ISA Certified Arborists | Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Written By: Eric Ledford
ISA Certified Arborist – PN-9290A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)
Updated for 2026. Tree trimming costs in Seattle vary based on tree size, access, risk, and site conditions. In this 2026 pricing guide, we break down average tree trimming prices, hourly rates, and the real-world factors that influence your final estimate—reviewed by an ISA Certified Arborist.
Professional tree trimming in Seattle typically ranges widely based on tree size, structure, health, access limitations, and the type of pruning required. As an ISA Certified Arborist serving the Puget Sound region, I’ve outlined the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for homeowners, including average trimming costs, factors that influence price, and the situations where hourly billing—such as a $150/hr per crew member rate—is a fair and fast option.
Most Seattle homeowners spend somewhere between $400 and $1,200 to trim a single tree, but the range is wide because size, access, and risk all change the price. Instead of guessing, you can use the simple cost calculator below to see how each factor affects your estimate.
Tree trimming is priced based on time, crew size, equipment, and the level of care required—not a flat per-tree rate. A single large or hazardous tree can take as long as trimming several smaller trees. The factors below explain what most effects trimming costs in the Seattle area.
Why it matters: More cuts and higher precision mean more labor hours on site.
Why it matters: One large tree can take as long as trimming several small trees.
Why it matters: Restricted access almost always increases time on site.
Why it matters: Risk management slows the pace and adds crew coordination.
Why it matters: Bundling trees is usually more cost-effective than one-offs.
Why it matters: Unstable trees demand safer, more controlled work.
Important: Tree trimming is priced by time, crew size, and complexity—not a flat per-tree rate.
Along with standard project-based tree trimming pricing, many Seattle homeowners ask us about hourly rates
A flat $150 per hour per crew member for time-and-materials work. This is the rate used for add-ons or small tasks that don’t require a separate quote — things like trimming one extra shrub, removing a few additional branches, doing light hedge touch-ups, or grinding a small stump while we’re already on site.
Our standard production crews include
2–3 trained arborists, so most hourly add-on work runs
$300–$450 per hour depending on the size of the crew we have on site.
One of the biggest advantages of hourly pricing is speed. When a homeowner needs help right away—whether it’s trimming an extra shrub, cleaning up storm debris, or dealing with a fallen tree—we can start immediately because the cost structure is clear from the beginning. There’s no delay waiting for a new quote, no back-and-forth paperwork, and no uncertainty about how the job will be billed.
By contrast, preparing a fixed bid for unpredictable work takes time, and in urgent situations the first homeowners who approve our hourly rate are the first ones we schedule. Hourly pricing lets us mobilize a crew quickly, keep the process simple, and ensure you only pay for the labor actually needed to resolve the situation.
| Service | Hourly Cost | Crew Size | When This Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌳 Tree Trimming | $300–$450/hr | 2–3 staff | Light pruning, touch-ups, fruit trees |
| 🪵 Stump Grinding | $150-$300/hr | 1-2 staff | Most stumps, add-on grinding |
| 🪓 Tree Removal Tasks | $450–$600/hr | 3–4 staff | Small removals, cleaning debris |
| ⚡ Emergency Work | $450–$600/hr | 3–4 staff | Storm-damaged trees, damage stabilization |
Tree trimming costs in Seattle can vary widely depending on tree size, species, access, and the extent of pruning required. In some cases, trimming leads to additional services—such as full tree removal or stump grinding—when structural defects, decay, or site constraints are discovered. The resources below explain how removal and stump grinding costs are calculated, helping you understand when routine trimming transitions into a larger tree care project and how to budget accordingly.
Tree trimming prices vary widely in Seattle, but nearly every estimate comes down to three things: the size of the tree, how easy it is to reach, and how risky the work is. Small, easy-access trees fall at the lower end of the range, while tall trees, tight backyards, and structures or utility lines push pricing higher.
Hiring a professional isn’t just about convenience — it protects your trees and your property. Improper cuts, over-thinning, or trimming at the wrong time of year can stress a tree, create decay pockets, weaken structure, or lead to expensive removals down the line.
A certified arborist trims with intent, not guesswork:
DIY trimming often seems cheaper, but once you factor in equipment, disposal, safety risks, and the potential for long-term damage, professional trimming is almost always the more cost-effective option — especially in the Seattle area where tree health and permitting can get complicated.
If you want a safe, clean, professional result that protects your landscape investment, hiring a certified arborist is the clear choice.
Most homeowners in Seattle can expect tree trimming costs to range from $300 to $1,200 per tree in 2026, depending on tree size, access, and risk level. Smaller ornamental or fruit trees typically fall at the lower end of the range, while large, mature trees or trees near structures cost more due to safety and labor requirements.
Tree trimming prices depend on several variables, including:
An on-site evaluation is the best way to determine accurate pricing.
In most cases, tree trimming is significantly less expensive than tree removal. Trimming focuses on selective pruning, while removal requires dismantling the entire tree, hauling material, and often stump grinding. Trimming is usually the preferred option when the tree is healthy and structurally sound.
Most tree trimming jobs are priced as flat-rate projects, which gives homeowners cost certainty.
We’ll recommend the most cost-effective option for your situation.
Most trees benefit from professional trimming every 2–5 years, depending on species, growth rate, and site conditions. Fast-growing trees or trees near structures may require more frequent maintenance to manage risk and clearance.
Tree trimming prices can vary significantly because not all companies are offering the same level of service, safety, or expertise. Lower prices often reflect reduced insurance coverage, smaller or untrained crews, limited cleanup, or cutting methods that prioritize speed over tree health.
Professional tree trimming costs are influenced by several key factors:
Insurance & licensing – Fully licensed, bonded, and insured companies carry higher operating costs but protect homeowners from liability.
Crew size & training – Experienced arborist-led crews work safer and more efficiently, especially around homes, power lines, and tight access areas.
Rigging & safety methods – Trees near structures often require controlled rigging, aerial climbing, or advanced equipment instead of simple drop-zone cutting.
Cleanup standards – Full debris removal, wood handling, and site cleanup are not always included in low bids.
Tree health & pruning quality – Proper pruning follows ANSI A300 standards to protect long-term tree structure and reduce future failure risk.
Permits & code compliance – In Seattle and surrounding cities, some trimming work requires permit awareness or coordination with local regulations.
In many cases, a lower upfront price can lead to higher long-term costs if improper cuts damage the tree, create decay, or increase the likelihood of future removals. A certified arborist focuses on safety, longevity, and value—not just the fastest way to cut branches.
Sometimes. In Seattle and surrounding cities, protected or exceptional trees may require permits before pruning. Routine maintenance pruning is often allowed, but regulations vary by city and site conditions. We help homeowners understand permit requirements before work begins.
Yes. Debris cleanup and haul-off are typically included in our tree trimming prices unless otherwise requested. Depending on the job, material may be chipped, hauled away, or left on site as mulch if preferred.
Absolutely. Proper pruning helps:
Preventive trimming is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce storm-related tree failures.
Yes — many of our tree pruning and tree trimming jobs produce clean arborist wood chips. When the material is suitable, we can deliver it locally at no cost. If you’re searching for free wood chips near you, you can learn how our delivery program works on our Free Wood Chips page.
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ISA-Certified Arborists providing tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and permit-ready arborist reports across Greater Seattle.
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