Getting a tree removed is one of those jobs where the price can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the size, species, location and what happens to the waste afterwards. Many homeowners are caught off guard by quotes that seem wildly different from one contractor to the next, which usually comes down to what is and is not included.
This guide covers typical tree removal costs across the UK in 2026, broken down by tree size and type, with honest notes on the extras that push prices up and tips on keeping costs reasonable without cutting corners on safety.
Most tree removals in the UK cost between £300 and £3,000. A small tree up to 5 metres tall typically costs £300 to £600 to remove. A medium tree between 5 and 15 metres costs £600 to £1,500. A large tree over 15 metres can cost £1,500 to £3,000 or more. Stump removal is usually charged separately at £100 to £400. These prices include labour, equipment and basic site clearance but vary by location, access and how complex the job is.
Tree Removal Cost by Tree Size
Size is the single biggest driver of price. Arborists generally categorise trees into small, medium and large, and each bracket requires different equipment, time and crew size. The figures below are for a reasonably accessible garden tree with standard waste disposal included.
| Tree Size | Approximate Height | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree | Up to 5 metres | £300 to £600 |
| Medium tree | 5 to 10 metres | £600 to £1,200 |
| Large tree | 10 to 15 metres | £1,200 to £2,000 |
| Very large tree | Over 15 metres | £2,000 to £3,500 |
| Stump grinding (any size) | N/A | £100 to £400 |
Very large trees such as mature oaks, beeches or conifers that have grown close to buildings can exceed £3,500 if a crane or specialist rigging is required. In central London and other high-cost urban areas, add roughly 20 to 30 percent to all figures.
Cost by Tree Species
Species affects both difficulty and time. Dense hardwoods like oak take longer to cut and chip. Conifers grow tall quickly and often need sectional felling due to their position close to fences or structures. Willow and poplar are fast-growing but brittle, which requires careful rigging.
| Tree Species | Typical Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leylandii (medium) | £400 to £900 | Common, fast to chip but often large |
| Oak (medium to large) | £900 to £2,500 | Dense wood, slow to process |
| Birch (small to medium) | £300 to £700 | Relatively straightforward |
| Ash (medium to large) | £700 to £2,000 | Ash dieback may add complexity |
| Pine or conifer (large) | £800 to £2,200 | Height and resin can slow work |
| Willow (large) | £1,000 to £2,500 | Often near water, rigging needed |
| Apple or fruit tree | £250 to £600 | Usually small, garden access easy |
What Is Included in a Standard Quote
Most reputable arborists include the following as standard. Always confirm what is covered before accepting any quote.
- Sectional felling: Cutting the tree down in sections from the top, lowering branches safely to the ground.
- Chipping: Running smaller branches and brash through a wood chipper on site.
- Log sections: Larger trunk sections cut into manageable logs, often left on site for you to use or dispose of.
- Basic tidy: Raking and clearing the immediate work area of debris.
What is typically NOT included as standard is stump removal, hauling away log sections, skip hire or any additional pruning of nearby trees. Always ask for an itemised quote rather than a single lump sum so you can compare contractors fairly.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Several extras can push the final bill well above the base removal price. Being aware of these in advance helps avoid bill shock.
- Stump removal by grinding: £100 to £400 depending on stump diameter. A stump grinder is a specialist machine and is almost always quoted separately.
- Stump chemical treatment: £50 to £150 as an alternative to grinding, though it takes months to work and does not remove the stump physically.
- Log removal from site: £50 to £200 extra if you do not want to keep the timber.
- Skip hire: £200 to £400 for a 6 to 8 yard skip if the arborist does not have a waste carrier licence or if volumes are very high.
- Tree surgeon call-out to assess: Most reputable firms offer a free survey, but some charge £50 to £100 which is often deductible from the job cost.
- Emergency or storm call-out: Rates climb to £150 to £300 per hour for urgent out-of-hours work when a fallen tree is blocking access or causing damage.
- Crown reduction before felling: If the tree needs reducing in stages before full removal, expect to add £200 to £600 to the total.
