Tree Removal
Cost & Pricing

Large tree removal in Massachusetts typically costs $1,000 to $2,500 for trees between 60 and 80 feet tall. Very large trees over 80 feet — like mature oaks, maples, or white pines common in Middlesex County — run $2,000 to $3,000 or more, especially when crane assistance is needed due to proximity to houses, power lines, or fences. The biggest cost factors are tree height, trunk diameter, proximity to structures, and equipment access. A 70-foot oak in an open Billerica backyard costs less than the same tree squeezed between two houses in Lowell. McDonald Tree Service has been removing large trees across Middlesex County since 1995. We provide free on-site estimates with no pressure — Keith McDonald personally evaluates every job. Call (978) 375-2272 to schedule.

Stump grinding is a separate service from tree removal, but McDonald Tree Service offers steep bundling discounts when both are done together — typically $100 to $200 additional since our grinder is already on-site. Standalone stump grinding without tree removal runs $150 to $800 depending on stump diameter, root spread, and soil conditions. We grind stumps 6 to 12 inches below grade so you can plant grass, install a patio, or just enjoy a level yard. Deeper grinding is available on request for hardscaping projects. Most single-stump jobs take about an hour. Multi-stump properties — like wooded lots cleared for construction — get volume pricing. We serve Billerica, Chelmsford, Lowell, Tewksbury, and all 18 towns in our Middlesex County service area. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate.

Crane-assisted tree removal adds $500 to $1,500 for crane mobilization and setup on top of the base removal cost. Total crane jobs at McDonald Tree Service typically run $2,000 to $5,000 depending on tree size, location, and complexity. However, crane removal is often faster and significantly safer for large trees near structures — a 70-foot oak next to a house in Burlington can be lifted cleanly over the roof in sections rather than rigging each piece down by hand. In many cases, crane work actually saves money compared to complex rigging alternatives that take twice as long. We own our crane equipment, so there is no third-party rental markup. Keith McDonald has been doing crane removals across Middlesex County since 1995. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free on-site assessment.

McDonald Tree Service requires payment upon completion for standard tree removal jobs — we accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. For larger projects exceeding $3,000, such as multi-tree removals or lot clearing, we can discuss payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. We don't use financing companies or third-party lenders, so there's no interest or credit check involved. Our pricing is transparent from the start — the estimate Keith gives you at the walkthrough is the price you pay, period. No surprise charges for cleanup, no hidden equipment fees, no subcontractor markups because we never subcontract. We've been serving Middlesex County homeowners since 1995 with honest, upfront pricing. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free estimate on your tree removal project.

Tree removal prices vary between companies for three main reasons: insurance coverage, equipment quality, and business overhead. Companies with proper Massachusetts liability insurance and workers compensation coverage cost more than uninsured operators — but they protect you if something goes wrong on your property. Companies with professional equipment like bucket trucks, cranes, and commercial chippers do faster, cleaner work than someone with a pickup truck and a chainsaw. And local family operations like McDonald Tree Service — founded in 1995, based in Billerica — have lower overhead than national franchises that charge franchise fees and sales commissions. The cheapest quote often means cutting corners on insurance, equipment maintenance, or cleanup. Keith McDonald personally oversees every job with no subcontractors. Call (978) 375-2272 for an honest estimate.