What Does It Cost For Tree Trimming In Seattle, WA?

March 21, 2022
arborist in red hard hat with face shield smiling outside near trees.

Written By: Eric Ledford



ISA Certified Arborist – PN-9290A 

ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)


Updated: December 2, 2025

2025 Seattle Tree Trimming Costs (Reviewed by an ISA Certified Arborist)

2025 Tree Trimming Pricing Guide

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 our $150/hr per crew member rate—is a fair and fast option.

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Average Tree Trimming Costs in Seattle

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 Cost Calculator (2025 Guide)


While every tree is different, you can estimate your trimming cost by using the five major pricing factors below. Each factor increases or decreases the final price depending on the size, location, and condition of your tree.


Estimated Cost Formula:

Base Price × Tree Size Modifier × Accessibility Modifier × Risk Level

Tree Height Tree Size Modifier Typical Price Range
🌱 0–15 ft (Small) Base Rate $600- $900
🌿 15–30 ft (Medium) ×1.3–1.6 $800- $1400
🌳 30–50 ft (Large) ×1.7–2.2 $1200- $2000
🌲 50+ ft (Extra Large) ×2.5–3.5 $1,800– $4,000+

As a rough guide, small ornamental trees near easy access points land at the lower end of the range. Tall conifers, big maples, or trees over roofs and structures push pricing toward the higher end because they require more time, gear, and safety rigging.

🌲 2. Accessibility

  • 🟢Easy access (driveway, open yard): no surcharge
  • 🟡Moderate access (fence line, backyard): +10–20%
  • 🔴Tight access / rigging required: +25–50%

PRO TIP: Trees near structures or with no drop zone almost always require advanced rigging or aerial climbing.

  • 🚧 Limited street parking or no-safe-parking zones may require a temporary parking strip closure permit: + $300 per service day
  • 🪜 Narrow gates under 34” require mini skid or manual hauling → adds labor
  • 🪤 Retaining walls / slopes reduce safe drop zones → rigging required


⚡ 3. Location / Utilities

  • 🔴Near power lines → clearance requirements → may require coordination or delay
  • 🟡Near Secondary drops → add complexity→ increases prep time & safety rigging
  • 🟡Over roofs → increases labor + risk


🌳 4. Number of Trees

  • Multiple trees = lower cost per tree
     (We already have equipment and crew on site.)
  • 🟢 Light debris → often included
  • 🟡 Moderate debris → +$150
  • 🔴 Heavy debris / multiple loads → +$150–$300+


🌱 5. Tree Condition & Health

  • 🟡Overgrown, neglected trees cost more
  • 🟡Diseased / storm-damaged trees require slower, safer cuts
  • 🟡Hazard trees add inspection + risk mitigation steps
  • 🟡Wind snap / dead tops → slow, controlled sectioning
  • 🟡Removing vines from a tree is slow and tedious work

Final Thoughts on Tree Trimming Costs

Tree with pruning cuts

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:


  • removing the right branches,
  • improving long-term structure,
  • reducing weight and risk, and
  • preserving the health and natural shape of your tree.

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.

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Along with standard project-based pricing, many Seattle homeowners ask us about hourly rates for small tasks, add-ons, and emergency tree work. Here’s how our time-and-materials pricing works.

🌲 Tree Trimming, Tree Removal & Stump Grinding Cost Per Hour (Seattle 2025)

Sound Tree Care charges a flat $150 per hour per crew member for time-and-materials work. This is the rate we use 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.

This rate is extremely helpful for homeowners who want flexibility during a visit — if you see something else you'd like taken care of while we're there, we can handle it safely and efficiently using our established hourly pricing.


⚡ Why Hourly Pricing Helps You Get Faster Service

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.

📊 Hourly Tree Service Pricing at a Glance

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

🌲Ready for Expert Tree Trimming in Seattle?


🌲 Ready for Expert Tree Trimming in Seattle?
From steep-slope removals in Queen Anne to street-tree pruning in Ballard, Sound Tree Care delivers safe, code-compliant service backed by ISA-Certified Arborists. From storm-damaged branches to Seattle tree-trimming permits (SDCI/SDOT) to routine pruning for safety and curb appeal, our Seattle arborists provide fast, expert support for homeowners across the city.
Call now for a free estimate — we proudly serve all Seattle neighborhoods with arborist-led expertise you can trust.

 

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