How Much Does Tree Service Cost in Montana? (2025 Guide)

If you've got trees in your yard here in Montana, you've probably wondered what it costs to have them professionally trimmed, removed, or maintained. The truth is, tree service pricing can vary wildly depending on where you are in the state and what kind of work you need done. I've been in this business long enough to know that homeowners in Billings are going to pay different rates than folks up in Great Falls, and that's just how it works with regional pricing.

Let me break down what you can actually expect to pay for tree services in Montana in 2025, based on real numbers from the field.

Basic Tree Trimming and Pruning Costs

Tree trimming is probably the most common service we get calls about. This is the work where we go out and remove dead branches, shape the tree, and generally keep things looking good. In Montana, you're looking at somewhere between $300 to $1,000 per tree for standard trimming work, depending on the size and condition of the tree.

A small tree in Missoula might run you $300 to $500, while a larger mature tree could easily push toward $800 to $1,200. The price goes up if we have to use climbing equipment, deal with power lines, or if the tree is in an awkward spot on your property. Trees that hang over your roof or fence line also tend to cost more because there's more risk involved and we have to be extra careful.

In Bozeman, where properties tend to be a bit more spread out, we've seen trimming jobs run on the higher end because homeowners often have larger, older trees that need serious work. Great Falls pricing sits somewhere in the middle of what you'd see in other Montana cities.

Tree Removal – The Bigger Picture

Now we're talking real money. Tree removal is where costs jump up significantly, and honestly, it depends on so many factors that I always tell people to get a quote before freaking out about the price.

A small tree removal might cost you $500 to $1,500. A medium-sized tree? That's $1,500 to $3,500. Large trees that require climbing equipment, ropes, and careful dismantling can run anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or more. We've done jobs in Billings where a massive old cottonwood or ponderosa pine removal hit $8,000 to $10,000 because of the size and the fact that the homeowner wanted stump grinding included.

What drives these costs up? Several things: the tree's height and diameter, how close it is to your house or other structures, whether it's already dead or diseased, accessibility for equipment, and whether you want the stump ground out too. In Missoula, where a lot of properties are tightly spaced with lots of trees, we often charge more because there's less room to work and more risk of damaging neighboring property.

Stump Grinding and Removal

Here's something people often forget to budget for. You can have a tree removed, but if you don't deal with the stump, you've got a problem. Stump grinding typically runs $150 to $400 per stump in Montana, depending on the diameter. A small stump might be $150 to $250, while a large one could be $400 to $600.

If you want the stump completely removed with the root system pulled out – not just ground down – you're looking at the higher end of that range or even more. Complete removal is more expensive because it takes longer and creates a bigger hole that needs to be filled.

In Great Falls and Bozeman, stump removal pricing is pretty consistent with the rest of the state, though accessibility issues can change things. If your stump is in a backyard with a narrow gate, expect to pay more because we'll need hand equipment instead of bringing in the grinder.

Emergency Tree Services and Storm Cleanup

Montana weather can get rough, and when a storm tears through and leaves you with hanging branches or downed trees, emergency services cost more. We typically charge 25% to 50% more for after-hours emergency work compared to regular business hours jobs. A tree that would normally cost $2,000 to remove might run $2,500 to $3,000 if you need it done in the middle of the night or over the weekend.

Storm cleanup jobs in Billings and Missoula can get expensive fast if multiple trees are affected. We've handled jobs where homeowners paid $5,000 to $15,000 for cleanup because there were hazard trees everywhere that needed immediate attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer discounts for multiple trees?

Yes, most tree service companies in Montana, including us, will give you a break if you have several trees that need work. If you're looking at trimming three or four trees, you might save 10% to 20% compared to having them done separately. Always ask your contractor about volume pricing.

What's the best time of year to have tree work done in Montana?

Late fall through early spring is ideal for most tree work in Montana. Summer works too, but you'll be on the schedule longer. Winter can actually be a good time because trees are dormant, though weather can make it tricky.

Should I get an arborist assessment before removing a tree?

If you're unsure whether a tree actually needs to come down, yes, it's worth the $100 to $300 for an arborist to take a look. They might recommend trimming instead of removal, which could save you serious money.

Ready to get your trees taken care of? Call us at (888) 705-2656 for a free estimate. We serve all of Montana, and we'll give you honest pricing without the upsell.