How much does tree removal cost in the UK? Learn about costs based on tree size, species, and location. Contact our qualified arborists for reliable, transparent quotes.
What Affects The Cost?
In the UK, a professional tree removal service typically costs around £240 for small trees and £2,450+ for large or tall trees. However, there are several factors that can push these costs up or down, such as the tree's crown spread and trunk diameter. The bigger a tree's crown or trunk is, the more time it takes to cut, dismantle and remove the timber, which can increase the overall price depending on whether the tree surgeon works on an hourly rate.
Additionally, dead, storm-damaged, or leaning trees are also slower and more hazardous to dismantle, which can increase the labour costs and insurance exposure. Extra services like stump grinding also tend to add between £60 and £300+ to your total cost. In short, the tree’s size and height are the main cost drivers, but site access, risks, waste/stump handling, and legal permissions can impact the price just as much.
Tree Size And Height
A tree removal service in the UK typically costs between £200 and £2,800 on average, with most straightforward jobs landing at around £500-£1,200.
Small trees (under 5-6 m / 20 ft) often cost around £150 to £350 to remove, medium trees (5-10 m / 16-33 ft) typically cost around £350 to £750 to remove; and large trees can cost around £1,000-£2,500+ to remove, especially if they are above 15 m / 50 ft, since heavier rigging, sectioning, and traffic management may be needed.
Very large or veteran trees like tall oaks or mature ash can cost over £2,000-£3,000 to cut and remove due to their height and the need for additional climbers on site.
Quotes for tree removal services can also rise depending on the tree's crown spread and trunk diameter. This is because there's more timber and brash to process, and there can be access constraints and added complexities for dead or storm-damaged trees.
It's also important to remember that services like stump work aren't always included in a removal service, so the additional task can increase your overall price. Grinding services commonly add around £60-£500, depending on the stump's size and access, while full extractions can cost more.
On average, small trees that are under 6 metres can cost around £150-£350 to remove, while very large trees that are over 15 metres can cost between £1,50-£2,800 to remove.
It's crucial to always get site-specific quotes from qualified arborists (ideally with NPTC/LANTRA credentials and insurance), and ask for itemised pricing that covers the felling method as well as any waste, stump treatment, and traffic management services.
Tree Species And Condition
Tree removal prices don’t just rise depending on the tree's height; they can also rise depending on the tree's species and condition. Different wood types behave differently in the air and on the ground, and they can impact the time, crew size, rigging method, and disposal effort a contractor needs to remove the tree accordingly.
Oak trees (English/Red) have extremely dense timber and broad, weighty crowns. This combination means the tree will need slower and more controlled sectioning, heavier rigging, and it will take longer to process sizable logs and brash. Disposal loads for these trees are also larger too, so the labour and haulage costs will rise to accommodate the extra work.
Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing, and they are notorious for having long, heavy limbs. Eucalyptus trees have stringy, fibrous wood that tears rather than cuts, so climbers and ground crews need to work more cautiously and efficiently in order to remove the tree and load the chipped timber. The extra rigging and longer cutting times typically increase the overall price of removing these types of trees.
Additionally, monkey puzzle (Araucaria) and yew trees also impact the price of a removal service. Monkey puzzle trees have sharp, rigid foliage, which means that they need to be handled slowly and carefully.
Moreover, debris and waste wood from yew trees are toxic, which means the tree needs to be carefully segregated and disposed of. Both of these tree species require PPE and waste-management considerations, which can raise the overall price of the removal service.
Is The Tree Protected By A TPO?
In England and Wales, you must secure written approval from the Local Planning Authority before any felling, pruning, or intentional damage occurs to a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) tree; this is because unauthorised work is a criminal offence.
An arborist must prepare and submit a TPO application that clearly sets out their intended work, reasons and plans. The council will typically take up to eight weeks to decide, and you cannot proceed with the work until consent is granted - even if the eight-week period has elapsed. Additionally, any delays can lead to rescheduling issues, which can increase the total cost or trigger cancellation fees.
Even when consent is granted, LPAs often attach conditions, such as sectional dismantling over straight felling, specific pruning limits, protection of neighbouring trees, or timing restrictions. These restrictions can lead to extra labour, rigging, or MEWP hire, which can all increase the job's total cost.
Willow Tree And Garden Services is a trusted and fully insured team of arborists who provide safe and efficient tree removal services across Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland. We handle everything from TPO guidance to risk assessments and sectional dismantling. Protect your property and landscape with our qualified professionals.
