Indicative UK costs
Tree surgery cost UK: pruning to felling
Tree surgery in the UK ranges from around a hundred pounds for a small prune to several thousand for felling and removing a large tree, with stump grinding extra. Size, access and disposal drive the cost. A tree protection order or conservation area may require council consent first. These are indicative ranges, not a quote.
Tree surgery cost depends mostly on the size of the tree, how easy it is to access, and what happens to the waste, because removal and disposal are a large part of the job.
The ranges below are indicative, drawn from public UK trade cost guides. Before any work, check whether the tree has a tree protection order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, because you may need council consent and unauthorised work can be an offence.
Indicative costs
Indicative UK ranges only, not a quote. Prices vary by area, severity and access, so always get a written quote.
- Small tree pruning or trimming
- Low, accessible trees with little waste
- Crown reduction or thinning
- Larger trees needing climbing and shaping
- Felling a large tree
- Size, access and proximity to buildings drive this
- Stump grinding or removal
- Usually a separate cost from felling
What drives the cost
- The size and species of the tree and how much is being removed.
- Access, including proximity to buildings, power lines and neighbours.
- Disposal of the waste, including chipping and removal.
- Whether a TPO or conservation area means council consent is needed first.
How to get an accurate quote
- Check for a tree protection order or conservation area status before booking, as consent may be required.
- Use a qualified, insured arborist (an Arboricultural Association approved contractor where possible).
- Confirm whether the quote includes waste removal and stump grinding.
- Get more than one written quote and check public liability insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tree surgeon cost in the UK?
A small prune can be around a hundred to a few hundred pounds, crown work runs higher, and felling a large tree can reach several thousand, with stump grinding usually extra. These are indicative trade-guide figures driven by size, access and disposal, so get a written quote from a qualified arborist.
Do I need permission to remove a tree?
Possibly. If the tree has a tree protection order or stands in a conservation area, you usually need consent from your local council before pruning or felling, and unauthorised work can be a criminal offence. Check with the council first, as a reputable tree surgeon will expect you to.
Is stump removal included in felling?
Usually not. Felling removes the tree above ground, while grinding or digging out the stump is normally a separate task and a separate cost. If you want the stump gone, ask for it to be itemised in the quote rather than assuming it is included.
Sources
The ranges above are indicative, drawn from public UK trade price guides. They are a market reference, not a quote for your job.
Editor, HomesAndHedge
Oliver leads HomesAndHedge's editorial coverage of home and garden problems. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on pests, invasive plants, damp and mould, drainage and wildlife, drawing on guidance from bodies such as the Property Care Association, the RHS and the NHS, and is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026