One of the most common questions we receive at Service d'Arbres Brandse is "how much will it cost to remove my tree?" It is a fair question, and unfortunately the answer is always "it depends." Tree removal pricing varies significantly based on the size of the tree, its location on the property, proximity to structures and power lines, whether it is alive or dead, and the difficulty of access for equipment. That said, we believe in transparency, so here is an honest breakdown of what tree removal typically costs across the West Island of Montreal in 2025.
Price Ranges by Tree Size
Small trees under 10 metres tall — such as ornamental crabapples, Japanese lilacs, or young maples — generally cost between $500 and $1,200 to remove including cleanup. Medium trees between 10 and 18 metres — mature silver maples, birch, or ash — typically range from $1,200 to $3,000. Large trees over 18 metres — towering oaks, sugar maples, or mature pines — start at $3,000 and can reach $5,500 or more for complex removals. These ranges include felling, limbing, chipping the brush, and cutting the trunk into manageable sections. Stump grinding is usually an additional $200 to $500 depending on stump diameter and root spread.
Factors That Increase the Cost
Several factors can push a tree removal well above the base price range. Limited access is the most common — if the tree is in a backyard with no gate wide enough for equipment, crews must carry everything by hand, which dramatically increases labour time. Proximity to Hydro-Québec power lines requires specialized techniques and sometimes coordination with the utility, adding cost and scheduling complexity. Dead trees are often more expensive to remove than living ones because the wood is unpredictable and brittle, making climbing dangerous and requiring more careful rigging. Trees leaning toward a house or tangled with a neighbour's tree also demand precision work that takes longer.
Permit Costs by City
Don't forget that most West Island municipalities require a permit before you can remove a tree. Permit fees vary by city: Pointe-Claire charges $50 to $100, Dorval is similar, Beaconsfield can reach $150, and Kirkland's fees are in the $75 to $125 range. DDO, Pierrefonds, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, and Senneville each have their own fee schedules. Some cities also require replacement planting — one or two new trees for every tree removed — which adds $200 to $600 for the purchase and planting of replacement stock. At Service d'Arbres Brandse, we include permit handling in our removal services at no extra charge.
Why the Cheapest Quote Is Often the Riskiest
When you are comparing tree removal quotes, be cautious of prices that seem significantly lower than others. Unlicensed operators without proper insurance are a serious problem in the tree care industry. If a worker is injured on your property and the company has no workers' compensation coverage, you could be held liable. If the tree falls on your neighbour's fence or car and the company has no liability insurance, the damage comes out of your pocket. Ask every company for proof of liability insurance (minimum $2 million), workers' compensation registration, and any applicable certifications. A licensed arborist's quote may be higher, but it includes the protection and quality workmanship you deserve.
Get an Honest Quote from Brandse
At Service d'Arbres Brandse, we provide detailed written quotes that break down exactly what is included — tree removal, brush chipping, trunk disposal, stump grinding if requested, and permit handling. There are no hidden fees and no surprises on the day of the job. We carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation, and our crew members are trained in safe work practices. We serve every community in the West Island of Montreal, from Dorval to Senneville and everywhere in between. Call us at (438) 365-5410 or book a free estimate through our website. We are happy to visit your property, assess the tree, and give you a transparent price before any work begins.