Tree removal in Columbus, GA
Dead pines, leaning hardwoods and trees that have outgrown the yard.
A removal might be a dead or dying pine, a hardwood that has started to lean or split, or a healthy tree that is simply in the way of a roof, a driveway or an addition. What a contractor needs to know is the same for all three: how tall it is, what it could hit, and whether a truck, a lift or a crane can reach it.
Dead and dying pines
The southern pine beetle attacks all of Georgia's southern yellow pines, and the Georgia Forestry Commission names loblolly, shortleaf and Virginia pines as the most susceptible. UGA's Warnell School counted 273 beetle spots documented in Georgia in 2023 and over 1,600 in 2024, and says dead pines should be removed by a qualified professional. A pine that has already turned red or brown belongs on the hazard list. See pine beetles and dying pines.
Published prices by height and species
| Tree | Lawn Love, Oct 2026 (national) |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 feet | $285 to $435 |
| 30 to 60 feet | $435 to $870 |
| 60 to 80 feet | $870 to $1,160 |
| Over 80 feet | $1,160 to $2,000 |
| Pine | $475 to $1,450 |
| Oak | $380 to $1,160 |
| Already fallen | $90 to $300 |
| Emergency removal | $450 to $3,000 |
The same guide adds $180 to $525 for stump removal, $100 to $200 to haul the debris, and a travel fee of $50 to $200 when the site is more than 30 minutes from the contractor. When comparing quotes, ask which of those each one includes.
Trees the city controls
A tree between the sidewalk and the street may not be yours to cut. Columbus's 2002 tree ordinance requires a City Arborist permit for cutting or removing city trees, and amendment text introduced in 2019 treats trees 6 inches or more in diameter on public land, rights-of-way and drainage easements as protected. If the tree is near the curb, ask the city through 311 before anyone starts. See Columbus tree rules.
Near the wires
Georgia Power says no one should climb trees near power lines. If a limb is touching a line or the tree leans toward one, call the utility before booking the removal; the tree contractor's work starts once the line side is handled.
What helps a quote
- The species, or a photo of the bark and needles or leaves.
- The height, even a guess against a two-story house.
- What's underneath: roof, fence, pool, driveway, power or phone lines.
- Getting in: how wide the gate is, and how close a truck or lift can park to the trunk.
- The stump and wood: ground out or left, hauled or left in rounds.
Common questions
What does a tree removal run in Columbus?
We couldn't find published Columbus figures. Lawn Love's national guide, updated October 2026, averages $850 with most jobs between $385 and $1,070; pines run $475 to $1,450.
Can a dead pine wait until spring?
UGA's Warnell School advises that dead pines are a safety hazard and should be removed by a qualified professional. A contractor can judge how quickly yours needs to come down.
Get the removal quoted
Phone us, or use the form, and a contractor based near Columbus will arrange to see the tree and give you a number. Nothing is charged for that.
If the voicemail picks up, say your street, what kind of tree it is, and whether it's still standing or already down.