Tree Removal Cost in Philadelphia 2026
Tree Removal in Philadelphia costs between $315 and $4,200 in 2026, with the average around $1,260. Philadelphia pricing runs roughly at the US national average. Felling or sectioning a tree, hauling the debris, and optional stump grinding. Priced mainly by height, trunk diameter and how close it is to structures and lines.
What tree removal includes in Philadelphia
Felling or sectioning a tree, hauling the debris, and optional stump grinding. Priced mainly by height, trunk diameter and how close it is to structures and lines.
Typical time on site: half a day to 2 days. Local labor rate: $20/hour for an experienced landscaping pro.
What changes the price of tree removal in Philadelphia
- Tree height and diameter
- Proximity to house and power lines
- Crane or bucket truck access
- Stump grinding
- Debris hauling
A tree removal quote priced off statewide averages will be off by 10 to 20 percent for Philadelphia, because the metro has its own labor pool, material delivery distances, and permit timelines.
Philadelphia climate and demand for landscaping
Cold winters; humid summers; freeze-thaw cycle hard on brick rowhomes (most stock is 100+ years old)
Philadelphia permits for tree removal
Building department: Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections
Typical permit cost: $200 - $2,500 residential. Inspection time: 7-21 business days. Philadelphia rule: Philadelphia requires a Contractor License separate from state HIC registration. L&I has strict lead paint rules (most rowhomes pre-1978). 8% local sales tax (vs 6% state).
Pennsylvania sales tax and licensing for Landscaping
Pennsylvania sales tax: 6% + 1-2% local (Philly 8%, Allegheny 7%). Real property labor exempt. Repair labor on TPP taxable. Philadelphia and Allegheny County have local additions.
State license: Pennsylvania Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration); no statewide license for new construction, required: $50 HIC registration.
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