Written by Alex Price — AQF qualified arborist based in North Narrabeen. Honest pricing ranges, what drives cost, and what to watch out for when getting quotes.
Every tree removal job is different, which is why you'll struggle to get a price without a site visit. But you can get a reasonable ballpark — and know whether a quote you've received is fair — using the ranges below. These are based on what we actually charge for jobs across the Northern Beaches, not figures pulled from the internet.
These are indicative ranges for jobs on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Your final quote will depend on the specific factors covered below. All quotes from The Living Canopy are free, written, and without obligation.
Height is the most obvious factor, but species matters just as much. A 10m Cocos palm comes down differently to a 10m Angophora. Hardwood eucalypts take longer to cut and chip, and their branch structure means more rigging work. Soft species like Cocos palms or ornamental trees are generally quicker and cheaper to remove than native hardwoods of the same height.
Access is the single biggest variable on the Northern Beaches. A tree you can drive a chipper truck next to costs significantly less than one tucked behind a pool in a tight garden, accessed only through a 90cm side gate. Steep blocks, sandstone retaining walls, and elevated rear gardens — all common in suburbs like Avalon, Clareville, and the Pittwater side — add time and cost. We'll always assess access at the site visit and factor it into the quote.
A tree growing over a house, pool, or boundary fence needs to come down in controlled sections using rigging and lowering systems — it can't be felled in one piece. This takes significantly longer. Trees within 3 metres of overhead powerlines may require Ausgrid to be notified and in some cases to attend, which affects scheduling and cost. We handle this as part of the job.
On the Northern Beaches, most mature trees require development consent from Northern Beaches Council under DCP Part B13 before removal. The thresholds are: 5 metres or more in height, a canopy spread of 5 metres or more, or a trunk diameter of 30cm or more at 1 metre above ground. The permit itself costs around $75–$150 in council fees, but some applications also require an arborist report ($300–$600) to be submitted with the consent application. We advise on this at the quoting stage. See our full guide to Northern Beaches tree permits →
All debris — branches, timber, leaves — is chipped on site and removed as part of the job. If there's a very large volume of timber (for example, a large hardwood), we may need to make multiple trips or arrange a skip. This is always factored into the quote. If you want to keep any timber for firewood, or have mulch left on site, just let us know at the quoting stage and we'll adjust accordingly.
Tree removal quotes typically don't include the stump unless you specifically ask. Stump grinding uses a dedicated machine to grind the stump to below ground level — typically 200–300mm deep — making the area safe to replant or turf. It's worth adding to the same job rather than calling back separately, as the mobilisation cost is already covered. More about stump grinding →
If you've had quotes from arborists based further south and compared them to Northern Beaches prices, you may have noticed a difference. There are a few legitimate reasons for this:
A note on very cheap quotes
If you receive a quote that's significantly below what others have quoted, it's worth asking some questions. Are they insured? ($20M public liability is the standard for the Northern Beaches — less than that is inadequate for most large tree jobs.) Are they qualified? Do they hold a current arborist certification? Are they accounting for the council permit if one's required? An unqualified operator removing a tree without the right insurance or permit can leave you with a fine and no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Photos are helpful for an initial ballpark — send them when you enquire and we can give you a rough range. But the only way to give you a firm, written price is a free site visit. We'll assess:
We give you a written quote after the site visit. No charge for the quote, no obligation to proceed.
How much does tree removal cost on the Northern Beaches?
Tree removal on the Northern Beaches typically ranges from $400–$900 for small trees under 5m, $900–$2,500 for medium trees (5–10m), $2,500–$5,000 for large trees (10–15m), and $5,000+ for very large or complex removals. Every job is different — access, species, proximity to structures and whether a stump grind is included all affect the final price.
Why is tree removal so expensive?
Tree removal involves significant risk, specialist equipment, qualified labour, insurance, and waste disposal. On the Northern Beaches specifically, coastal access constraints, large native tree species, and the need for council permits on most mature trees add time and complexity that isn't present in a standard suburban job.
Does the council permit add to the cost?
Yes. Northern Beaches Council charges an application fee, and the permit process takes time — typically 2–6 weeks. Some applications also require a formal arborist report ($300–$600) to support the consent application. We advise on this at the quoting stage and can help with the permit process.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal quotes?
Not automatically. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately at $200–$500 per stump depending on diameter and access. It's worth including in the same job to avoid a second mobilisation cost.
Do I need an arborist report and how much does it cost?
An arborist report is sometimes required as part of a council permit application — particularly for significant trees, development applications, or where a tree's health or structure is in question. Reports typically cost $300–$600. We can advise at the quoting stage whether one is needed for your situation.
How do I get an accurate tree removal quote?
A site visit is the only way to give a firm price. We offer free, no-obligation site quotes across the entire Northern Beaches. Send us photos when you enquire and we can give a rough ballpark in the meantime.
We visit your site, assess the tree, and give you a firm price — no obligation, no charge.
0452 030 077