To keep trees healthy, it’s important to look after them with regular pruning. Sometimes, if a tree poses a risk to safety, it may need to be removed altogether. Hiring an experienced tree surgeon is key to keeping trees safe and healthy, but how much can you expect to pay? Our handy guide talks you through average costs for tree removal and surgery.
We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:
Average tree removal costs
Whether you need to remove a tree and roots in its entirety or you’re looking to trim a few branches, the work involved can be complex and generally requires a professional tree surgeon. There are also some additional expenses to consider, like the cost of removing debris once the tree has been felled.
We’ve put together a handy tree removal cost calculator to help you work out how much you should expect to pay for the job you have in mind:
| Tree Removal Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Removing a small tree | £150 to £300 |
| Removing a medium tree | £200 to £700 |
| Removing a large tree | £600 to £1,500 |
| Removing a tree stump | £70 to £300 |
| Trimming branches | £150 to £500 |
| Garden waste removal | £200 to £400 |
How much does tree removal labour cost?
Tree surgeons typically charge around £150 to £200 per day, or £40 per hour in labour costs. Tree removal can be tricky to tackle alone, so a tree surgeon may work with one or two general labourers, so you can usually expect to pay between £300 and £400 per day for tree removal prices in the UK. In London and the southeast, that price may be higher.
Cost to remove a tree stump
If a tree stump is relatively small, a tree surgeon can use a machine to grind it away. This removes the immediate surface roots, and deeper ones will decompose over time. For a small stump less than a foot in diameter, you could be looking at paying around £70. However, larger stump removal might cost up to £300 if your tree surgeon needs to use more heavy-duty machinery.
Cost to remove tree roots
Some trees, like cherry trees, have extensive root networks that can take a long time to remove. If this is the case, you’ll probably pay a day rate for the time it takes, plus any equipment hire needed. It’s best to consult a specialist tree surgeon for an estimate of tree root removal cost.
Cost of tree trimming
Tree trimming includes jobs like general pruning, crown reduction and canopy thinning. This is normally charged at the tree surgeon’s day rate, so depending on the size of the job, you’ll typically pay between £150 and £500 for tree pruning in the UK.
Cost of an arborist
Arboricultural surveys assess whether a tree’s roots are impacting the structural integrity of a building. You might need to have one done if you’ve submitted a planning application or if you’re buying a new property and the surveyor raises concerns about large trees in the vicinity.
The average cost of an arborist’s report is between £250 and £1,000.
Cost to remove an oak tree
Oak trees tend to grow very tall, up to 40m high, so removing one is a complex and time-consuming process. If you have a large oak tree in your garden, you can expect to pay between £2,500 and £4,000 for removal.
Cost to remove a sycamore tree
Known for their distinctive winged seeds, sycamore trees can grow up to 35m tall, with large root systems. You can expect to pay between £800 and £3,000 to remove a sycamore tree.
Cost to remove a beech tree
Beech trees are very common in the UK, and like the oak tree, can grow up to around 40m tall. The cost to remove a large beech tree in the UK is typically in the region of £3,000.
Cost to remove a eucalyptus tree
Eucalyptus trees are known for being fast growing, but they also react well to pruning, so it’s advisable to keep trimming them regularly. Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 30m tall and the average cost to remove one is around £1,000.
Cost to remove a palm tree
Palm trees can range in size, from compact to very tall. Removing a tall palm tree might require a cherry picker, which typically costs between £25 and £30 per hour to hire. Established palm trees are in high demand for landscaping, so you could consider selling yours on to offset the cost of removal.
Overall, the average cost to remove a palm tree is between £150 and £1,000.
Cost to remove timber and debris
Tree removal can generate a lot of waste timber and debris, which will need to be removed. Your tree surgeon may include this in their overall charge, or you might prefer to do it yourself to save money. Alternatively, you could use a specialist waste removal service.
If you have felled a large tree, you might need to hire a woodchipper, which can cost anywhere between £70 and £300.
| Work | Time |
|---|---|
| Removing a small tree | Three to four hours |
| Removing a medium-sized tree | Half a day to one day |
| Removing a large tree | One to three days |
| Trimming branches | Two to four hours |
| Removing a tree stump | Two to four hours |
How to reduce tree removal costs
There are a few ways to cut down on the cost of tree removal:
- Deal with waste removal yourself. If you’re prepared to lug away lots of heavy tree debris and dispose of it safely, you can save on the cost of waste removal.
- Leave the stump in place. Provided the tree stump doesn’t impede too much on your garden, you can save money on stump grinding and removal by leaving it where it is.
- Shop around. Make sure you get a few quotes for comparison, so you know you’re getting a fair price. With MyBuilder, you can reach hundreds of tree surgeons in your area for the best chance of getting a price that fits your budget.
- Work with an experienced and professional tree surgeon. Choosing an experienced tree surgeon means you can expect the job to be carried out in a safe, efficient and timely way to give you the best value for money.
FAQ
How often do I need to trim my tree?
Older trees should be trimmed every three to five years, while young ones need slightly more frequent pruning: roughly every two to three years. Fruit trees should be pruned annually. Evergreen trees need trimming less often, you can leave them alone for many years.
Do I have to ask my neighbour before removing a tree?
If the tree is on your property, it is yours and you don’t need permission from your neighbours to trim it or remove it. However, it is good practice to let your neighbour know before making any drastic changes that might affect their view or privacy. It’s also courteous to forewarn them of any possible noise during the tree removal process.
If a neighbour’s tree is encroaching on your property, for example, if branches have grown over a fence between your gardens, you are allowed to trim the branches on your side, but you can’t remove the tree itself. Again, it would be wise to inform your neighbour before trimming their tree if you want to maintain good relations with them.
Can I remove a tree myself?
Unless your tree is very young (a sapling) or very small, we would not recommend felling it yourself. Working at height, combined with dangerous equipment, means tree surgery can be hazardous. Professional tree surgeons use PPE and have safety measures in place to protect themselves, their employees and your property.
Your tree removal checklist
Find out the extent of the work you need: consult a professional tree surgeon to find out whether your tree needs to be removed in its entirety, or whether trimming would be a better option.
- Consider the time of year: if your tree is not posing any imminent danger, it’s usually best to wait until winter or spring before cutting it down, when leaves have fallen off and the branches are bare.
- Ask about any additional costs: your overall budget for tree removal work should include the cost of removing timber and debris, as well as any remedial gardening work that might be required.
- Speak to your neighbours: it’s always a good idea to warn your neighbours if you’re planning to remove or trim a tree, especially if it’s going to affect their view or the shade or privacy in their garden. The work taking place is also likely to be noisy and disruptive, and you may need to ask them for access.
- Check licensing rules: if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, you may need a felling licence before you can remove a tree. Check with the Forestry Commission for advice.
- Shop around for fair and competitive prices: with MyBuilder, you can contact local tree surgeons and request a range of quotes to find one that best suits your budget.
- Choose an accredited and competent tree surgeon: MyBuilder carefully checks all applicants to our network so you can feel confident in finding a tree surgeon who has the right skills, qualifications and experience.
Looking for a trustworthy and experienced tree surgeon near you? Share your job on MyBuilder, completely for free, and we’ll send a message to skilled and professional tree surgeons in your area. Check out their experience and reviews, then get in touch with anyone you like the look of.