Large tree removal in Toronto typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000 for most residential properties. Very large trees over 25 metres tall, or trees positioned close to a structure, can push well beyond that, sometimes reaching $8,000 to $12,000 when crane access or intensive rigging is required. Height, access and what is directly below the tree are the three things that move the price most. Here is a full breakdown of what to expect.
Tree removal is priced on a job-by-job basis because no two sites are identical. That said, here is what residential large-tree removal costs in Toronto generally look like by height category:
| Tree Height | Estimated Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 15 metres | $1,200 to $2,500 | Typical mid-size residential tree |
| 15 to 20 metres | $2,500 to $4,000 | Large residential hardwood |
| 20 to 25 metres | $4,000 to $6,500 | Very large maple, oak, ash |
| Over 25 metres | $6,500 to $12,000+ | Exceptional size or difficult access |
| Any size, crane required | Add $1,500 to $3,500+ | Confined yard, no truck access |
These estimates are for the removal work itself. Stump grinding, debris hauling, topsoil backfill and permit costs are typically separate line items. Always confirm exactly what is included in any written quote before signing.
Every extra metre of height adds time. A climber working at 25 metres needs more rope, more rigging anchors and more passes up and down the tree than one working at 12 metres. The cutting sequence becomes more complex as more sections need to be planned and lowered safely. More height also means more wood volume to chip and haul, which adds to the debris management portion of the job.
This is the single biggest variable in large-tree pricing. A tree in the open centre of a large backyard can often be felled in sections from the ground with minimal rigging. A tree growing over a roof, tight against a fence or directly beside a garage needs sectional aerial removal, where a climber cuts and lowers each piece individually on rigging ropes. This is slower, demands more precision and carries higher liability, all of which are reflected in the price.
Rosedale, Lawrence Park, Forest Hill, Leaside and other established Toronto neighbourhoods have many large mature trees in tight residential settings where this kind of work is routine. It is not unusual, not difficult for a qualified crew, but it costs more than open-area removal of the same tree.
Hardwoods produce heavier wood than softwoods of the same height. A large red oak at 20 metres produces considerably more mass than a similar-height white pine. More weight per section means slower cutting, more careful rigging and more chipper time. Hardwood removal costs more than softwood removal of comparable height for this reason.
Large trees have large root systems. If you also want the stump ground after removal, the stump grinding cost on a large mature tree is higher than on a smaller one, typically $400 to $800 for stumps in the 40 to 60cm diameter range. Surface roots that extend several feet from the stump add further to the grinding cost if they need to be addressed.
Any tree measuring 30cm DBH or more on private residential property in Toronto requires a permit under Chapter 813 before removal. A large tree almost always exceeds this threshold. Add the arborist report cost ($400 to $800 for most residential applications) and the City's permit application fee to your total budget. The report and permit are prerequisites, not optional add-ons.
A legitimate written quote for large tree removal in Toronto should itemise these components separately or at minimum confirm which ones are included:
Watch for quotes that bundle everything into a single lump sum without line items. If you want to understand what you are paying for and have the ability to make adjustments (for example, keeping the logs for firewood to reduce cost), you need itemised pricing. Our guide on how to read a tree removal quote covers this in detail.
Toronto's residential tree canopy has some recurring species that generate the majority of large removal jobs:
Silver maple: Fast-growing, common on older lots, frequently develops co-dominant stems and internal decay over time. Many silver maples in Toronto's pre-war neighbourhoods are now reaching the end of their structural life. Removal often involves multiple large stems and extensive deadwood.
Norway maple: Introduced widely in the 1950s to 1980s and now considered invasive in Ontario. Many Norway maples on residential lots are now 50 to 70 years old, very large, and declining. Toronto permits the removal of Norway maples more readily than native species.
White ash: Tens of thousands of white ash trees have died or are dying across the GTA due to Emerald Ash Borer. Dead ash trees require careful removal because the wood becomes extremely brittle within a few years of death, making aerial work more hazardous. This typically increases the removal cost.
Manitoba maple: Common in west-end Toronto and older suburban lots. Often multi-stemmed, frequently develops included bark angles that create failure risk. Removal is generally straightforward but the multiple stems generate significant debris volume.
We assess every large tree removal in person before quoting. No surprises, no lump-sum mystery prices. Serving Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York and surrounding GTA communities.
Yes, almost certainly. Any tree measuring 30cm diameter at breast height or more on private residential property requires a permit under Chapter 813 before removal. A tree large enough to cost $2,000 or more to remove is almost always well above 30cm DBH. Budget two to six weeks for the permit process from application to approval, and do not schedule the removal before the permit is in hand.
If the tree is in or near a TRCA-regulated ravine area, additional TRCA approval may be required on top of the Chapter 813 permit. Your arborist will identify this during the site assessment and arborist report preparation.
Removing a large protected tree without a permit exposes you to significant fines under Chapter 813 and a mandatory order to replace the removed tree, often at a ratio of two or more replacement trees per tree removed. The cost of non-compliance consistently exceeds the cost of doing it properly from the start.
The removal quote is only part of the total cost when dealing with a large protected tree in Toronto. Here is what a realistic all-in budget looks like for removing a large tree on a typical Toronto residential lot in 2026:
For a large tree, the total all-in cost including permit and stump work commonly falls between $3,500 and $7,000 on a standard Toronto residential lot. Very large trees, crane requirements or tight-access sites push this higher. Getting quotes that clearly separate these line items gives you the most accurate picture of the full project cost.
Large tree removal is high-consequence work. Getting it wrong means property damage, personal injury liability, and in some cases structural damage to your home that costs far more than the removal itself. A few things to verify before committing:
ISA certification: The arborist overseeing the work should hold an active ISA certification. Ask for their certification number and verify it at the ISA website. This confirms both their training and their adherence to current industry standards for cutting, rigging and tree assessment.
Liability insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage with your property listed as the certificate holder. Standard coverage for residential tree work is $2 million or more. If a company cannot provide this document promptly, do not hire them.
WSIB clearance: Confirm the company is registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. An unregistered company working on your property means that if a worker is injured during your job, the liability can fall back on you as the property owner.
Written quote: Any company declining to provide a written itemised quote is a company to avoid. Verbal quotes for large tree removal leave you without recourse if the scope changes on the day. A written quote protects both parties.
How much does large tree removal cost in Toronto?
Between $2,000 and $6,000 for most residential large trees. Very large trees over 25 metres or trees requiring crane access can reach $8,000 to $12,000 or more. Height and proximity to structures are the main drivers.
What is considered a large tree in Toronto?
Generally, any tree over 15 metres tall or with a trunk exceeding 40cm in diameter. Many Silver maples, oaks and ash trees on Toronto residential lots fall into this category after decades of growth.
Does large tree removal in Toronto require a permit?
Yes. Any tree 30cm DBH or more on private residential property requires a Chapter 813 permit. A large tree almost always meets this threshold. Allow two to six weeks for the permit process before scheduling removal.
Why does removing a tree close to a house cost more?
Trees near structures cannot be felled in one piece. A climber must section the tree from the top down, rigging and lowering each piece carefully to avoid damaging the house, fence or landscaping below. This takes more time, more equipment and more skill, all of which increase the cost.
Is stump grinding included in large tree removal quotes?
Not automatically. Confirm explicitly whether stump grinding, debris hauling and site cleanup are included in any quote. A large stump adds $400 to $800 or more if priced separately.
We provide detailed, itemised written quotes for large tree removal throughout Toronto and the GTA. Our ISA certified arborist assesses every job in person before we give you a number.