Tree Removal in Knoxville, TN
Hazardous, dead, or just in the way — get a local, insured crew to take it down safely and leave your yard clean.
When a tree needs to come down
Most removals we hear about in Knox County fall into a few buckets:
- Dead or dying trees. Emerald ash borer has killed a huge share of East Tennessee's ash trees, and dead ash gets brittle fast. Hemlocks hit by woolly adelgid and pines hit by southern pine beetle are close behind.
- Leaning toward the house. A new lean after a storm, cracked soil on one side, or exposed roots are signs to call now rather than later.
- Too close to structures. Big tulip poplars and oaks planted near foundations, driveways, and sewer lines.
- Bradford pears. They split apart in wind and ice, and Tennessee lists them as invasive. Many homeowners are replacing them.
- Construction and lot clearing. Making room for an addition, pool, fence, or new build.
How the job works
A crew looks at the tree, the drop zone, and anything nearby that could be hit — roofs, fences, power lines. Open trees can be felled in one piece. Trees over houses are taken down in sections with ropes and rigging, or with a crane for the biggest jobs. Every piece gets lowered, not dropped.
Your estimate should spell out whether it includes hauling the wood, grinding the stump, and raking the debris. Ask for all three in writing.
What tree removal costs in Knoxville
Price depends on height, trunk width, how close the tree sits to buildings, and whether a bucket truck can reach it. Small ornamental trees can run a few hundred dollars; large oaks or poplars over a house can run well into the thousands. The only way to know is an on-site estimate — which is free.
Do I need a permit?
For most homeowners on private property in Knoxville, no permit is needed to remove a tree. There are exceptions — some historic overlay districts, trees in the public right-of-way, and certain development sites. If you're unsure, check with the City of Knoxville or Knox County before work starts, and ask your crew.
Areas we serve
Tree Removal in Farragut, Tree Removal in West Knoxville, Tree Removal in Fountain City, Tree Removal in South Knoxville, Tree Removal in Powell, Tree Removal in Halls, Tree Removal in Karns, Tree Removal in Oak Ridge, Tree Removal in Clinton, Tree Removal in Maryville, Tree Removal in Lenoir City, Tree Removal in Sevierville
Questions about tree removal
Will homeowner's insurance pay for removal?
Often, if a tree falls on a covered structure like your house or garage. Insurance usually won't pay to remove a healthy standing tree. Take photos before any work begins and call your insurer.
Can you remove a tree near power lines?
Trees touching main power lines have to be handled by KUB or a line-clearance contractor. Trees near the service drop to your house can often be handled by the crew. Tell us about any lines when you request a quote.
How long does a removal take?
Most residential removals take a few hours to one day, including cleanup.
Ready to get that tree handled?
Free, no-pressure estimates from a local Knoxville crew. Most calls get a quote within a day.