Average tree removal costs in the UK
In the UK, professional tree surgery costs typically range from £150 for a small garden tree (under 5 metres) up to £1,500+ for large mature oak or ash trees (over 15 metres) situated close to buildings or power lines.
The biggest pricing factor is whether the tree can be straight-felled from the base into an open lawn, or must be carefully dismantled in sections using tree climbing harness gear and rigging ropes to prevent damage to fences, conservatories, and neighbouring properties.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and Conservation Areas
Before carrying out any work on a tree in the UK, you must check with your local council whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a Conservation Area.
Cutting down, lopping, or uprooting a protected tree without council consent is a criminal offence that can result in unlimited fines. A reputable arboricultural contractor will typically assist with council planning applications.
Worked example: 10m mature sycamore tree near a garden fence
Removing a medium-sized 10-metre sycamore tree situated in a rear garden near boundary fencing, requiring sectional dismantling and stump grinding.
Sectional dismantling labour by certified NPTC tree surgeons totals £650. Mechanical stump grinding (grinding the stump 20cm below lawn level) adds £180. Chipping branches and hauling away logs adds £120, bringing the total project cost to approximately £950.
Inputs for the tree removal cost calculator
Tree height / size
Small (<5m / 16ft), medium (5-10m / 16-33ft), large (10-15m / 33-50ft), or very large (>15m / 50ft+).
Felling technique
Straight fell into clear open ground vs sectional dismantle in confined domestic gardens.
Stump treatment
Cut flush to ground level, mechanical stump grinding below surface, or complete root extraction.
Green waste disposal
Full wood chipping and log removal vs keeping woodchips for garden mulch.
UK Region
Location adjusting for local arboricultural contractor day rates.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
UK tree removal cost calculator questions
Do I need permission from the council to cut down a tree on my property?
Only if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a designated Conservation Area. Otherwise, you do not need permission to fell trees on your own land.
How much does stump grinding cost in the UK?
Stump grinding typically costs between £100 and £300 per stump when added to a tree removal job, depending on trunk diameter and surface root spread.
What qualifications should a UK tree surgeon have?
Ensure your tree surgeon holds NPTC / City & Guilds arboricultural qualifications (CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39) and carries at least £5 million in Public Liability insurance.
Can I cut down a tree that overhangs my boundary from next door?
Under common law, you can prune branches that overhang your property boundary up to the boundary line, but you must offer the cuttings back to your neighbour and you cannot cut down the tree itself.
What time of year is best for tree removal?
Late winter and early spring (when trees are dormant and free of heavy foliage) is often the easiest and safest time for tree removal, as well as minimizing disturbance to nesting birds.