Last updated on January 2nd, 2025
Tree removal costs UK in 2025
Fast Facts
- The average tree removal cost in the UK is around £1,190 - £1,720 for a tree up to 50 foot tall
- Always check whether your tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) before felling it
- If you act early, you may only need to trim or prune your tree instead of removing it altogether
Removing a tree should be a last resort. But if you’ve spotted signs of decay or you’re worried a tree is causing a risk to your property, it’s best to take action early. Putting it off can lead to larger problems down the line.
Here, we reveal everything you need to know about tree removal costs – from how to know if your tree needs removing to the typical tree surgeon fees. We also offer tips on finding an experienced tree surgeon near you using our free directory.
Want to get a quick rough estimate? Why not use our free cost calculator for tree removal today?
Signs it’s time to remove a tree
Sometimes, there are serious reasons why it’s necessary to remove a tree.
Here are some signs that your tree is a risk to you, your property, or your neighbours:
- Storm damage – Large branches broken during a storm can be a serious hazard
- Leaning – If your tree is leaning when it wasn’t before, it might be at risk of falling
- Proximity – Large trees should be at least 15 feet from your property. Any closer and the roots could damage your home’s foundation
- Decay or infection – If you see soil and fungi growing near the base of your tree or cracks and dead branch stubs on the trunk, that could be a sign of decay. Also, look out for discoloured leaves or crumbly wood, which could be signs your tree has an infection
If you notice any of these problems, it’s best to get a professional in. They’ll be able to assess your tree and, if necessary, remove it.
Simply enter your postcode below to find a reliable tree surgeon near you.
How much does it cost to cut down a tree?
The average tree removal cost in the UK is around £1,190 - £1,720 for a tree up to 50 feet when carried out by a qualified tree surgeon.
Meanwhile, you’ll be looking at paying £240 - £340 to remove a tree up to 25 feet.
So, as you can see, tree removal prices can vary hugely, as our table below shows.
Type of tree removal | Unit of measure | Felling cost (low-high) |
---|---|---|
Removing trees | N/A | |
Up to 25 ft | N/A | £240 - £340 |
Up to 30 ft | N/A | £410 - £590 |
Up to 40 ft | N/A | £670 - £960 |
Up to 50 ft | N/A | £1,190 - £1,720 |
60 ft+ | N/A | £1,700 - £2,450 |
Removing tree stumps | ||
Small | m² | £160 - £220 |
Medium | m² | £290 - £420 |
Large | m² | £500 - £710 |
Additional costs | ||
Tree Surveyor Cost (Arborist) | £300 - £420 | |
Tree Trimming / Pruning (small) | £250 - £360 |
|
Tree Trimming / Pruning (medium) | £420 - £600 |
|
Tree Trimming / Pruning (large) | £750 - £1,080 |
|
Garden waste removal cost | £100 - £800 | |
Average labour cost | ||
Tree surgeon labour cost | Per hour | £30 - £50 |
Tree surgeon labour cost | Per day | £240 - £400 |
Gardener | Per hour | £25 - £40 |
Notes | ||
Some trees with difficult access might incur additional cost | ||
The tree location could incur additional cost, such as confined spaces, steep slopes, near a river or a public road | ||
You will require permission to close a public road or pavement if your tree is overhanging beither of these locations or if the access equipment needs to parked on either | ||
Some trees have Tree Protection Order (TPO) on them and you need to ensure that you have all the necessary permissions, should this be the case | ||
All costs are exclusive of VAT and will need to be added | ||
If the tree being felled is near a house foundations, it would be advisable to hire an Arborist, to advise of any possible implications after the tree is felled |
Last updated: December 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Additional tree surgeon prices
It’s one thing to cut down a tree to the stump. But it’s another thing to remove the tree stump and roots and take all the timber away.
