Quick Answer
Tree removal in the UK costs £200–£500 for a small tree, £400–£1,000 for a medium tree, and £800–£2,500+ for large trees. Stump grinding adds £60–£200. Always check for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) before arranging removal.
Whether you're dealing with a dead tree, an overgrown specimen blocking light, or roots causing subsidence, 2026 tree removal costs vary significantly by size, species, location, and access. This guide breaks down what you'll pay, what factors push the price up, and the legal requirements you must check before any tree comes down.
In this guide
Tree Removal Costs by Size
Tree size is the primary cost driver. Arborists classify trees by height, and each size category brings different equipment, risk, and time requirements.
| Tree Size | Typical Cost | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 5m) | £200 – £500 | Fruit trees, small conifers, young birch |
| Medium (5–10m) | £400 – £1,000 | Mature apple, ash, cherry, rowan |
| Large (10–15m) | £800 – £1,500 | Oak, beech, lime, large conifer |
| Very large (15m+) | £1,500 – £2,500+ | Mature oak, large pine, ancient beech |
| Stump grinding only | £60 – £200 | After felling, all sizes |
| Emergency tree removal | £500 – £3,000+ | Storm damage, dangerous trees |
| Disposal/chipping (per load) | £80 – £200 | If not included in quote |
Note that most quotes are for felling and clearing, with the stump left at ground level. Stump grinding — mechanically removing the remaining stump and main roots — is typically quoted separately. If you're planning to replant or lay paving in the area, factor in stump removal from the start. See our guide on garden landscaping costs if you're planning to redesign the area after the tree comes down.
What Affects the Price of Tree Removal?
Access and Location
Trees in open gardens with good vehicle access are the cheapest to remove. Trees in tight rear gardens, close to buildings, over fences, or alongside power lines require more careful dismantling, often piece by piece with rope systems — which significantly increases labour time and therefore cost. In some cases, crane hire is necessary, adding £500–£2,000 to the job.
Tree Species
Hardwoods like oak, beech, and elm are denser and more physically demanding to cut than softwoods. Some species — particularly leylandii — are exceptionally heavy and bulky when felled. The timber from certain species has value and may be taken away for use, sometimes reducing the overall cost.
Proximity to Structures
Trees close to buildings, fences, greenhouses, or garden walls require sectional dismantling rather than simple felling — limbs are removed one at a time and lowered by rope. This is safer but significantly more time-consuming. Expect to pay 30–80% more for a complex sectional fell compared to an open-ground fell of the same tree.
Waste Disposal
Many arborists will chip brash (smaller branches) on site and leave the chips for you to use as mulch — often included in the price. Larger timber sections may be left for you to deal with, or removed for a fee. Always clarify what's included in the quote: felling only, chipping, and full clearance are often priced separately.
Season and Emergency Premiums
Tree work in winter (when trees are dormant and have no leaves) is generally cheaper as debris is easier to manage. Emergency callouts for dangerous fallen or storm-damaged trees command significant premiums — often double the standard rate. If a tree isn't dangerous, get your work planned and quoted in advance.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) — Know the Rules
Before arranging tree removal, you must check whether your tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) attached to it. A TPO is a legal protection placed by your local planning authority (LPA) to prevent the felling, pruning, or damage of specific trees without prior consent. Removing a TPO-protected tree without permission is a criminal offence, carrying fines of up to £20,000 per tree.
You can check your local council's planning portal or contact their tree officer directly. In conservation areas, all trees with a trunk diameter over 75mm at 1.5m height are protected by default — you must give six weeks' written notice to your LPA before carrying out work.
Even if you disagree with a TPO, felling without consent is never worth the risk. A reputable arborist will always check TPO status before starting work. This is also relevant if you're doing wider garden changes — our guide on planning permission for extensions covers how to navigate planning rules more broadly.
Arborist Qualifications to Look For
Tree surgery is one of the most dangerous trades in the UK — working at height with chainsaws creates serious risk if work isn't done by trained professionals. Always verify the following before hiring:
- NPTC/Lantra chainsaw certificates — CS30 and CS31 are the industry standard for ground-based chainsaw work. CS38 covers climbing and aerial work.
- Arboricultural Association (AA) approved contractor — The AA independently assesses arborists for technical competence and insurance. Find approved members at trees.org.uk.
- Public liability insurance of at least £5 million — Tree surgery near properties requires higher cover than general garden work.
- LOLER certification for ropes and equipment — All lifting equipment should be regularly inspected and certified.
For general advice on vetting tradespeople, read our guide on questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson. And for ongoing garden care after the tree is gone, find a reliable gardener to help with the wider restoration — our guide on how to find a reliable gardener covers what to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to remove a tree in my garden?+
Not usually, unless the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or you live in a conservation area. In a conservation area, you must give six weeks' written notice to your local planning authority before removing or significantly pruning any tree with a trunk over 75mm in diameter. Always check before any work begins.
Can my neighbour remove a tree on the boundary?+
Boundary trees are complex legally. If the trunk sits on the boundary, the tree is jointly owned. Neither party can remove it without the other's consent. You can trim branches that overhang your side (up to the boundary line), but you must offer the cuttings back to the neighbour. For disputed situations, consult a solicitor.
What should I do with tree stumps after felling?+
Options include: stump grinding (mechanical removal, £60–£200), chemical treatment (drilling and applying stump killer, slower but cheaper — around £20–£50 DIY), or leaving it to rot naturally (takes 5–10 years). If you plan to plant nearby or lay hard landscaping, professional stump grinding is the cleanest option.
How many quotes should I get for tree removal?+
Get at least three quotes. Tree surgery quotes can vary enormously — the same job can be priced at £300 by one company and £900 by another. All quotes should specify what's included: felling, chipping, timber removal, stump status, and site clearance. Comparing like-for-like is essential.
Is it cheaper to remove a tree in winter?+
Generally yes — trees in leaf are bulkier, produce more waste, and are harder to work with. Winter felling of deciduous trees is quicker and cleaner. However, some species (like fruit trees) should only be pruned at specific times of year, and birds' nesting season (March–August) means some work needs delaying or checking for active nests first.
What happens if a felled tree damages my property or neighbour's property?+
This is why insurance is non-negotiable. A legitimate arborist's public liability insurance covers accidental damage during the job. If you hire an uninsured person and damage occurs, you may be personally liable. Always request proof of insurance before work starts — never accept a verbal assurance.
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