The short version
- Fixr national sycamore removal: about $700 to $2,500.
- Most mature sycamores fall in HomeGuide's 60 to 80 foot or over-80-foot bands.
- Fixr lists crane-assisted removal at about $1,500 to $2,500 when a crane is needed.
- Sycamore stumps sprout readily, so plan on grinding: HomeGuide national about $120 to $400 for the first stump.
Roanoke Tree Removal is a local referral service: we pass your request to an independent, local tree crew. We are not a contractor or a government office, and this page is general information, not legal advice.
Sycamore removal cost at a glance
| Job (national) | Published figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sycamore tree removal | $700 – $2,500 | Fixr, tree removal, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Tree removal 30–60 ft | $500 – $1,500 | HomeGuide, tree removal, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Tree removal 60–80 ft | $850 – $2,000 | HomeGuide, tree removal, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Tree removal over 80 ft | $1,200 – $2,500+ | HomeGuide, tree removal, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Crane-assisted removal | $1,500 – $2,500 | Fixr, tree removal, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Stump grinding, first stump | $120 – $400 | HomeGuide, stump grinding, Checked Oct 15, 2026 |
All rows are national estimates from Fixr and HomeGuide, not Roanoke Valley quotes. Angi's overall range is about $200 to $2,000 or more, with an average near $750.
Why sycamores cost more than most yard trees
Virginia Tech's dendrology fact sheet calls American sycamore a very massive tree with heavy, spreading branches, reaching up to and over 100 feet. The USDA Forest Service Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) review lists mature heights of 60 to 120 feet and trunk diameters of about 2 to 6.6 feet, and notes the species is long lived, over 250 years. Fixr names sycamore among its large-tree examples and says large trees, 60 to 100 feet or over 20 inches across, are often a full-day job or longer. A wide crown also means more rigging, more brush, and more wood to haul than a pine or ornamental of the same height. Compare tree removal cost by size and oak tree removal cost.
Cost by height
A young sycamore under 60 feet can land in HomeGuide's $500 to $1,500 band. Most mature yard sycamores are taller, which moves them into the $850 to $2,000 band for 60 to 80 feet or the $1,200 to $2,500 and up band beyond 80 feet. Angi's size table follows a similar pattern: about $450 to $1,200 for 30 to 60 feet, $800 to $1,500 for 60 to 80 feet, and $1,000 to $2,000 over 80 feet. Fixr separately lists very large trees over 100 feet at about $1,300 to $2,000 and says they usually take multiple days. Use these bands to sanity-check quotes, then expect access and what is under the crown to move the number.
Sycamores near creeks and floodplains
FEIS describes sycamore as mainly a tree of alluvial soils along streams and in bottomlands, and a pioneer on the floodplains of large rivers. A sycamore beside a creek or in a low back lot is growing on exactly that kind of site. Those spots can be soft, steep at the bank, or hard to reach with a bucket truck, which pushes bids up even when the tree is sound. Wet ground can also rule out heavy equipment until it dries. If a sycamore sits on a creek bank, ask the crew how they plan to keep wood and brush out of the water and how they will protect the bank.
What makes a sycamore cost more or less
| Factor | Lower bid | Higher bid |
|---|---|---|
| Height and trunk | Under 60 ft, single stem | Over 80 ft, thick butt log or multiple leaders |
| Drop zone | Open lawn, room to fell | Over roof, deck, fence, or wires |
| Ground and access | Firm, flat, truck reaches the base | Creek bank, soft bottomland, steep slope |
| Equipment | Climber and ropes | Crane or bucket truck |
| Wood condition | Sound wood, predictable cuts | Hollow trunk, decay, storm splits |
| Extras | Leave wood, skip stump | Haul all wood, grind stump, rake chips |
Factors summarize Fixr, HomeGuide, and Angi cost guides plus FEIS species notes. A site visit sets the real price.
Cranes, power lines, and hollow trunks
Fixr says trees 80 feet or taller may need crane-assisted removal, depending on condition, trunk size, and location, and lists that work at about $1,500 to $2,500. Rotting trees are often unsafe to climb, which is one reason a crane gets called in. FEIS notes that older sycamores can develop hollow trunks, so a big tree that looks solid from the yard may be weaker inside. Limbs over service drops or lines need the utility involved first; see tree removal near power lines and our crane tree removal service.
Stump grinding and sprouts
FEIS reports that a high percentage of sycamore stumps sprout, and that young stems sprout readily from the stump. If you leave a live stump, expect shoots the next season. HomeGuide's national stump grinding guide lists about $120 to $400 for the first stump and about $2 to $6 per inch of diameter, so a wide sycamore stump costs more than the first-stump average. Fixr's sycamore entry also says the stump needs to be killed after the cut, or new sprouts may grow. Ask for grinding as a separate line item. Related: stump grinding cost and stump removal vs grinding.
Leaf spots are not a reason to remove
Sycamores often drop spotted, curled leaves in a wet spring. FEIS lists anthracnose among the tree's important diseases. University of Minnesota Extension says anthracnose is most common in cool, wet spring weather, is not a significant threat to the health of the tree, and does not require treatment in most cases; trees usually replace lost leaves. Peeling bark is normal too: Virginia Tech describes sycamore bark as mottled brown, green, tan, and white, and readily exfoliating. Removal makes more sense for structural problems such as a hollow trunk, a large crack, dead leaders, or a lean toward the house. Virginia Cooperative Extension's SPES-313 checklist helps sort cosmetic issues from real risk. See how to tell if a tree is dying and remove or trim a tree.
Get a sycamore removal quote
Bring a rough height, photos of the drop zone, and a clear yes or no on stump grinding so each crew prices the same job. Call (540) 904-1819 or use the form, and we will pass your request to an independent local tree crew. Tell us what sits under the crown, whether the tree is near a creek bank or power lines, and how a truck would reach it. Check City of Roanoke tree removal rules or Roanoke County tree removal rules if the tree is near a street. Related services: tree removal and hazard tree removal.
Common questions
How much does sycamore tree removal cost?
Fixr lists about $700 to $2,500 nationally for sycamore removal. HomeGuide height bands help place a specific tree inside that range.
Why are sycamores expensive to remove?
They are among the largest eastern hardwoods. USDA FEIS lists mature heights of 60 to 120 feet, and wide, heavy crowns mean more rigging and more wood to haul.
Will I need a crane to remove a sycamore?
Sometimes. Fixr says trees 80 feet or taller may need crane-assisted removal, which it lists at about $1,500 to $2,500 nationally.
Do sycamore stumps grow back?
Often. USDA FEIS reports a high percentage of sycamore stumps sprout. Grinding is the usual fix; HomeGuide lists about $120 to $400 for the first stump.
Should I remove a sycamore with leaf spots?
Usually not for that alone. UMN Extension says anthracnose is not a significant threat to tree health and does not require treatment in most cases.
Is peeling bark a sign my sycamore is dying?
No. Virginia Tech describes mottled bark that readily exfoliates as a normal sycamore feature.
Sources
- Fixr.com, tree removal cost (national figures) (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- HomeGuide, tree removal cost (national figures) (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- Angi, how much does tree removal cost (national figures) (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- HomeGuide, stump grinding cost (national figures) (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- Virginia Tech Dendrology, American sycamore fact sheet (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service FEIS, Platanus occidentalis (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- University of Minnesota Extension, Anthracnose in trees and shrubs (Checked Oct 15, 2026)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, How to Evaluate a Tree, SPES-313 (PDF) (Checked Oct 15, 2026)