Factors That Affect the Final Price
Beyond size and species, a number of site-specific factors will influence what you are quoted. Understanding these helps you assess whether a quote is fair.
- Access: A tree in an open back garden that a chipper van can reach is far cheaper to remove than one behind a locked alleyway or inside a walled courtyard. Poor access often means hiring a smaller chipper or carrying wood by hand, which significantly increases labour time.
- Proximity to structures: Trees within falling distance of a house, garage, greenhouse or boundary wall require careful sectional felling with rigging. Expect a 20 to 40 percent premium over a straightforward fell.
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): If your tree is protected by a TPO you must apply to your local council for permission before any work can start. This is free to apply for but can take 8 weeks. Working on a TPO tree without consent risks a fine of up to £20,000.
- Conservation areas: Trees in conservation areas require 6 weeks notice to the council before work begins. The arborist should be aware of local rules and may charge a small admin fee.
- Ground conditions: Waterlogged or very soft ground can make it impossible to position a chipper vehicle, increasing manual labour costs.
- Multiple trees: Clearing several trees in one visit usually attracts a discount of 10 to 20 percent compared with separate jobs.
- Region: London and the South East consistently come in 20 to 35 percent higher than the Midlands, North or Wales for the same job.
DIY Tree Removal: Is It Worth It?
Small trees under 3 metres with no nearby structures and no TPO can sometimes be removed by a competent homeowner. Hiring a chainsaw costs around £60 to £100 per day and a garden shredder around £50 to £80 per day. For a very small tree the total DIY cost might be £150 to £250 versus £300 to £500 for a professional.
However, chainsaw use without proper training carries serious injury risk. The Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends formal chainsaw training for anyone using one regularly. For any tree over 3 metres, near a structure, or where you are unsure of the lean or root stability, hiring a qualified arborist is not just the sensible choice but the only realistic safe one. Most professionals hold a relevant NPTC or City and Guilds chainsaw qualification and carry public liability insurance of at least £5 million. Always ask for proof of both before work begins.
How to Get a Fair Quote
Getting the right price requires a bit of groundwork on your part. Follow these steps to avoid overpaying or hiring an unqualified contractor.
- Get at least three quotes: Prices for tree work vary more than almost any other trade. Three quotes give you a sensible middle ground and reveal any outliers.
- Check qualifications: Look for NPTC or Lantra Awards chainsaw certificates, and membership of the Arboricultural Association (AA). The AA has a searchable Approved Contractor register on its website.
- Confirm insurance: Ask to see a copy of the public liability certificate. £5 million minimum cover is standard for domestic tree work.
- Ask what is included: Confirm whether stump removal, log removal and full site clearance are in the price or charged separately.
- Check TPO status: Use your local council's planning portal to check whether your tree is protected before inviting quotes, so you do not waste everyone's time.
- Be wary of very low quotes: A quote significantly below the others often means no insurance, no qualifications, or hidden extras added later.
Regional Price Differences
Where you live has a meaningful impact on what tree removal costs. Below are rough regional multipliers applied to a baseline medium tree removal priced at £800 in the Midlands.
- London: £1,100 to £1,400 for an equivalent job, reflecting higher labour and travel costs.
- South East (excluding London): £900 to £1,200.
- South West: £800 to £1,050, though rural access can push costs up in some areas.
- Midlands: £700 to £900, used here as the baseline.
- North West and North East: £650 to £850.
- Scotland: £650 to £900, with rural Highland areas often higher due to travel.
- Wales: £650 to £850.
Tree removal in the UK costs between £300 and £3,500 for the vast majority of domestic jobs, with size, species, access and location doing most of the work in setting the final price. Always get three itemised quotes from Arboricultural Association registered contractors, confirm public liability insurance, and check for Tree Preservation Orders before any work starts. Stump removal is almost always extra, typically adding £100 to £400. Spending a little time comparing qualified firms will save you money and avoid the very real risks that come with hiring uninsured cowboy operators.