Tree Removal Service
Need a tree taken down in Madison? Vanderbilt Tree Service provides safe, fully insured tree removal for homeowners and businesses across Madison and Dane County, from a single hazardous tree in your backyard to large, tight-space takedowns near your house, garage, fence, or power lines.
Our crews are led by certified arborists, we bring the right equipment to every job, and we work 24/7 for storm emergencies, with complete debris cleanup every time.
Madison's Trusted Tree Removal Company
When a tree on your property becomes dangerous, dead, or simply in the way, you need it gone quickly and safely, without damage to your home, your landscaping, or the people around it. That’s exactly what we do. At Vanderbilt Tree Service we handle the trees other companies turn down: the big ones, the leaning ones, and the ones wedged tight between a garage, a fence, and the power lines.
We bring certified arborists, the right equipment, and full insurance to every job, so the only thing you have to think about is the empty space where the problem used to be.
Signs It's Time to Remove a Tree
Not every struggling tree needs to come down, but some do. Call us for an evaluation if you notice any of the following:
- A tree that is dead, dying, or more than half damaged
- A split, hollow, or decaying trunk
- A tree leaning sharply or pushed over after a storm
- Large dead or overhanging limbs above your roof, driveway, or play area
- Roots lifting your foundation, driveway, or sidewalk
- A tree growing into power lines or too close to your house
- Fungus, cracks, or insect damage spreading through the trunk
Not sure if it can be saved? We’ll tell you honestly. Sometimes pruning, cabling, or treatment is the smarter call than removal, and we’ll say so.
How We Remove a Tree Safely
Every removal follows the same careful process, whether it’s a small backyard tree or a 70-foot oak over your roof:
- Free on-site assessment: a certified arborist evaluates the tree, the hazards, and the access, then gives you a written quote.
- The right method for the site: straight felling where there’s room, or controlled rigging and sectional dismantling in tight spaces near structures and power lines.
- Equipment matched to the job: from climbing gear to aerial lifts for oversized or hard-to-reach trees.
- Complete cleanup: we haul away every log and branch and, if you’d like, grind the stump below grade so you can replant or pave over it.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Madison?
Most tree removals in the Madison area fall between $400 and $1,200, though the final price depends on the size of the tree and how complicated it is to reach. Here’s what local homeowners typically pay:
Tree Size | Height | Typical Madison Cost |
Small | Under 30 ft | $150 – $600 |
Medium | 30 – 60 ft | $500 – $1,200 |
Large | Over 60 ft | $1,300 – $3,500+ |
Want the full breakdown — by species, access, emergency work, and stump grinding? See our complete guide: How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Madison? (link to /tree-removal-cost-madison/). Either way, you’ll get a free written estimate up front, so you know the exact price before we start.
Areas We Serve
We provide tree removal throughout Madison and the surrounding Dane County communities, including:
Madison & inner ring | Dane County suburbs | Outer communities |
Madison | Middleton | Verona |
Monona | Fitchburg | Waunakee |
Maple Bluff | McFarland | Sun Prairie |
Shorewood Hills | Cottage Grove | Blooming Grove |
…and many more across Dane County. Don’t see your town? If you’re in the Greater Madison area, we almost certainly cover you — just call (608) 351-1134 and ask.
Why Choose Vanderbilt Tree Service
- Local to Madison & Dane County — we know the trees, the storms, and the terrain
- Certified arborists on every job — trained to drop a tree safely, even in tight spaces
- The right equipment — aerial lifts, professional rigging, and stump grinding for the toughest jobs
- Complete cleanup, every time — we haul away all wood and brush and leave your yard spotless
- 24/7 emergency response for storm-damaged and fallen trees
- Fully insured — certificate of insurance available on request
- Free, no-obligation written estimates — know the exact price before any work begins
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Madison, WI?
In the Madison area, most tree removals run $400–$1,200. Small trees start around $150, while large, complex removals can reach $3,500 or more. The biggest factors are the tree’s height and trunk diameter, how close it is to your house or power lines, and whether you add stump grinding. We give free written estimates so you see the exact price before any work starts.
Do you offer emergency tree removal after storms?
Yes — we run 24/7 emergency service with same-day response for storm-damaged, fallen, and hazardous trees across Madison and Dane County. Call (608) 351-1134 any time, day or night.
Do you remove the stump too?
Yes. Stump grinding is available as an add-on, typically $75–$400 depending on size. We grind the stump below ground level so you can replant, lay sod, or pave over the spot.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Madison?
For a tree on your own private property you generally don’t need a city permit. A permit is required for work on public or street (terrace) trees, which are managed by the City of Madison Forestry Section. Some subdivisions and HOAs also have their own rules. We’ll help you sort out what applies before any work begins.
Will you clean up afterward?
Always. Complete debris removal and cleanup is included in every job. We haul away all the wood and brush — unless you’d like us to leave the firewood or wood chips for you.
- Our Mission is Your Satisfaction
- Safety is Our #1 Priority
- We are Mindful of Your Time
Serving Madison and Dane County
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday – 7am – 6pm
Saturday – 8am – 5pm
Sunday – Appointments Only