Tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding companies serving Cambridge, Massachusetts. ISA-certified arborists and local tree permit info.
Last updated: April 2026 · Cost data from RSMeans & BLS regional indices · Permit data from official city .gov sources
Local context for Cambridge
Cambridge permits are issued by the Inspectional Services Department at 831 Massachusetts Avenue, with online filing through the Cambridge OpenGov portal. Cambridge enforces the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code and has its own Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) for larger buildings, one of the earliest in the country. The city has six locally designated historic districts plus the Old Cambridge and Harvard Square areas under active review.
Tree permits and right-of-way work filed through Cambridge Inspectional Services Department · official portal
Cambridge, MA
ISA Certified Arborist team serving Cambridge and the Greater Boston area with professional tree care and removal services.
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A short checklist of things to verify before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit. These apply whether you find your contractor here, on Angi, or anywhere else.
Every contractor we list is verified against public records, but verification is not a quality guarantee. Run through this checklist on any contractor you are seriously considering.
Follow these steps to find a reliable, licensed tree service company in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area.
Hire an ISA Certified Arborist
ISA certification means the arborist has passed rigorous exams on tree biology, care, and safety practices.
Verify insurance coverage
Tree work is high-risk. Confirm they carry both general liability ($1M+) and workers compensation insurance.
Get 3+ written estimates
Estimates should detail the scope, equipment used, debris removal, and stump treatment. Avoid door-to-door solicitors.
Check for tree removal permits
Many cities protect trees over a certain diameter. Fines for unpermitted removal can exceed $10,000 per tree.
Ask about cleanup and debris removal
Confirm whether the price includes hauling away all branches, logs, and wood chips or if that costs extra.
Never pay more than 50% upfront
Reputable tree services collect a deposit (if any) and final payment upon completion. Avoid companies demanding full payment upfront.
Average tree service costs in Cambridge based on Massachusetts labor rates. Prices vary by tree size, species, accessibility, and scope of work.
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Trimming (Small, under 25 ft) | $275 | $352 | $465 |
| Tree Trimming (Medium, 25-50 ft) | $524 | $672 | $887 |
| Tree Trimming (Large, 50-75 ft) | $899 | $1,152 | $1,521 |
| Tree Removal (Small) | $449 | $576 | $760 |
| Tree Removal (Medium) | $899 | $1,152 | $1,521 |
| Tree Removal (Large) | $1,797 | $2,304 | $3,041 |
| Tree Removal (Very Large, 75+ ft) | $3,494 | $4,480 | $5,914 |
| Stump Grinding (18" diameter) | $300 | $384 | $507 |
| Emergency Removal | $2,496 | $3,200 | $4,224 |
Costs are estimates based on Massachusetts regional data. Actual prices vary by tree species, accessibility, and site conditions. Emergency work typically costs 50-100% more.
Get a Personalized EstimateMany cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. In Cambridge, removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines exceeding $10,000 per tree.
Before removing any tree, contact the Cambridge urban forestry department or planning office to check if a permit is required. Your tree service company should also be familiar with local tree ordinances.
Check tree permit requirementsTree removal in Cambridge typically costs $449-$760 for small trees (under 25 ft), $899-$1,521 for medium trees (25-50 ft), and $1,797-$3,041 for large trees (50-75 ft). Very large trees (75+ ft) can cost $3,494-$5,914. Emergency removal typically costs 50-100% more.
Tree trimming in Cambridge averages $352 for small trees, $672 for medium trees, and $1,152 for large trees. Costs vary based on tree species, accessibility, and scope of work. Hardwood trees cost about 15% more than softwoods due to denser wood.
Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. Fines for removing protected trees without a permit can exceed $10,000 per tree. Contact the Cambridge urban forestry or planning department to check requirements before removing any tree, or check our tree permit guide.
An ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam on tree care, biology, and safety, and maintains continuing education. Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist in Cambridge means you're getting someone with verified expertise in tree health assessment, proper pruning techniques, and safe removal practices.
The best time for most tree trimming in Massachusetts is during the dormant season (late fall through early spring) when trees are not actively growing. This reduces stress on the tree, lowers disease risk, and is often less expensive due to lower demand. However, dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season.
Stump grinding in Cambridge averages $384 for an 18-inch diameter stump. Most companies charge $3-$5 per inch of diameter. Additional stumps are often discounted 30-40%. Deep grinding (for building or replanting) costs about 65% more than standard depth.
Cambridge adopted the Specialized Opt-in Stretch Code in 2023, which means new construction in Cambridge faces higher energy performance targets than the statewide base code, similar to but separate from Boston.
Exterior changes, demolitions, and new construction in a local historic district or on a designated landmark property all trigger review. Interior work is usually exempt unless it affects protected interior features.
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Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size. Fines can exceed $10,000 per tree.
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