Tree Removal in Savannah, GA
In short: national cost data puts an average tree removal at about $750, with most jobs between $200 and $2,000. Large, tall or hard-to-reach trees cost more.1 Whether you need a permit depends on whether you're in the City of Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County or another city. Check before the saw comes out.
When removal is the right call
Removal makes sense when a tree is dead, dying, structurally unsound (major cracks, a new or worsening lean, decay at the base), crowding a foundation or roof, or in the way of construction. If you're not sure, a hazard tree assessment by a qualified arborist can tell you whether pruning or cabling might save it. That also matters for permits: in the City of Savannah, a tree that an ISA Certified Arborist finds hazardous is exempt from the permit requirement, but the written assessment must be approved by the City before removal.2
What tree removal costs
We don't publish Savannah price quotes. The figures below are national averages from cost-guide publishers, useful for sanity-checking a quote, not a promise of local prices.
| Tree height | Typical national range |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 ft | $150–$450 |
| 30–60 ft | $450–$1,200 |
| 60–80 ft | $800–$1,500 |
| Over 80 ft | $1,000–$2,000 |
Source: Angi 2026 data, which also notes a crane can add roughly $500 for very large trees.1 Thumbtack's national data puts large trees with 24–36 inch trunks at roughly $976–$4,117.3
Why Savannah jobs can land on the high end
- Big, wide hardwoods. Mature live oaks and laurel oaks spread over roofs, fences and neighbors' yards, so crews often have to take them down piece by piece with ropes.
- Tight lots and lanes. In older neighborhoods, equipment access through a narrow lane or side yard can mean more climbing and hand-carrying.
- Power lines. Work near lines needs extra care. Georgia's High-Voltage Safety Act requires notice through 811 before work near lines over 750 volts.4 See crane-assisted removal for the hardest jobs.
- Extras. Stump grinding, log hauling and permit fees are often priced separately. See stump grinding.
Do you need a permit?
Permit quick check. Rules depend on which government your address is in, not your mailing city. In the City of Savannah, lots with an existing single-family home or duplex are exempt from the City's tree permit rules, but street trees on the public right-of-way need written City approval.2 Tybee Island and Garden City require a permit to remove a tree.5,6 Richmond Hill protects trees 16 inches in diameter and larger, and Pooler gives special protection to trees 24 inches and larger and to live oaks 18 inches and larger.7,8 See our tree removal permit guide and areas page for your jurisdiction.
How to hire a tree removal company
- Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote that says what's included: cutting, hauling, cleanup, stump grinding and who pulls any permit.
- Check insurance yourself. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) and call the insurer to confirm it's active. Garden City requires tree removal contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured,6 and Thunderbolt's ordinance sets minimum insurance for contractors.9
- Verify credentials. If someone says they're an ISA Certified Arborist, check the ISA credential lookup.10
- Get more than one quote for non-emergency work, and be cautious of anyone asking for full payment before work starts.
Who pays when a tree falls between neighbors?
Georgia's consumer protection office explains that the owner of the property where a tree lands is generally responsible for removal and damage. The exception is when the tree's owner knew or should have known it was dead or diseased, for example from visible signs or a written warning from an arborist.11 If you're worried about a neighbor's tree, a written arborist assessment shared with the neighbor can matter later.
Want a local company to quote your tree removal? Tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent tree company serving your area, when one is available. It's free for homeowners, and responses aren't guaranteed. We're a referral service, not a tree contractor.
Request a referral Phone: (843) 608-8793
Areas: Historic District, Midtown, Ardsley Park, Southside, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Georgetown, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Port Wentworth, Garden City.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Savannah?
We don't publish local quotes. National 2026 data from Angi puts the average around $750, with most removals between $200 and $2,000 and trees over 80 feet at $1,000–$2,000 or more.1 Get written quotes from local companies for your specific tree.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my yard in Savannah?
In the City of Savannah, lots with an existing single-family home or duplex are exempt from the City's tree permit rules, but trees on the public right-of-way need written City approval.2 Other jurisdictions differ. Tybee Island, Garden City and Richmond Hill have their own permit rules. See our permit guide.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Often not. Many companies price stump grinding separately, so ask for it to be listed on the written quote. National data puts stump grinding around $250 on average.12
Is Coastal Tree Guide a tree removal company?
No. We're a free referral service that connects homeowners with independent local tree companies. We don't do tree work and aren't licensed or insured as a tree contractor.
Sources
- Angi, How much does tree removal cost? (2026 national data). www.angi.com
- City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
- Thumbtack, Cost to remove a tree (national data). www.thumbtack.com
- Georgia Power, Power line safety. www.georgiapower.com
- City of Tybee Island FAQ: tree removal permits. www.cityoftybee.org
- Garden City zoning code Ch. 90 Art. VIII, text copy (Zoneomics). www.zoneomics.com
- City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
- City of Pooler Code, Ch. 42 Art. VI, Sec. 42-198 significant trees (PDF). mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
- Town of Thunderbolt Code Sec. 5-329, tree ordinance (copy hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, PDF). www.savannahtree.org
- ISA (TreesAreGood.org), Verify an arborist credential. www.treesaregood.org
- Georgia Dept. of Law Consumer Protection Division, "Ask Ed": my neighbor's tree fell on my property. consumered.georgia.gov
- Angi, How much does stump grinding cost? (2026 national data). www.angi.com