Tree Removal in Boise
A tree that's dead, leaning or too close to the house is a job for professionals, with rigging, the right equipment and insurance. Tell us about your tree, and we'll connect you with a local Boise tree removal company that can quote it.
Tree already down? Get emergency help →
When should a tree come out?
Not every problem tree needs removing, but these signs usually mean it's time to get a professional opinion.
Dead or dying trees
No leaves in the growing season, brittle bark falling away, or large dead limbs in the crown. Dead wood gets more brittle over time, and a dead tree can drop limbs without warning.
Hazardous or leaning trees
A sudden new lean, soil heaving or cracking at the base, a split trunk, or a large cavity. Boise's windstorms put extra load on weak trees. A lean that appeared after a storm is more concerning than one the tree has grown into over years.
Large trees near the house
Mature silver maples, elms and cottonwoods can outgrow a city lot. When a large tree overhangs the roof or sits close to the foundation, removal usually means climbing and rigging it down in sections, sometimes with a crane.
Diseased trees
Some diseases can be treated, and some can't. If a tree is declining but still structurally sound, a diagnosis may save it. See tree health care →.
Remove it, or prune it?
Removal is permanent, and mature shade trees are valuable. Before deciding, ask whether any of these could fix the problem:
- Pruning to remove dead or overhanging limbs, or to reduce weight. Trimming & pruning →
- Cabling or bracing to support a split trunk or heavy limb. Cabling & bracing →
- Treatment for a pest or disease caught early.
A good tree company will tell you honestly whether a tree can be saved.
Is it a street tree? Check with the City first
Trees in the public right-of-way, often the strip between the sidewalk and the street, belong to the City of Boise. The City removes dead, diseased or hazardous right-of-way trees at no cost to the adjacent homeowner. If you want other work done on a street tree, you need a free City permit, and the work must be done by a tree service licensed by the City. Boise Community Forestry: (208) 608-7700. Do you need a permit? →
What happens on removal day
- Assessment. The crew checks the tree's lean, nearby targets (house, fence, lines) and access.
- Rigging and cutting. Smaller trees may be felled in one piece. Larger trees near structures are usually taken down in sections, with limbs lowered on ropes. Some jobs need a bucket truck or crane.
- Cleanup. Branches are chipped, wood is cut to length or hauled away, and the area is raked. Confirm what's included in writing.
- The stump. Removal usually leaves a stump. Grinding it is typically a separate line item. Stump grinding →
What affects the price
- Size: height and trunk diameter.
- Location and targets: a tree over a roof or power line takes far more time than one in an open yard.
- Access: whether a bucket truck or crane can reach, or the crew has to climb and carry everything out by hand.
- Condition: dead or cracked trees can be riskier to climb.
- Extras: stump grinding, haul-away, and emergency or after-hours work.
For reference, Homeyou's 2026 Boise data puts a medium tree removal at about $518–$703. Large, complex or emergency removals can cost much more. See the Boise tree removal cost guide →
What to ask any tree removal company
- Can you send a certificate of liability insurance?
- Is the quote in writing, and does it include cleanup, haul-away and the stump?
- Who will be on site, and is an ISA Certified Arborist involved? (Ask for the certification number.)
- If it's a street tree, are you licensed by the City of Boise for public-tree work?
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in Boise? It depends on size, location and access. Homeyou's 2026 Boise data shows about $518–$703 for a medium tree. Full cost guide →
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Boise? For street (right-of-way) trees, yes: a free City permit, and the work done by a City-licensed tree service. For trees fully on private property, confirm with Boise Community Forestry at (208) 608-7700. Read more →
Is stump grinding included? Often not. Ask for it to be listed separately on the quote.
Will homeowners insurance pay for tree removal? It depends on your policy and on why the tree came down. Insurers often treat a tree that fell on a covered structure differently from a healthy tree you choose to remove. Check with your insurer before work begins.
How long does removal take? Many single-tree removals take a few hours to a day. Large trees or ones needing a crane can take longer.
Get matched with a Boise tree removal company
TreeCareBoise is a free referral service. Work is performed by independent local contractors.