Tree Removal Costs and Pricing Overview
Understanding what goes into the cost of removing a tree can help homeowners plan budgets, avoid surprises, and compare quotes on equal terms. In the UK, prices vary widely based on tree size, access, risk, and waste handling, with additional considerations such as permits and stump removal influencing the final bill.
Tree removal pricing can feel confusing because every job is different: the tree’s size and condition, where it stands on your property, and how crews can safely access it all play a role. In the United Kingdom, reputable arborists price per job after a site assessment. The guide below outlines typical ranges, what affects costs, and how to evaluate quotes in your area.
What homeowners typically pay for tree removal services
Most households hiring a qualified arborist for a straightforward removal of a small to medium tree can expect to pay several hundred pounds, while complex, tall, or high-risk jobs can run into four figures. Typical UK ranges often fall around £300–£600 for a small tree (up to about 8 metres), £600–£1,100 for a medium tree (8–15 metres), and £1,000–£2,000+ for larger trees (15–24 metres). Very large or hazardous removals can exceed £2,500 due to specialised rigging, larger crews, or cranes. These figures usually include safe dismantling and chipping, but confirm exactly what’s included before agreeing to works.
Factors that influence tree removal pricing
Several variables drive quotes: - Height and spread: Taller, broader canopies take longer to dismantle and move. - Condition and risk: Dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees are unpredictable and require slower, safer methods. - Access and obstacles: Limited side passages, delicate landscaping, sheds, greenhouses, or nearby power lines add time and equipment needs. - Method and equipment: Straight felling costs less than sectional dismantling with rigging; MEWPs (cherry pickers) or cranes add hire charges. - Waste handling: On-site log stacking is cheaper than full removal and disposal; multiple loads add cost. - Location and scheduling: Urban jobs, parking suspensions, and out-of-hours emergency response can increase rates.
Average costs to cut down a tree in the UK
While each job is unique, these averages help set expectations for planning and comparisons: - Small tree (up to ~8m): £300–£600, usually half to a full day for a two-person crew. - Medium tree (~8–15m): £600–£1,100, often a full day, possibly three-person crew. - Large tree (~15–24m): £1,000–£2,000+, may require advanced rigging or MEWP. - Very large/hazardous tree: £2,000–£4,000+, potential crane involvement and multi-day work. Remember that stump treatment or grinding, timber removal, and log splitting are typically priced separately. VAT may apply depending on the contractor’s registration status; confirm whether quotes are inclusive.
Extra charges: stumps, waste, permits
- Stump removal: Chemical stump treatment might be £40–£90 per stump; grinding small stumps (≤40cm diameter) commonly ranges £80–£200, medium £150–£350, large £300–£600. Multiple stumps may be discounted per unit.
- Waste removal: Many teams include chip removal; heavy timber uplift can add £50–£200+ depending on volumes and vehicle access. Keeping logs on site can reduce cost.
- Traffic and access: If works affect public roads, traffic management or parking suspensions may be necessary and chargeable.
- Permissions: If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or in a Conservation Area, consent from the local planning authority is legally required. Applications are typically free, but plan for lead time. Unauthorised work can result in fines, so reputable contractors will advise on compliance.
UK providers and price estimates
The following examples pair real UK arboricultural providers with indicative market ranges for common jobs. These are not official quotes; they illustrate how typical tasks are priced across the sector. Always obtain written, site-specific estimates.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Remove small tree (up to ~8m), chip and tidy | Bartlett Tree Experts (UK) | £300–£600 |
| Remove medium tree (~8–15m), sectional dismantle | Connick Tree Care | £600–£1,100 |
| Remove large tree (~15–24m), advanced rigging | Gristwood & Toms | £1,000–£2,000+ |
| Emergency make-safe after storm, call-out plus works | Ground Control | £200–£400 call-out + £500–£1,500 works |
| Stump grinding (≤40cm diameter) | Bartlett Tree Experts (UK) | £80–£200 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
How to get accurate quotes in your area
- Request a site visit: Photos help, but on-site assessments lead to firmer pricing and safer plans.
- Ask what’s included: Confirm waste removal, timber handling, stump grinding, and VAT. Check whether permissions are needed and who will apply.
- Compare like for like: Ensure each quote lists crew size, method (straight fell vs dismantle), equipment (MEWP/crane), and traffic or parking arrangements.
- Verify competence and cover: Look for evidence of qualifications (e.g., NPTC units), up-to-date insurance, and risk assessments. Read recent reviews and ask for references on comparable jobs.
- Schedule smartly: If timing is flexible, some contractors may offer better rates outside peak periods or when bundling multiple tasks on one visit.
In summary, UK tree removal pricing is shaped by the tree’s size, risk profile, and site access, with additional costs for waste handling, stump grinding, and any traffic or permission requirements. Treat published ranges as guides and rely on detailed, written, site-specific quotes from qualified arborists to understand your true total cost.
