Tree crown reduction cost guide

Got a tree that’s blocking all the sunlight from your garden? Love the shape of your tree but hate the light loss it causes? Crown reduction could be the answer. Here, we’ll look at what it is, how it can help and the typical tree crown reduction cost.

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 carries leaves. It can be a great way to make a tree blend in better with its surroundings, to increase the amount of light that reaches your garden or to 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 it becomes less heavy.

How much for tree crown reduction?

Tree crown reduction is usually a little more expensive than tree thinning, although often, tree surgeons can provide both 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 a number of 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 is created, the harder and more time-consuming it will be to remove.

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 that you might want to commission at the same time. Here are some of those services and the associated charges.

• Tree survey: If you have a number of 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: 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 to pay around £40 – £60 per hour or £200 per day.
• Tree removal: If you have any trees that need removing, you might as well do it at the same time as your tree crown reduction. That way, you can capitalise on your surgeon’s travel and waste removal costs. The average tree removal cost is £400.

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.