How Much Does Tree Removal Cost on the Gold Coast?
Tree removal is one of those jobs where the price can vary a lot depending on what you’re dealing with. A small tree in an open backyard is a very different job to a large gum overhanging a pool or a palm tree growing next to a fence line. So when people ask us how much it costs, the honest answer is: it depends.
That said, having a rough idea of what to expect before you call is useful. This guide breaks down Gold Coast tree removal costs by tree size, explains what drives the price up or down, and covers a few specific situations like palm tree removal and stump grinding that often come up when people are budgeting for a job.
Tree Removal Cost on the Gold Coast - Price Guide by Size
Here’s a general guide to what tree removal costs on the Gold Coast in 2026. These are broad estimates - your actual quote will depend on the specific job:
| Tree Size | Height | Estimated Cost (inc. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 5m | $300 – $950 |
| Medium | 5m – 10m | $800 – $2,500 |
| Large | 10m – 15m | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Extra Large | 15m+ | $5,000 – $15,000+ |
Note: All prices are estimates only. We provide free quotes on every job - the best way to get an accurate price is to send us a photo and we’ll come back to you quickly.
What Affects the Cost of Tree Removal?
Tree size is the biggest factor, but it’s not the only one. Here’s what our team looks at when working out a quote:
Location and access.
A tree in the middle of an open yard is straightforward. A tree wedged between a fence, a pool and a pergola takes significantly more planning and time. Narrow side access, sloped blocks and trees overhanging structures all add to the job.
Proximity to structures.
Trees close to houses, fences, sheds or driveways need to be cut down carefully in sections. This takes longer than felling a tree in an open space and requires rigging equipment to control where sections fall.
Tree species and condition.
Some species are harder to work with than others. Dead or diseased trees can be unpredictable - timber that’s rotted or structurally compromised requires extra care. Dense hardwoods take longer to cut and chip than softer species.
Power lines.
Trees growing near power lines require extra caution and sometimes coordination with Energex. This adds time and complexity to the job.
Stump grinding.
Stump removal is generally quoted separately. If you want the stump dealt with at the same time as the tree, we can include it in the one quote - which is usually more cost effective than a separate callout.Debris removal. We remove all green waste and timber from site as standard practice. If you’d like to keep the wood chip mulch, just let us know - we’re happy to leave it rather than take it away.
How Much Does Palm Tree Removal Cost on the Gold Coast?
Palm trees are one of the most common removal jobs on the Gold Coast, and they come with their own set of considerations.
The cost of removing a palm tree depends mainly on its height and species. Palms don’t have branches to deal with, which can simplify the job, but tall palms need to be climbed and sectioned down carefully. Cocos palms - by far the most common species in Gold Coast backyards - can be removed without a council permit in most cases, which avoids additional costs and delays.
| Palm Height | Estimated Cost (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Under 5m | $250 – $600 |
| 5m – 10m | $600 – $1,500 |
| 10m – 15m | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| 15m+ | From $3,000 |
Palm roots are often extensive and can damage driveways, pool surrounds and drainage over time. If the palm is close to a structure, factor in stump grinding to avoid ongoing root problems.
Do You Need a Council Permit? And What Does It Cost?
Whether you need a permit to remove a tree on the Gold Coast depends on the species, size and location of the tree, and the zoning of your property. Not all trees require a permit - many residential removals are exempt.
Where a permit is required, Gold Coast City Council charges the following fees for tree works on private property:
| Application Type | Council Fee |
|---|---|
| Tree works not associated with a development application (1 to 3 trees) | $200 |
| Tree works not associated with a development application (4 to 15 trees) | $377 |
| Tree works not associated with a development application (16 or more trees) | $752 |
We can advise on whether your tree is likely to require a permit when we provide the quote. If you want to check yourself first, the Gold Coast City Council website has an online tool to assess your property.
How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Palm tree removal costs on the Gold Coast typically range from $350 for a small Cocos Palm to $2,000 or more for a large Canary Island Date Palm requiring specialist equipment. The key factors that affect cost are:
| Stump Size (diameter at base) | Estimated Cost (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30cm) | $150 – $300 |
| Medium (30cm – 60cm) | $250 – $500 |
| Large (60cm+) | $450 – $800+ |
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most reliable way to get a price is to send us a photo of the tree along with a rough idea of its height and where it’s located on your property. Most jobs can be quoted without a site visit based on photos alone.
When you get in touch, it’s helpful to mention:
The approximate height of the tree
Whether there are any structures nearby (house, fence, shed, pool)
Access to the tree - is there a side gate? How wide?
Whether you’d like the stump removed
Whether you’d like to keep the wood chip mulch or have it removed
We provide free quotes with no obligations. Get in touch with The Good Wood Co. and we’ll come back to you quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove a large tree on the Gold Coast?
A large tree (10m - 15m) typically costs between $2,500 and $5,500 to remove on the Gold Coast. Extra-large trees over 15m can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the job. The best way to get an accurate price is to send us a photo and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Is tree removal cheaper in winter?
It can be. Winter is generally quieter for tree services, which can mean more availability and sometimes more competitive pricing. It's also a good time to get ahead of storm season - removing or pruning trees before the wet season reduces the risk of storm damage.
Do I need to pay for a council permit before you can start?
Not always. Many residential tree removals on the Gold Coast don't require a permit. Where a permit is needed, the council fee ranges from $200 to $752 depending on the number of trees. We'll let you know at quote stage whether your tree is likely to need one.
Can I get a quote without someone coming out?
Yes. Send us a photo of the tree along with its approximate height and we can usually provide a quote without a site visit. For complex jobs near structures or with access challenges, we may need to come out to assess properly.
Is stump removal included in the tree removal price?
Stump grinding is quoted separately. We can include it in the same visit as the tree removal, which is the most cost effective approach. If you'd prefer to leave the stump or have it done later, that's fine too.
How do I know if I need a council permit to remove my tree?
It depends on the species, size and location of the tree, and your property's zoning. We can advise on this when we provide the quote. You can also check the Gold Coast City Council website which has an online tool to assess whether your tree is protected.