SPECIES COMPARISON · WILMINGTON NC
Live Oak vs White Oak: Cost, Risk & Removal Compared
How these two Cape Fear trees compare on removal cost, hurricane risk, and what they mean for your property.
Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Family: Fagaceae
The defining shade tree of coastal Carolina — stunning, centuries-old, and the most expensive tree in the region to remove.
Full Live Oak guide →
White Oak
Quercus alba
Family: Fagaceae
One of the most structurally sound and long-lived trees in the Carolina forest — and the most expensive oak to remove when the time comes.
Full White Oak guide →TREE INTELLIGENCE SNAPSHOT
Live Oak
REMOVAL COST
Very High
HURRICANE RISK
Low
SHADE VALUE
Very High
MAINTENANCE
Moderate
PROPERTY IMPACT
Very High
White Oak
REMOVAL COST
Very High
HURRICANE RISK
Low
SHADE VALUE
Very High
MAINTENANCE
Low
PROPERTY IMPACT
Very High
Cost Comparison
| Size | Live Oak | White Oak |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $480–$900 | $450–$820 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $900–$1,650 | $820–$1,540 |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $1,650–$2,600 | $1,540–$2,450 |
| Very Large | $2,600–$4,800+ | $2,450–$4,500+ |
| Trimming | $500–$1,400 | $460–$1,200 |
Ranges reflect Cape Fear regional pricing. Final cost depends on access, condition, and site factors.
Key Differences
- ·
Live Oak demands more ongoing maintenance.
Which Should You Be More Concerned About?
Live Oak 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 →
Not sure which tree you have?
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