How much does a tree removal cost in Houston, TX?

The average tree removal in Houston, TX costs $1,404 in 2026. Costs range from $351 for a basic project to $5,848 for a high-end renovation. Houston is 17% more expensive than the national average of $1,200.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Houston?

The average contractor labor rate in Houston, TX is $35.61/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 $1,123 in Houston.

Are materials more expensive in Houston?

Houston has a material cost index of 110 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 10% more than the national average. For a tree removal, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $281.

Do I need a permit for a tree removal in Houston?

Yes, a tree removal typically requires building permits in Houston, TX. The average permit cost in Houston is $1,086. Always confirm requirements with the Houston building department before starting work.

Is a tree removal a good investment in Houston?

A tree removal provides an estimated 30% ROI nationally. In Houston, where the median home price is $305,583, this project costs about 0.5% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Tree Removal in Houston, TX — Costs $351 to $5,848

What does tree removal cost in Houston? Average $1,404, ranging $351–$5,848. Labor runs $35.61/hr locally — 17% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Houston, TX Market

+17% vs national

Labor Rate

$35.61/hr

Material Index

110

Avg Permit Cost

$1,086

Median Home Price

$305,583

As one of the largest metros in Texas, Houston has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 17% above the national average, Houston is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Houston is valued at $305,583, putting this project at about 0.5% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 30% ROI.

Low Estimate

$351

National: $300

Mid-Range

$1,404

National: $1,200

High End

$5,848

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 4-8 hours

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 30%

Tree Removal Cost Calculator for Houston

Adjusted for Houston's labor rate ($35.61/hr) and material costs (index 110).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Houston

$1,348

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$1,123

At Houston's average rate of $35.61/hr (19% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$281

Material cost index 110 (10% above national baseline of 100)

Tree Removal vs. Home Value in Houston

Metric	Houston	National Avg
Tree Removal (Mid-Range)	$1,404	$1,200
Median Home Price	$305,583	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	0.5%	0.3%
Estimated ROI	30%	30%
Median Household Income	$47,358	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Houston

1Local labor rates ($35.61/hr in Houston)
2Material cost index (110 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 Houston, TX

Deck and Pergola Combination

$40,023

HardROI 60%

Artificial Turf Installation

$17,153

HardROI 45%

Pond and Waterfall Installation

$11,392

HardROI 30%

Irrigation System Installation

$6,887

HardROI 55%

Second Story Addition

$228,700

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$171,525

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$102,915

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$91,132

MediumROI 60%

Tree Removal in Other Texas Cities

San Antonio, TX

$1,232

-12%Pop. 1,547,253

Dallas, TX

$1,427

+2%Pop. 1,304,379

Austin, TX

$1,248

-11%Pop. 978,908

Fort Worth, TX

$1,333

-5%Pop. 918,915

El Paso, TX

$1,122

-20%Pop. 678,815

Arlington, TX

$1,051

-25%Pop. 394,266

Corpus Christi, TX

$1,164

-17%Pop. 317,863

Plano, TX

$1,082

-23%Pop. 288,061

Planning a Tree Removal in Houston

Building permits are typically required for a tree removal in Houston. The average permit fee in this area is $1,086, 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 Houston, skilled contractors charge an average of $35.61/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Houston, where the median household income is $47,358, a $1,404 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Texas.

Tree Removal — National Guide

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

All Construction Costs in Houston

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Houston, TX.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs