SPECIES COMPARISON · WILMINGTON NC
Crape Myrtle vs Southern Magnolia: Cost, Risk & Removal Compared
How these two Cape Fear trees compare on removal cost, hurricane risk, and what they mean for your property.
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Family: Lythraceae
Wilmington's most beloved ornamental — spectacular in bloom, structurally fragile in storms, and the easiest tree in the region to remove.
Full Crape Myrtle guide →
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Family: Magnoliaceae
Year-round beauty, year-round maintenance — the classic Southern shade tree that defines the character of Wilmington's historic neighborhoods.
Full Southern Magnolia guide →TREE INTELLIGENCE SNAPSHOT
Crape Myrtle
REMOVAL COST
Very Low
HURRICANE RISK
High
SHADE VALUE
Low
MAINTENANCE
Low
PROPERTY IMPACT
Moderate
Southern Magnolia
REMOVAL COST
High
HURRICANE RISK
Low
SHADE VALUE
Very High
MAINTENANCE
High
PROPERTY IMPACT
High
Cost Comparison
| Size | Crape Myrtle | Southern Magnolia |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $200–$400 | $380–$700 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $400–$750 | $700–$1,300 |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $750–$1,200 | $1,300–$2,050 |
| Very Large | $1,200–$2,000+ | $2,050–$3,800+ |
| Trimming | $150–$500 | $400–$1,000 |
Ranges reflect Cape Fear regional pricing. Final cost depends on access, condition, and site factors.
Key Differences
- ·
Southern Magnolia typically costs more to remove.
- ·
Crape Myrtle is more likely to fail in a storm.
- ·
Southern Magnolia provides more shade value.
- ·
Southern Magnolia demands more ongoing maintenance.
- ·
Southern Magnolia tends to add more property value.
Which Should You Be More Concerned About?
Crape Myrtle scores higher on hurricane risk. Southern Magnolia demands more ongoing maintenance. The right call depends on your specific tree's condition, size, and location — upload a photo for an assessment.
Upload a photo for a free assessment →Estimate Your Tree Removal
Estimated Range
$950 – $1,200
Estimated range for Tree Removal · medium tree · Wilmington
Confidence: High · Based on Cape Fear market data
Estimate based on Cape Fear regional pricing data. Final cost confirmed after provider assessment.
Want an estimate based on YOUR actual tree? Upload a photo →
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Upload a photo and our AI identifies it and estimates removal cost — specific to your tree's actual size, location, and access.
Upload a Photo →Ramon and Miguel · 90 five-star Google reviews · Wilmington, NC