To help you budget for the whole project, let’s look at some of the other costs involved:
Removing a tree stump and roots
Tree stump removal costs in the UK vary depending on what approach a tree surgeon suggests. They include:
- Stump grinding – The cheapest professional removal method. It can cost as little as £160 - £220 for a trunk with a diameter of less than half a foot. However, the cost of stump grinding can climb to £500 - £710 if the stump is larger and requires more powerful tools
- Excavation – A less common method where machines are usually used to dig the stump out completely. For a small stump, the cost of removing a tree stump through excavation starts at around £160 - £220 . For a stump bigger than half a foot, you’re looking at around £500 - £710
- Roots – Trees with larger root systems can create a lot more work when it comes to stump removal. Tree surgeons are trained to assess each project on a case-by-case basis to decide on the best course of action and quote
- DIY – If you’re experienced at DIY, you could attempt tree stump removal yourself by hiring a stump grinder. However, stump grinders will slice through anything and can be dangerous. That’s why we think this is a job best left to the professionals
Tree trimming and pruning
A tree surgeon may suggest that a tree you were planning to remove could be pruned instead. Here’s the costs:
- Standard job – Tree trimming and pruning costs start at around £420 - £600 for a small-to-medium-sized tree
- Bigger projects – For larger trees, it’s typically in the region of £750 - £1,080
But remember, if a Tree Preservation Order covers your tree, you’ll need permission to prune or trim the tree first. There’s more information about UK tree preservation laws later
Removing timber and debris
Tree removals produce a lot of timber waste, which needs to be removed. However, not all tree surgeons include waste removal as part of the quote, so it’s worth checking in advance. To help you budget, here’s the costs:
- Garden waste removal – You’re looking at anywhere between £100 - £800 depending on the amount of waste and accessibility. Tricky access can hike up the cost. For instance, if waste needs to be carried through the house as there is no direct access to the garden
If removing the tree is proving trickier than you thought, but the wood is healthy, why not consider repurposing it? This will be an additional cost but it’s a more sustainable way of removing a tree. Ideas include:
- Woodchipping – Ask to have the tree turned into woodchippings for landscaping in the garden
- Firewood – Pay to have the tree broken down into firewood for use in your garden fire pit or indoor fireplace
- Log seat – Transform the tree into a carved log seat or log stool – a great feature for the garden, and you’ll be giving your tree a second life!
Tree surveying
Sometimes, you’ll need to hire a tree surgeon to carry out a tree survey (also called an arboricultural survey) to decide whether it needs to be cut down. This detailed report goes into the condition of the trees on your property and recommends whether or not they should be removed, with reasons.
You’ll often need a survey if you plan to extend your property, construct additional buildings on your land, change the access, or move service lines. The typical tree surveying cost is roughly in the region of £300 - £420.
Factors that impact tree removal costs
As a general rule, the more time, skill and specialist equipment needed to fell a tree, the higher your tree removal cost will be.
However, other factors can impact the cost of tree removal. These include:
- Size of the tree – As explored above, tree size can significantly sway costs. For instance, the average tree removal cost in the UK for a tree up to 50 feet is a whopping £1,190 - £1,720 . Meanwhile, you’ll be looking at paying £240 - £340 to remove a tree up to 25 feet
- The type of tree – Some trees, such as conifers, have shallow root systems that don’t stretch too far, making removal easier for a tree surgeon. But others, such as oak trees, can have roots as deep as 3-4 metres, so it’s a more labour-intensive job
- Its condition – It’s generally cheaper to fell a healthy tree than a decaying (or diseased) tree. That’s because there are additional complexities and hazards when felling a decaying tree, such as falling branches. If the tree is diseased and at risk of spreading disease to nearby trees, the tree may need to be disposed of in a more specialist way
- Where it’s positioned – If access is difficult for the tree surgeon, this could increase the cost. For instance, if it’s positioned in a confined space, on a steep slope, or near a river or a public road
- Whether it overhangs a public footpath or street – If it’s a large tree, you’ll need permission to close the road or gain permission for access equipment to park on the road
- How it’s disposed of – If you chop it up where it falls to use as firewood, you can lower your costs
How much do tree surgeons charge?
While we’ve looked at the average costs for removing a tree, it’s also handy to know how much a tree surgeon (or arborist) charges for their time. Here’s the costs:
- Per day – You’re looking at around £240 - £400
- Hourly rate – On average, a tree surgeon charges £30 - £50 per hour. This is helpful to know if you’re looking to remove a smaller tree that is easily accessible and the job will only take a few hours.
Normally, tree removal work is charged at an hourly or daily rate. However, smaller tasks can be priced below this rate if the job is simple and takes minimal time.
Tree surgeons usually work in teams to ensure the tree removal is completed safely. A large, awkwardly placed or deep-rooted tree could take one or two teams of experts several days of work. In this case, your tree removal costs will quickly rack up – you could be looking at thousands of pounds.
