped exit holes in the bark.
• Structural leans: A tree leaning toward a structure with heaving soil at the base needs immediate assessment.
• Fungal growth: Large mushrooms growing at the base of the trunk often indicate severe internal rot.
• Construction conflict: Trees located where a new driveway or addition is planned.

Our ISA Certified Arborist can evaluate these issues to determine if the tree can be saved or if removal is the safest option.

The Bottom Line

Tree removal in Duluth generally costs between $500 and $2,500, with complex or large-scale jobs exceeding that range.

The wide variance reflects the reality of working in our rugged, distinct terrain.

We advise getting three detailed quotes to compare the scope of work.

Look for the line items regarding cleanup, disposal, and stump grinding to ensure you are comparing apples to apples.

Ready for an accurate number? Our tree removal service includes a free, on-site assessment. Call us at (218) 555-0391 and we will provide a clear, honest price that covers the work safely from start to finish.