How much does tree pruning cost?

Full tree pruning cost guide

Get ready to grow your garden (and savings) by exploring how smart tree pruning can boost both curb appeal and your budget. Whether you’re curious about the real costs of hiring a pro or handling the snipping yourself, understanding price differences is the first step toward cleaning-up your garden space.

We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:

1. Average cost of tree pruning
2. Hourly rate of tree pruning professionals
3. Cost of different trees and pruning types
4. Look out for these hidden tree pruning costs
5. Tips to save money on tree pruning l
6. Find tree pruning near you on MyBuilder
7. FAQs common questions

Average cost of tree pruning

The cost of pruning your trees can differ a lot. But the average tree pruning cost in the UK range from £100 to £1,500.

For small trees, you might expect to pay around £100, while larger, complex jobs can exceed £1,000.

This table outlines how you can expect the costs to change:

Tree size	Cost
Small trees	£100 – £400
Medium trees	£200 – £900.​
Large trees 60 ft	£400 – £1,800 or more

Hourly rate of tree pruning professionals

Hiring a professional to prune your tree means peace of mind as they handle everything from the initial assessment to the clean-up, ensuring your landscape remains tidy.

The cost for hiring professional tree surgeons typically ranges from £150 to £800, depending on various factors.

These factors include the size of your tree, the number of trees, and the complexity of the job. For example, a simple prune may fall at the lower end of the spectrum, while more complex tasks like crown reduction can make costs higher.

Here’s what to expect from a professional service:

• Initial site assessment
• Professional pruning to enhance tree health and safety
• Debris removal and site clean-up
• Advice on tree care to ensure ongoing tree health.

Cost of different trees and pruning types

Your tree pruning costs can change depending on the type of tree you need pruning! This is because every tree grows differently, and has a different structure.

Take a quick look at the different types of tree and their average pruning costs:

Tree type	Cost
Oak Tree	£250 - £1,000
Pine Tree	£100 - £500
Fruit Tree (e.g., Apple)	£150 - £450
Birch Tree	£200 - £700
Palm Tree	£150 - £600

Note: Always consider variables such as the tree's height and condition, as these can lead to a higher cost. It might help to post your job on MyBuilder today and talk to a professional near you, you can even add an image of your tree to help them understand.

Look out for these hidden tree pruning costs

When you are thinking about tree pruning, it's crucial to be aware of potential additional costs that may arise. These costs can really affect your overall expenses, so it’s important to keep them in mind.

• Waste removal: Many providers charge extra for removing debris, such as branches and leaves, after pruning. It's advisable to clarify this aspect in advance.
• Stump grinding: Although sometimes included in pruning quotes, stump grinding typically incurs a separate fee ranging from £50 to £300+ per stump.
• Permit fees: If your tree is under a Tree Preservation Order or situated in a conservation area, permits may be required. The cost can vary based on local council regulations.
• Nesting season restrictions: Pruning activity may be delayed during the nesting season of birds, primarily from March to August. Additionally, arborists might charge for surveys to ensure compliance.
• Traffic management: If pruning affects public pathways or necessitates road closures, expect additional charges for traffic control and safety measures.
• Emergency / last minute services: Rapid response to storm damage or urgent tree health issues might involve you paying premium rates.

We also have price guides on garden waste removal costs, and tree removal costs if you are wanting to look into it even further.

Tips to save money on tree pruning

Finding ways to economise on tree pruning costs can make a significant difference without compromising on quality.

Here are some practical strategies:

• Plan during off-peak seasons: Schedule tree pruning during less busy seasons when demand for services is lower. This often results in reduced rates.

• Combine services with neighbours: If several neighbours need tree pruning, hiring a service together can lead to shared costs and savings.

• Perform regular maintenance: Regular upkeep reduces the need for more extensive, costly interventions later.

• Choose local professionals: Hiring local services can minimise travel expenses and any additional charges due to distance.

• Opt for partial DIY: Handle smaller tasks yourself, such as basic trimming, while leaving complex work to professionals to maintain safety and quality.

Find tree pruning near you on MyBuilder

If you’re looking for tree pruning near you, it’s easy to post your job on MyBuilder. Just include any details about what you need, and professionals can get in touch. No need to spend hours searching, no need to conduct the search yourself! You’ll also be able to read customer reviews, view images of tree pruning jobs and request quotes.

Hire a tree pruning professional

FAQs common questions

What factors most influence the cost of tree pruning?

Factors include the size and species of the tree, the difficulty of access, proximity to buildings or power lines, and whether debris removal or stump grinding is included. Urban locations might be pricier due to logistical challenges. Complex or hazardous jobs require more equipment and skilled labor, increasing the price.​

How often should my trees be pruned?

Regular tree pruning every 2-5 years helps maintain your tree health, reduces the risk of costly damage, and spreads out maintenance costs. Ignoring your tree pruning needs can lead to larger, more expensive jobs in the future!

Can I save money by pruning trees myself? What should I consider?

DIY tree pruning can save money but you must purchase or rent tools, and know the proper pruning techniques to avoid damaging the tree

Does tree pruning work typically get covered by home insurance or require special insurance?

In most cases, routine tree pruning for aesthetic or maintenance purposes is not covered by standard home insurance policies, as it is seen as a homeowner’s discretionary expense.

However, if pruning or tree surgery work is needed due to damage, safety hazards (such as a risk of falling tree branches), or to prevent imminent harm, some insurance policies may cover the costs.