Legal considerations for tree removal in the UK
Planning a tree removal in your garden is more complicated than you’d think. There are various legal considerations you’ll need to check, so you’ll want to know your rights from your wrongs before attempting to remove a tree. Factors to consider include:
UK tree preservation laws
UK tree preservation laws must be abided by. So much so, cutting down a protected tree could result in a hefty £20,000 fine if convicted in a magistrates’ court.
So, before starting any tree removal project, ask yourself these three questions:
- Is my tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)? – This protects certain trees against removal
- Is my tree in a conservation area? – Removing a tree in a conservation area is illegal without submitting written notice to your local planning authority
- Are wild birds nesting in the tree? – If so, you should avoid cutting it down between March and the end of July. This is the primary bird nesting season in the UK.
Not sure if your tree is protected? Contact your Local Planning Authority as a first port of call. Our tree removal planning guide has plenty more information, too, about the steps you need to take if your tree is protected.
Public access
As we touched on earlier, if your tree overhangs a public footpath or street, you may need permission to close the road or gain permission for access equipment to park on the road.
Your first port of call is to contact your local council. They’ll be able to advise you on the permissions needed.
How to save money on tree removal
Are the costs starting to mount up more than you thought? Here are a few tips to help you save money on your tree removal:
- Save on the cost of waste removal – If you’ve got the time (and muscle power), consider clearing away the debris yourself
- Keep the stump – Skip stump grinding and removal and leave the stump in place. You could even make it a feature of your garden landscaping
- Compare quotes – We always recommend getting three quotes from tree surgeons so you know you’re getting a fair price
- Hire an experienced team – They’ll carry out the work safely and efficiently
Find an experienced tree surgeon near you
Worried about a tree in your garden? The first thing to do is find a tree surgeon to inspect it and give you their professional opinion.
Finding an approved and experienced tree surgeon on Checkatrade is simple.
Just search for a specialist by following these four simple steps:
- Use a professional directory
Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).
We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Find and book your trade with us and we'll guarantee their work up to £1,000*.
- Read online reviews
A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson’s professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
- Compare quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced tree surgeons local to you. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.
- Check for insurance
It’s important to check that your tree surgeon has public liability insurance. It protects the tree surgeon in case they cause damage to your property or injure themselves or someone else while working.
Luckily, all tradespeople listed in Checkatrade’s directory will have public liability insurance as standard for your added peace of mind.
Tree removal costs: FAQs
How do I know if a tree is protected?
If you’re not sure whether a tree on your property is protected, check with your local council. They’ll be able to tell you if there is a Tree Preservation Order on your tree.
Cost of trimming trees near power lines?
If a tree is growing close to power lines, this can be a serious safety hazard. We always recommend contacting the energy company that operates the power line first. They might be happy to cover the cost of a tree surgeon.
How much does it cost to remove a large tree in the UK?
The average tree removal cost in the UK for a tree up to 50 feet is £1,190 - £1,720 .
What factors influence tree removal pricing?
As explored above, many factors impact the cost of tree removal. Everything from size and type of tree to accessibility needs to be considered.
You could try out our free tree removal cost calculator to give you a rough estimate. However, we always recommend getting a quote from a professional tree surgeon, as every tree removal project is different.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Professional stump grinding can cost as little as £160 - £220 for a trunk with a diameter of less than half a foot. However, the cost of stump grinding can climb to £500 - £710 if the stump is larger and requires more powerful tools.
Do I need permission to cut down a tree in my garden?
In your home, you don’t need permission to cut down a tree unless it’s subject to a Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area.
What is the average cost of an arborist report in the UK?
The typical tree surveying cost is roughly in the region of £300 - £420.
Can I save money by cutting down a tree myself?
Unless it’s a very small tree or you have the experience and correct equipment we wouldn’t recommend it. Tree removal is a very dangerous job in inexperienced hands.
How do I find out if my tree is protected by a TPO?
Always check with your local council first. They’ll be able to tell you if there is a Tree Preservation Order on your tree.
What happens if I don’t remove a damaged or dying tree?
If ignored, a damaged, diseased or dying tree can be a significant hazard to you, others and properties. Failing branches can cause serious damage to people or buildings, so it’s not worth taking a risk. If you notice that a tree on your property or overhanging your property is damaged, contact a professional tree surgeon as soon as possible to take a look.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
Lucia
It has answered all of my questions concerning chopping down trees. Very informative. Thank you