Tree Removal — Pierce, Thurston & King County

Tree Removal in Pierce County & the South Sound

When a tree truly has to come down, it should come down in controlled sections by an insured crew, not in one prayer and a push. That’s the job we’ve done for 25 years.

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When to call us

Signs a removal is the right call

  • The tree is dead, dying, or shedding large limbs
  • The trunk has significant decay, cavities, or fungal growth at the base
  • A lean is getting worse, or roots are lifting on one side
  • It stands close enough to hit the house, and thinning or cabling can’t make it safe
  • Construction, septic, or foundation conflicts leave no other option
How we work

Rigged and lowered, piece by piece.

Most of our removals happen in tight quarters: over roofs, fences, decks, gardens, power service lines. We climb, rig, and lower each section on ropes instead of dropping anything blind. Your yard is a work zone with a plan, not a gamble.

Every quote spells out what’s included — felling, chipping, hauling, and cleanup, so you’re never surprised by an extra line item after the saws stop. Want the wood for firewood? Tell us and we’ll buck it to length and leave it stacked; it usually saves you money.

And before we quote a removal, we’ll tell you honestly if the tree doesn’t need to die. Thinning or cabling saves a lot of trees other companies would happily bill you to cut.

Rigged and lowered, piece by piece.
Recent removals
Full-length takedown of a giant — Jet City crew
Bucked rounds stacked for the homeowner
Removal site cleaned to grade
Straight talk on cost

What tree removal really costs around here

National averages run roughly $400–$1,100 per tree, but Western Washington runs 20–40% higher, because our trees are simply bigger. A mature Douglas fir or western red cedar at 80–120 feet is a different job than the 40-foot maples those national numbers are built on.

Around Pierce County, expect small trees (under 30 ft) in the hundreds; mid-size trees (30–60 ft) roughly $800–$2,000; large conifers (60–80 ft) $1,500–$4,000; and very large or hazardous giants can go beyond that when cranes or traffic control get involved.

What moves the number: height and trunk diameter, what’s underneath the tree, how close trucks and chippers can get, the tree’s condition (dead trees are more dangerous to climb), and whether stump grinding and hauling are included. We put every factor in writing.

One more thing worth knowing: the City of Lakewood and several other local jurisdictions require permits for some removals, especially in critical areas. We’ll flag it before any saw starts.

Real questions, straight answers

Frequently asked questions

For a straightforward mid-size tree in our area, most quotes land between $800 and $2,000. Bigger conifers cost more; small ornamentals cost less. Any fair quote should itemize felling, chipping, hauling, and stump grinding separately so you can see exactly what you’re paying for. If a quote is one mystery number, ask questions.

Usually one of three reasons: different scopes (one includes stump grinding and hauling, one doesn’t), different insurance situations (a properly insured crew costs more to run than a guy with a saw), or someone is guessing. Get the scope in writing and ask for proof of liability and L&I coverage — then compare.

It depends on your city, not the state. Lakewood requires permits for trees in critical areas and for properties covered by tree-preservation rules; other cities have their own thresholds, often based on trunk diameter. Unincorporated county land is usually more permissive. We check the rules for your address as part of the estimate.

Late fall through winter, generally. Demand drops, trees are dormant, and crews have more open schedule. If your tree is an active hazard, though, don’t wait for a season: a tree that’s failing doesn’t check the calendar.

A left stump attracts carpenter ants and termites, sprouts suckers, sinks as it rots, and eats mower blades. Grinding costs a few hundred dollars extra and ends the problem. We quote it as a separate line so the choice is yours.

Got a tree that might need to come down? Let’s look at it together.

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No-pressure advice, sometimes the honest answer is “your tree is fine.”