How much does tree removal cost on the Gold Coast?
Tree removal on the Gold Coast typically costs $250 to $800 for a small tree under 5 m, $800 to $2,500 for a medium tree of 5 to 10 m, and $2,000 to $5,000 for a large tree of 10 to 20 m. Access, powerlines, green waste and council approval move the final price.
Updated October 2026 by 
Steven Piper
What does tree removal cost by tree size?
Height is the biggest driver of price. These are typical ranges per tree on the Gold Coast, including GST, for a standard job with reasonable access.
| Tree height | Typical range per tree |
|---|---|
| Small, under 5 m | $250 to $800 |
| Medium, 5 to 10 m | $800 to $2,500 |
| Large, 10 to 20 m | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Very large, over 20 m | $4,500 and up |
For scale, a single-storey house is around 5 m to the roof ridge. Very large trees can run well past $5,000 when a crane or a tricky drop zone is involved.
What pushes a tree removal quote up?
Two trees of the same height can be priced very differently. These are the things tree services look at when they quote:
- Height and spread. Taller trees take longer to dismantle in sections and may need a crane or elevated work platform.
- Access. A tree in an open front yard costs less than one in a backyard reached through a narrow side path, where every piece is carried out by hand.
- What's underneath. Roofs, pools, sheds and fences mean branches are lowered on ropes rather than dropped.
- Powerlines. Trees near the line to the street or the house need extra care and sometimes a coordinated job with the network. Never let anyone touch a tree that's resting on a line.
- Green waste. Chipping and removing the wood is usually extra. Ask whether the quote includes it.
- The stump. Grinding is usually priced separately, from about $150 for a small stump.
- Urgency. Storm callouts and after-hours work cost more than booked work.
Do you need to pay for council approval on the Gold Coast?
Sometimes. If the tree is assessable vegetation, more than 4 m tall or with a trunk more than 40 cm around at 1.3 m, you usually need City of Gold Coast approval before it comes down, unless an exemption applies.
Council charges an application fee that depends on how many trees are involved and whether the work is tied to a building or development approval. Fees are listed in council's register of fees and charges. If council wants evidence the tree is dead, dying or dangerous, an arborist report adds from about $300.
Our Gold Coast tree rules guide covers what's protected, the exemptions and how to apply.
What do other tree jobs cost?
Typical ranges for related work, per tree or per job:
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pruning or trimming, per tree | $200 to $1,200 |
| Palm removal, per palm | $250 to $1,200 |
| Stump grinding, per stump | $150 to $900, by diameter |
| Arborist report | From about $300 |
Stump grinding is priced by diameter. See our stump grinding cost guide for the full breakdown.
How do you get an accurate price?
A tree service can only give a firm price once they've seen the tree, either on site or from good photos.
- Check whether the tree needs council approval before you book anything. See the Gold Coast tree rules.
- Take photos of the whole tree, the base, and anything it's close to: the house, fences, powerlines.
- Get at least two written quotes that say whether green waste removal and stump grinding are included.
- Ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance before work starts.
Compare the best rated tree services on the Gold Coast, or use the form to get quotes from up to 2 local businesses.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to remove a small tree on the Gold Coast?
A small tree under 5 m typically costs $250 to $800 to remove, including GST. The price goes up with poor access, nearby structures and if you want the green waste taken away.
Is stump grinding included in a tree removal quote?
Usually not. Most tree services price stump grinding separately, from about $150 for a small stump to $900 for a large one. Ask for it on the same quote if you want the stump gone, since doing both in one visit often saves a callout.
Why are tree removal quotes so different?
Because access, nearby structures, powerlines, crane hire and green waste removal change the work involved. Compare quotes line by line, and check each one says what's included and that the business carries public liability insurance.
Does home insurance cover tree removal?
It depends on your policy. Many home policies cover removing a tree that has fallen on the house in a storm, but not removing a healthy tree you want gone. Check your policy and talk to your insurer before booking storm work.
Sources
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Gold Coast (October 2026)
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Brisbane (October 2026)
- City of Gold Coast: tree and vegetation removal on private land
General information only, not legal advice. Council rules change, so confirm with your council before work starts.