Blog>Cost Guides>How much does tree crown reduction cost?
Last updated: 20 May 2024
How much does tree crown reduction cost?
Got a tree that’s blocking all the sunlight from your garden? Crown reduction could be the answer. In this guide, we look at the average crown reduction cost and how it can help.
Fast Facts
The average cost of tree crown reduction in the UK is around £500
A tree survey will cost about £250
Remember to factor in additional costs, such as garden clearance and tree removal, if needed
If you have a large tree in your garden that you love, but want to reduce the size, it's time to speak to tree surgeons about tree crown reduction. But, how much does tree crown reduction cost? Keep reading to find out.
How much for tree crown reduction?
| Item | Unit | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree crown reduction | Per tree | £200 | £800 | £500 |
| Tree survey | Per project | £200 | £300 | £250 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Tree crown reduction is usually a little more expensive than tree thinning, although often, tree surgeons can provide both services at once.
On average, you can expect to pay between £200 and £800 per tree for crown reduction.
Factors affecting tree crown reduction costs
The total cost of tree crown reduction will vary based on several factors. These include:
Tree size
Tree type
Location
Accessibility
The number of trees that need treating
Condition of the tree
Amount of waste generated
Most tree surgeons will include waste removal in their quote, but the more waste that's created, the harder and more time-consuming it will be to remove.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Additional tree crown reduction charges
Although you could easily get away with just paying the standard tree crown reduction cost, there are some other services you might want to commission at the same time.
Here are some of those services and the associated charges...
Tree survey cost
If you have various trees, a tree survey will give you an idea of their condition and any problems that may need treatment, such as roots interfering with the foundations of your home. A tree survey typically starts at £200 - £300.
Garden clearance cost
While your tree surgeon is removing the waste caused by your tree crown reduction, you could take the opportunity to get your garden cleared.
This will involve cutting back and trimming any messy hedges, pruning overgrown trees, cutting long grass, and clearing away unwanted plants, grass, and leaves.
For one person, you can expect your garden clearance cost to be around £45 - £60 per hour or £200 per day.
Tree removal cost
If you have any trees that need removing, it's a good idea to do it at the same time as your tree crown reduction. That way, you can capitalise on your tree surgeon’s travel and waste removal costs. The average tree removal cost in the UK can be anywhere from £300 to £3,000.
What is tree crown reduction?
Crown reduction is a process that reduces the height and/or spread of a tree’s crown – the part of a tree that has leaves.
It can be a great way to help a tree blend in better with its surroundings, increase the amount of light that reaches your garden, or reduce any mechanical stress on the tree or individual branches.
With tree crown reduction, the idea is that the tree remains the same shape. It just becomes a little smaller.
This is a similar but different process from crown thinning, which involves removing smaller branches from the outside of a tree’s crown.
With crown thinning, a maximum of 30% of the tree’s structure is removed to allow more light to pass through the tree and reduce wind resistance.
In this case, the tree remains the same size and shape but becomes less heavy.
Key takeaways
Tree crown reduction could add more light to your garden
Your tree will remain the same shape but with a smaller outline
Costs will vary based on the type and size of the tree involved
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