Updated October 2026. Indicative ranges from current published Australian pricing guides — tree work is quoted job-by-job more than almost any other trade, because height, access and what’s underneath the tree dominate everything.
Between the escarpment’s big eucalypts, Helensburgh’s bushland blocks and street-tree-lined suburbs like Thirroul and Austinmer, the Illawarra generates serious tree work — and quotes that genuinely range from a few hundred dollars to five figures for the same words: “remove that tree”.
Indicative ranges
| Tree size | Typical removal cost |
|---|---|
| Small (under 5m) | $250 – $800 |
| Medium (5–10m) | $800 – $2,500 |
| Large (10–15m) | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Very large (15m+) | $5,000 – $15,000+ |
| Stump grinding (add-on) | $150 – $1,200 by diameter |
The national median sits around $1,700, with most whole-tree jobs landing between $1,500 and $3,500. Pruning and canopy lifts cost a fraction of removal — often the smarter first question.
What moves the price
- Height and spread — the single biggest driver.
- What’s underneath. A tree over a clear lawn can be felled; one over your roof, pool or powerlines must be dismantled piece by piece from ropes or a cherry picker.
- Access. If the chipper can’t get near, everything is carried — labour climbs fast on battle-axe blocks and steep escarpment sites.
- Waste. Chipping and removal is usually included but confirm it — green waste disposal isn’t cheap.
The rules worth knowing — council approval is real here
All three Illawarra councils regulate tree removal. In most cases you need a permit before touching a protected tree — Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils each run their own rules on species, trunk size and distance from dwellings, with exemptions for genuinely dangerous trees and some bushfire zones (the 10/50 scheme where it applies). Fines for unauthorised removal are substantial. A professional arborist will know the local rules and often handles the application; be very wary of anyone who shrugs at the permit question. Ask for an AQF-qualified arborist and proof of public liability insurance, and see how we verify businesses (our badge doesn’t check arborist quals — ask).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council permission to remove a tree on my own land?
Often yes — ownership doesn’t exempt you. Check your council’s tree management rules (species and size thresholds vary) before anyone starts a saw. Dangerous or storm-damaged trees have faster paths, but document everything with photos.
Why did I get quotes of $1,200 and $4,000 for the same tree?
Usually insurance and method. A properly insured crew dismantling over your roof with rigging costs real money; a cheap quote may mean felling-and-hoping, no insurance, or no waste removal. Ask exactly what each quote includes.
Is a dead tree cheaper to remove?
Usually the opposite — dead wood is unpredictable and often can’t be climbed safely, so it needs equipment. Don’t wait for a declining tree to die before acting.
Browse Illawarra tree services, or see all cost guides.