Cost guide for Olympia, WA
Tree Removal Cost in Olympia, WA
The numbers below are published national and Washington statewide typical ranges, not Olympia quotes. The only way to know what a specific tree will cost is an on-site estimate from a local provider.
Why these are ranges, not quotes
No two Olympia properties price the same. A leaning bigleaf maple over a garage on a Westside lot costs differently than a stand of Douglas-fir on sloped acreage in Yelm. The figures on this page come from two published industry sources, HomeGuide and Angi, and they report national and Washington statewide typical ranges. We did not find a published source for Olympia-specific pricing. Request an on-site estimate from a provider if you want a number tied to your tree and your property. Call (360) 822-3284 or request an estimate to get that process started.
Cost by tree height
| Tree height | HomeGuide (national) | Angi (national) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | $200-$500 | $150-$450 |
| 30-60 ft | $500-$1,500 | $450-$1,200 |
| 60-80 ft | $850-$2,000 | $800-$1,500 |
| Over 80 ft | $1,200-$2,500+ | $1,000-$2,000 |
HomeGuide also reports a national average range of $400-$1,200 (average $850, low $200, high $3,000) and an hourly rate of $100-$400+. Angi reports a national range of $200-$2,000+ (average about $750) and a Washington statewide average of $550-$800, according to Angi. These are not Olympia-specific figures. Mature Douglas-fir can grow well past 80 feet, so height matters when a provider scopes your job. See tree removal for how the process works locally.
Other line items
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stump removal | $100-$500+ per stump | HomeGuide |
| Stump removal (first/additional) | $100-$150 first, about $50 each additional | Angi |
| Trimming per tree | $400-$900 (HomeGuide) / $75-$1,500 (Angi) | HomeGuide & Angi |
| Crane assist | About $500 extra, or $250-$600 per day; complex jobs $6,000-$7,000 total | Angi |
| Same-day/emergency multiplier | Often 2 to 3 times the standard rate | HomeGuide |
| Hard-to-reach or unsafe access | 25%-50% more | Angi |
| Land clearing per acre | $1,200-$8,000 (HomeGuide) / $500-$6,000 (Angi) | HomeGuide & Angi |
| Arborist report | Average $860 | Angi |
| Permit (national figure) | $60-$150 | Angi |
| Insurance coverage per tree | Typically $500-$1,000 when a tree damages a covered structure | HomeGuide |
For stump work specifically, see stump grinding. For crane jobs on tight urban lots, see crane tree removal.
What drives price on Olympia properties
Several site conditions common around Thurston County push a job toward the higher end of these ranges:
- Tree height and species. Mature Douglas-fir can grow past 80 feet, and tall conifers over a house or driveway need more rigging than an open-field removal.
- Position over structures. A tree leaning toward a roof, fence, or power line requires piece-by-piece dismantling instead of a straight felling cut.
- Slopes and bluffs. Properties near Budd Inlet, Boston Harbor, or the West Olympia bluffs can have grade changes that limit equipment access and add rigging time.
- Saturated winter ground. Heavy equipment on soft, waterlogged soil after fall and winter rain can be harder to stage safely, which affects how a provider plans the job.
- Access. Long driveways, narrow gates, or trees set back from the road affect whether a chipper truck or crane can get close.
- Power lines. Trees near PSE lines need coordination and add time; call PSE about any tree touching a line before anyone starts work.
- Haul-off versus leaving wood. Hauling and disposing of debris costs more than leaving rounds or chips on site.
- Stump grinding add-on. Grinding is priced separately from removal in most estimates; see the stump table above.
Acreage properties in Yelm and Rochester add their own variable: multiple trees per visit can lower the per-tree cost, per HomeGuide, but access across a larger lot can also add time. Ask any provider to explain which of these factors apply to your site before you compare quotes.
City and county permit costs
Permit fees are set by the jurisdiction, not by the tree service, and this page does not have verified fee numbers for Olympia. Before budgeting for removal, check with Olympia Community Planning & Development on current tree removal permit fees and requirements. The permit process itself, including which removals are exempt, is covered on the Olympia tree permit guide. If your property is outside city limits, requirements differ by jurisdiction, so confirm directly with the applicable city or Thurston County office.
Insurance basics
Homeowners insurance can sometimes help with removal costs when a tree damages a covered structure. HomeGuide reports typical coverage of $500-$1,000 per tree in that scenario, according to HomeGuide. Coverage details vary by policy and insurer, so check your own policy before assuming what is included. Storm-related removals are covered in more detail on the emergency storm damage page.
Ways to lower the cost
- Bundle multiple trees in one visit. HomeGuide reports the per-tree cost can drop 10%-25% when several trees are removed in the same visit.
- Schedule outside peak season. HomeGuide notes summer and fall prices can run 10%-20% higher, so late winter or early spring scheduling, outside storm season, may cost less.
- Get 2-3 written estimates with the same scope. Ask each provider to quote the same work, including haul-off and stump grinding, so the numbers are comparable.
- Separate optional add-ons. Ask what changes if you leave wood on site instead of hauling it away, or skip stump grinding for now.
What a written estimate should list
A usable estimate spells out the scope so you can compare it against another provider's quote line by line.
- Number of trees, species, and approximate height
- Whether the price includes stump grinding or removal
- Whether wood and debris are hauled away or left on site
- Access requirements, including crane or bucket truck if needed, per crane tree removal
- Who is responsible for permits and whether the fee is included
- Site protection for lawns, driveways, and nearby structures
- Payment terms and timeline
For a full walkthrough of the removal process itself, see tree removal. For hazard or storm-damaged trees that need faster attention, see emergency storm damage. More local guidance is available on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Olympia prices?
No. They are national typical ranges from HomeGuide and Angi, plus one Washington statewide average from Angi. We did not find a published source for Olympia-specific tree removal pricing. Request an on-site estimate to get a number tied to your property.
Why do estimates vary so much for the same size tree?
Height alone does not set the price. Access, proximity to structures or power lines, slope, ground conditions, and whether wood is hauled away all change how long a job takes and what equipment it needs. Two trees of the same height can price very differently.
Does the estimate include stump grinding?
Not usually by default. Stump removal or grinding is typically priced as a separate line item, so ask the provider to state clearly whether it is included or additional.
Will my homeowners insurance cover removal?
It depends on your policy and the situation. HomeGuide reports typical coverage of $500 to $1,000 per tree when a tree damages a covered structure, but coverage varies by insurer. Check your policy or call your insurance company directly.
Do I need a permit before removing a tree in Olympia?
It depends on the tree, the property, and whether an exemption applies under city code. Permit fees are set by the City, not listed here. Check the Olympia tree permit guide and confirm current requirements and fees with Olympia Community Planning & Development.
Request an Estimate
Share a few details and a phone number. An independent local provider can call you to talk through the job, look at the site, and give you a written estimate.
- Describe the tree, where it stands, and what is nearby: roof, fence, driveway, or power lines.
- Ask the provider to confirm registration, insurance, scope, cleanup, and schedule in writing before work begins.
- For an urgent hazard, call (360) 822-3284 instead of using the form.
Project details
Phone is the best way to reach you about a tree-service request.
Talk Through Your Tree Project
Call to describe the tree and get connected with an independent local provider.