In 2026, removing a tree in Skagit County typically costs $300 to $2,000. Very large Douglas firs, cedars or hazardous trees near a house can reach $5,000 or more.
Most homeowners in Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley pay $500 to $1,500 for a medium tree, 30 to 60 feet tall, with cleanup included.
For comparison, Angi puts the 2026 national average at $750. Pacific Northwest prices run higher because our conifers are taller and heavier.
The only way to get an exact price is an on-site estimate. Baxter’s Excavation offers free estimates across Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish County.
Tree Removal Prices By Tree Size (Skagit County, 2026)
Tree height is the biggest price driver. Taller trees need more climbing, rigging and cutting time, and produce more wood to haul.
| Tree height | Common Skagit examples | Estimated Skagit cost (2026) | Bellingham benchmark | National benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | Fruit trees, birch, young alder | $300 – $800 | $280 – $820 | $150 – $450 |
| 30 – 60 ft | Alder, bigleaf maple, smaller cedar | $800 – $1,800 | $430 – $1,630 | $450 – $1,200 |
| 60 – 80 ft | Mature maple, cedar, Douglas fir | $1,500 – $3,000 | $850 – $2,180 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Over 80 ft | Large Douglas fir, western redcedar | $2,500 – $6,000+ | — | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Benchmarks: HomeBlue, Bellingham (2025) and Angi, national (July 2026). Skagit column = our estimate from these sources plus regional data.
In King County, a Seattle arborist reports large trees at $2,000 to $8,000+, including a 120-ft Douglas fir removed for $4,200.
Bellingham crews bill about $240 to $310 per hour for a three-person crew, according to HomeBlue. It’s the closest published benchmark to Skagit County.
What Affects Tree Removal Cost In Skagit County?
Six factors decide most Skagit County quotes: height, trunk size, location, condition, access and what happens to the wood.
- Height and trunk diameter. A 90-ft Douglas fir takes far more rigging, cutting and hauling than a 25-ft birch.
- Distance to structures. Trees leaning over homes, garages or fences must be taken down in small, roped sections. This adds labour and time.
- Power lines. Trees near lines need extra care. PSE will disconnect your service line free of charge, with at least 5 business days’ notice.
- Tree condition. Dead, rotten or storm-cracked trees are unpredictable to climb. Many need a bucket truck, crane or excavator instead.
- Access. Hillside lots in Anacortes, narrow driveways and soft Skagit Valley ground limit equipment. Hand-carrying wood costs more than chipping at the truck.
- Wood and debris. Chipping and hauling everything costs more than leaving logs for firewood. Ask for both prices.
Removing several trees in one visit usually lowers the price per tree. The crew and equipment only mobilise once.
Extra Costs To Budget For
Most tree removal quotes cover cutting the tree down. Stump grinding, hauling and emergency call-outs are often priced separately, so always ask what’s included.
| Add-on | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $100 – $150 first stump, ~$50 each extra (Angi) | Large fir and cedar stumps cost more. Often not included, per HomeBlue. |
| Debris cleanup | $70 – $95 (Angi) | Confirm chipping and haul-away are in the quote. |
| Crane | ~$500+ extra (Angi) | Needed when a tree can’t be climbed or dropped safely. |
| Emergency removal | Up to $5,000 (Angi) | Storm damage, after-hours or tree on a roof. |
| Permit | $60 – $150 (Angi) | Only where required. See permits below. |
| Arborist report | Around $1,000+ (Sound Tree Care) | Mainly for protected trees or critical areas. |
In Washington, underground utilities must be located before digging. Call 811 two to ten business days ahead, under RCW 19.122.
Ask your contractor whether they handle the 811 locate before stump grinding or root removal.
Do You Need A Permit To Remove A Tree In Skagit County?
Usually not, for a single tree on your own private lot. A permit or review is required in critical areas, for larger timber harvests, and for city street trees.
Unincorporated Skagit County
- Personal-use cutting: No permit for cutting under 2 acres, or under 5,000 board feet, for personal use (Skagit County Planning & Development Services).
- Larger harvests: Over 5,000 board feet on more than 2 acres needs a Washington DNR forest practices permit.
- Converting forest land: Harvesting for non-forestry use needs a Class IV-G permit, filed with both Skagit County and DNR. Skipping it can trigger a six-year development moratorium.
Critical Areas: Wetlands, Streams And Steep Slopes
Trees in wetlands, stream buffers, slopes over 30% or flood hazard zones fall under the Skagit County Critical Areas Ordinance, SCC 14.24.
Under SCC 14.24.130, hazard trees in these areas need prior written approval from Planning and Development Services, except in an emergency.
If the County doesn’t respond within ten business days, the request is automatically approved. Removed trees must be replaced with native species within one year.
