How much does a tree removal cost in Fort Collins, CO?

The average tree removal in Fort Collins, CO costs $1,235 in 2026. Costs range from $309 for a basic project to $5,145 for a high-end renovation. Fort Collins is 3% more expensive than the national average of $1,200.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Fort Collins?

The average contractor labor rate in Fort Collins, CO is $31.01/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a tree removal, labor typically accounts for 80% of the total cost, which is approximately $988 in Fort Collins.

Are materials more expensive in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins has a material cost index of 101 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 1% more than the national average. For a tree removal, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $247.

Do I need a permit for a tree removal in Fort Collins?

Yes, a tree removal typically requires building permits in Fort Collins, CO. The average permit cost in Fort Collins is $1,411. Always confirm requirements with the Fort Collins building department before starting work.

Is a tree removal a good investment in Fort Collins?

A tree removal provides an estimated 30% ROI nationally. In Fort Collins, where the median home price is $498,357, this project costs about 0.2% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Tree Removal in Fort Collins, CO — Costs $309 to $5,145

What does tree removal cost in Fort Collins? Average $1,235, ranging $309–$5,145. Labor runs $31.01/hr locally — 3% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Fort Collins, CO Market

+3% vs national

Labor Rate

$31.01/hr

Material Index

101

Avg Permit Cost

$1,411

Median Home Price

$498,357

Fort Collins is a mid-sized city in Colorado with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a tree removal, which helps keep pricing competitive. Costs in Fort Collins run slightly above the national average, though the gap is modest enough that smart material choices and timing can close it. The median home in Fort Collins is valued at $498,357, putting this project at about 0.2% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 30% ROI.

Low Estimate

$309

National: $300

Mid-Range

$1,235

National: $1,200

High End

$5,145

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 4-8 hours

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 30%

Tree Removal Cost Calculator for Fort Collins

Adjusted for Fort Collins's labor rate ($31.01/hr) and material costs (index 101).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Fort Collins

$1,186

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Fort Collins market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$988

At Fort Collins's average rate of $31.01/hr (3% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$247

Material cost index 101 (1% above national baseline of 100)

Tree Removal vs. Home Value in Fort Collins

Metric	Fort Collins	National Avg
Tree Removal (Mid-Range)	$1,235	$1,200
Median Home Price	$498,357	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	0.2%	0.3%
Estimated ROI	30%	30%
Median Household Income	$88,521	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Fort Collins

1Local labor rates ($31.01/hr in Fort Collins)
2Material cost index (101 vs national 100)
3Tree height
4Trunk diameter
5Proximity to structures
6Stump grinding

Popular Upgrades

Stump grinding
Stump chemical treatment
Wood chipping for mulch

Other Projects in Fort Collins, CO

Deck and Pergola Combination

$35,764

HardROI 60%

Artificial Turf Installation

$15,328

HardROI 45%

Pond and Waterfall Installation

$10,207

HardROI 30%

Irrigation System Installation

$6,138

HardROI 55%

Second Story Addition

$204,367

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$153,275

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$91,965

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$81,652

MediumROI 60%

Tree Removal in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

$1,512

+22%Pop. 715,522

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,294

+5%Pop. 478,961

Aurora, CO

$1,313

+6%Pop. 386,261

Lakewood, CO

$1,428

+16%Pop. 155,984

Thornton, CO

$1,308

+6%Pop. 141,867

Arvada, CO

$1,620

+31%Pop. 124,402

Westminster, CO

$1,604

+30%Pop. 116,317

Pueblo, CO

$1,207

-2%Pop. 111,876

Planning a Tree Removal in Fort Collins

Building permits are typically required for a tree removal in Fort Collins. The average permit fee in this area is $1,411, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 4-8 hours from start to finish.

A tree removal is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Fort Collins, skilled contractors charge an average of $31.01/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $88,521, many Fort Collins residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $1,235 represents 1% of the typical household's annual income.

Tree Removal — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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