How much does a tree removal cost in Knoxville, TN?

The average tree removal in Knoxville, TN costs $1,186 in 2026. Costs range from $296 for a basic project to $4,941 for a high-end renovation. Knoxville is 1% less expensive than the national average of $1,200.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Knoxville?

The average contractor labor rate in Knoxville, TN is $29.86/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 $949 in Knoxville.

Are materials more expensive in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a material cost index of 96 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 4% less than the national average. For a tree removal, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $237.

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

Yes, a tree removal typically requires building permits in Knoxville, TN. The average permit cost in Knoxville is $982. Always confirm requirements with the Knoxville building department before starting work.

Is a tree removal a good investment in Knoxville?

A tree removal provides an estimated 30% ROI nationally. In Knoxville, where the median home price is $247,979, 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 Knoxville, TN — Costs $296 to $4,941

What does tree removal cost in Knoxville? Average $1,186, ranging $296–$4,941. Labor runs $29.86/hr locally — 1% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Knoxville, TN Market

-1% vs national

Labor Rate

$29.86/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$982

Median Home Price

$247,979

Knoxville is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a tree removal, which helps keep pricing competitive. Knoxville offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $247,979, homeowners in Knoxville should weigh the project cost (0.5% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$296

National: $300

Mid-Range

$1,186

National: $1,200

High End

$4,941

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 4-8 hours

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 30%

Tree Removal Cost Calculator for Knoxville

Adjusted for Knoxville's labor rate ($29.86/hr) and material costs (index 96).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Knoxville

$1,139

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$949

At Knoxville's average rate of $29.86/hr (0% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$237

Material cost index 96 (4% below national baseline of 100)

Tree Removal vs. Home Value in Knoxville

Metric	Knoxville	National Avg
Tree Removal (Mid-Range)	$1,186	$1,200
Median Home Price	$247,979	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	0.5%	0.3%
Estimated ROI	30%	30%
Median Household Income	$58,880	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Knoxville

1Local labor rates ($29.86/hr in Knoxville)
2Material cost index (96 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 Knoxville, TN

Deck and Pergola Combination

$34,218

HardROI 60%

Artificial Turf Installation

$14,665

HardROI 45%

Pond and Waterfall Installation

$9,759

HardROI 30%

Irrigation System Installation

$5,877

HardROI 55%

Second Story Addition

$195,533

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$146,650

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$87,990

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$78,072

MediumROI 60%

Tree Removal in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN

$1,142

-4%Pop. 689,447

Memphis, TN

$1,054

-11%Pop. 633,104

Chattanooga, TN

$1,046

-12%Pop. 181,099

Clarksville, TN

$1,197

+1%Pop. 166,722

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,175

-1%Pop. 152,769

Franklin, TN

$1,695

+43%Pop. 83,454

Johnson City, TN

$1,452

+22%Pop. 71,046

Jackson, TN

$1,428

+20%Pop. 67,685

Planning a Tree Removal in Knoxville

Building permits are typically required for a tree removal in Knoxville. The average permit fee in this area is $982, 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 Knoxville, skilled contractors charge an average of $29.86/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Knoxville household earning $58,880/year, this project at $1,186 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Tree Removal — National Guide

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

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