Cities: Mount Vernon, Burlington, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley
City rules apply inside city limits. Each city regulates trees differently, so check before cutting:
- Mount Vernon: Street trees fall under Chapter 12.28 Street Trees. Land clearing falls under Chapter 15.18.
- Burlington: Tree rules sit in Chapter 12.20 Trees of the municipal code.
- Anacortes: AMC 16.50 covers tree preservation. “Priority trees” are 24 inches or more in diameter, 100+ years old, or valuable habitat.
- Sedro-Woolley and La Conner: Call the city planning office before removing a large or street-side tree.
Not sure which rules apply? Baxter’s checks permit requirements during the free on-site estimate.
Signs A Tree Needs To Come Down
Remove a tree when it’s dead, structurally failing or close enough to damage a home if it falls. Anacortes code uses 1.2 tree lengths from a structure as a hazard benchmark (AMC 16.50.030).
Watch for these warning signs:
- Sudden or increasing lean, especially with lifted soil on one side
- Deep cracks, splits or cavities in the trunk
- Mushrooms or fungus at the base, a sign of root rot
- Dead or hanging limbs over roofs, driveways or play areas
- Bare branches in summer or thinning crowns on conifers
- Roots damaging foundations, side sewers or driveways
Why Prices Rise In Storm Season
In the Skagit Valley, wind storms usually arrive in fall and winter, when the soil is saturated and roots hold less firmly.
Emergency and after-hours removal costs more, up to about $5,000 per Angi. Removing a risky tree before storm season is usually cheaper.
If a tree is touching a power line, stay back and call your utility first. PSE warns homeowners never to trim near lines themselves.
Does Homeowners Insurance Pay For Tree Removal?
Sometimes. Coverage usually depends on whether a covered event, like a storm, drops a tree onto an insured structure. Check your own policy and call your insurer before work starts.
Take photos of the tree, the damage and the surrounding area first. Ask your contractor for an itemised invoice for the claim.
How To Save Money on Tree Removal
- Book before storm season. Planned work avoids emergency rates.
- Bundle jobs. Remove several trees, or add stump grinding, in one visit.
- Keep the wood. Leaving logs for firewood can cut hauling costs.
- Get an itemised quote. Compare cutting, stump grinding, cleanup and haul-away line by line.
How To Hire A Tree Removal Contractor in Washington
Washington requires contractors to hold an active registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. Check any company with the free L&I Verify tool.
L&I Verify shows licence status, bond lawsuits, workers’ comp coverage for employees, and safety citations.
Before you sign, confirm:
- ☐ Active L&I contractor registration and bond
- ☐ Liability insurance certificate
- ☐ Written quote listing stump grinding, cleanup and haul-away
- ☐ Who checks permits and calls 811
- ☐ Recent reviews from Skagit County customers
Why Skagit Homeowners Call Baxter’s Excavation
Baxter’s Excavation LLC is a licensed, bonded and insured contractor based in Burlington, WA. We’ve handled tree removal and excavation across Skagit County for 15+ years.
Because we own excavators and skid steers, we can remove the tree, grind the stump and grade the ground in one visit. You don’t need to book a second contractor.
Our customers say it best:
- “Baxter excavating brought all the appropriate equipment and skilled personnel to remove a tree that fell on my roof.” — John T., Google review
- “We called Baxter’s for a quote to remove 25+ trees and grade the land. He came next day and gave us a quote same day.” — Sabine G., Google review
We serve Burlington, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, La Conner and Concrete, plus Whatcom and Snohomish County.
Get a free on-site tree removal estimate. Call (360) 899-8468 or request a quote online. See our full tree removal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Large Tree In Skagit County?
A tree over 60 feet typically costs $1,500 to $3,000. Very large Douglas firs or cedars near a home can cost $6,000 or more.
Is Stump Grinding Included In The Tree Removal Price?
Often not. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately, starting around $100 to $150 for the first stump. Large conifer stumps cost more.
Do I Need A Permit To Cut Down A Tree on My Property In Skagit County?
Not for most single trees on private land outside critical areas. Wetlands, stream buffers, steep slopes and city street trees can require approval.
How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost?
Emergency tree removal costs more than planned work because of urgent scheduling and higher risk. Angi reports emergency jobs up to about $5,000.
Who Removes A Tree Touching A Power Line In Skagit County?
For PSE customers, PSE trims trees near pole-to-pole lines free. For your service line, PSE offers a free safety disconnect with 5 business days’ notice.
What Is The Cheapest Time of Year To Remove A Tree?
Late spring and summer, outside storm season, is usually the best time to book. Planned work avoids emergency rates and wet, soft ground.
How Can I Check If A Tree Company Is Licensed In Washington?
Use the free L&I Verify tool. It shows registration, bond, workers’ comp coverage and safety citations for any Washington contractor.
