Cost guide
What tree removal and pruning costs on Long Island
What public data can and cannot tell you
No government agency publishes a price list for tree removal and pruning on Long Island, and vendor price ranges are not facts. What public data does show is what the labor costs, what the towns charge for permits, and what grants exist. The price for your job comes from licensed pros' written estimates after they see it.
What the trade earns on Long Island
| Occupation | Entry level | Median | Experienced | Jobs on Long Island |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $42,653 | $63,981 | $75,966 | 960 |
Annual pay from the New York State Department of Labor, updated to the first quarter of 2026. Entry level is the average of the lowest third of wages; experienced is the average of the top two thirds.
What the towns charge
- Town of Hempstead: A tree removal permit carries a $25 fee, and residents may mail in the Tree Permit application with the fee.
- Town of Huntington: The Town's tree permit instructions charge a nonrefundable $25 for every 5 trees or part of 5, and no fee is due when an ISA-certified arborist finds the tree dead, dying or hazardous.
- Town of Brookhaven: If clearing has already begun without approval, Brookhaven triples the application and review fees.
- Town of Riverhead: Riverhead's excavation and land clearing fee is $100 plus $3.00 per cubic yard of earth exported or imported, and it is non-refundable.
- Town of Southampton: Southampton's residential fee schedule charges $25 for land disturbance over 2,000 square feet on undeveloped or vacant property, or on a property of 20,000 square feet or more.
What moves the price
Tree work prices turn on the size of the tree, how close it is to the house or wires, access for equipment, and cleanup and stump grinding.
How to compare estimates
- Give every company the same scope, in writing, so the prices compare.
- Check what each estimate includes: permits, disposal, patching, cleanup and warranties.
- Ask how changes are priced once work starts.
- Never pay most of the price up front.
Related
Questions homeowners ask
How much does a tree service company cost on Long Island?
No public agency publishes job prices. The price comes from written estimates after a licensed pro sees the job. For context, Long Island tree trimmers and pruners earn a median $63,981 a year, according to the New York State Department of Labor.
Why do estimates for the same job differ so much?
Usually because they price different scopes: different materials, permits, disposal or warranties. Give each company the same written scope and the prices compare.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the office before you file anything.
- New York State Department of Labor, Occupational Wages (Long Island region, wages updated to the first quarter of 2026) (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Hempstead, Highway Department (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Huntington, 2015 Tree Permit Application Instructions (PDF) (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Brookhaven, Tree Clearing (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Riverhead, Excavation and Land Clearing Application (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Building and Zoning Fee Schedule (Residential) (read 2026-11-03; page dated effective 05/26/2026)
Checked 2026-11-03. Facts come only from the official pages listed, read on that date.
Talk the job through before you call anyone
Tell us about the house and the job in about four minutes. Revival calls you, free, to go over the scope, the budget, the timing and your town's permit office. Contractor matches open as our first licensed partners sign.