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Tree surgery cost estimator
UK tree surgery typically costs around £150 to £500 for pruning a small tree, and £700 to £3,000 or more for felling or a crown reduction on a large tree with restricted access, based on published trade price guides. Before any work, check for a Tree Preservation Order or conservation area, as unauthorised work on a protected tree is a criminal offence.
Answer the questions below for an indicative range. It is arithmetic on published UK trade ranges, not a quote. The legal check comes first: never start tree work without confirming the tree is not protected.
Your situation
Indicative ranges only, not a quote and not professional or legal advice. Always get written quotes and check for protection first. Source: Checkatrade tree surgery cost guide, accessed June 2026.
How this estimate is worked out (methodology)
The tool holds a published base range per work type, then adjusts for height and access and shows the arithmetic:
- Tree height scales the figure: taller trees take longer and need more rigging.
- Tight access near a building or boundary adds careful rigging and lowering, so it lifts the upper end.
Before any costing matters, the tool flags the legal check: a tree with a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area needs council consent, and unauthorised work is a criminal offence (gov.uk). Base ranges are the public Checkatrade tree surgery cost guide (accessed June 2026). No figure is invented.
What moves the price
- Tree height and species, and how much material has to come down.
- Access: room to work and drop branches versus careful rigging near a house.
- Waste: whether removal or chipping is included.
- Protection: a TPO or conservation area adds a consent application and time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission before any tree work?
Possibly. If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or stands in a conservation area, you must get council consent first, and unauthorised work is a criminal offence carrying heavy fines. Nesting birds are also protected during the season. Always check with your local planning authority before booking any work. This tool prompts that check before it shows a price.
Why is felling sometimes cheaper than a crown reduction?
It depends on the tree and the site. Felling a clear, accessible tree can be quick, while a skilled crown reduction on a large tree near a house, with no room to drop branches, takes longer and needs careful rigging. Height, access and what is below the tree usually matter more than the job name.
Who should do the work?
Use an Arboricultural Association approved contractor or a qualified, insured arborist. Tree work is dangerous and badly done pruning can harm or kill a tree. Get written quotes, check public liability insurance, and confirm they will remove or chip the waste.
Sources
Editor, HomesAndHedge
Oliver Mackman is the editor of HomesAndHedge and is accountable for its editorial standards and sourcing. He ensures every claim is backed by a named source such as the Property Care Association, the RHS, the NHS or gov.uk, and that the site is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 12 June 2026