Tree removal costs in the UK might surprise you – they range from £200 to a whopping £2,800! This price gap is huge.
The cost of removing a tree depends on several factors. You’ll likely pay around £700 on average, but this changes substantially based on the tree’s size and how complex the job is. To cite an instance, see a small tree under 25 feet – that’ll cost you between £240-£340. Larger trees over 60 feet? This is a big deal as it means that £2,040.
The tree’s type plays a major role in determining removal costs. Getting rid of an English oak could set you back £2,800 to £4,800, while a mature ash tree typically costs around £2,300. Location and accessibility affect the final price too. Extra services like stump grinding (£60-£400) or waste removal (£90-£500) add to the total cost.
In this piece, you’ll learn what tree removal will cost in 2025. This detailed breakdown will help you plan your budget for this important home improvement project that can get pricey.
When Should You Consider Tree Removal?
You need to spot safety risks before looking at tree removal costs. Trees add value to your property and help the environment, but some situations require removal to avoid damage or injury.
Storm damage or leaning trees
Trees need quick assessment after severe weather. Scottish Power reports that fallen trees cause 35% of storm-related power outages. Strong winds can knock trees onto homes, roads, or power lines and create immediate dangers.
A tree that suddenly moves from its normal position needs expert inspection right away. This unusual tilt that indicates:
- Root decay that weakens the tree’s grip in soil
- Soil erosion near the base
- Storm damage from bad weather
Trees that lean create big risks near buildings, paths, or roads. One arborist’s opinion states, “A leaning tree should not exist. If a tree suddenly starts to keel over, the roots may be dying or damaged”. Professional bracing might save some leaning trees, but removal becomes necessary with major structural damage, severe root decay, or extreme angles.
Signs of decay or disease
Strong trees can handle tough conditions, but they stay vulnerable to diseases and pests that might require removal. Watch for these warning signs that show structural problems:
- Mushrooms or conks growing on trunk or roots
- Holes, cracks, or hollow spots in main branches or trunk
- Upper branches that are dead or dying
- Leaves that look discolored, wilted, or thin
- New shoots at the tree’s base (a stress signal)
- Big wounds from torn branches or lightning
“A tree with internal decay can remain standing for years, but it will eventually fail and can become an increasing hazard the longer it is left”. Diseased trees also break more easily during storms because their structure is weak.
Proximity to buildings or utilities
Trees growing near structures or utility lines create safety issues that often lead to removal. These problems include:
Branches touching power lines pose serious electrical dangers. Power companies often check and cut trees near power lines at no cost. UK Power Networks suggests, “We can turn your power off while your tree surgeon does this.
Root systems and falling branches can damage foundations, roofs, or underground pipes. Regular trimming helps sometimes, but trees too close to buildings usually need removal to prevent future issues.
Trees blocking driveways, paths, or drainage systems cause practical issues beyond safety. Professional evaluation helps decide if removal makes the most sense for trees that interfere with daily property use.
It’s worth mentioning that tree owners must take action on dead, dying, or dangerous trees to prevent injury or property damage under their legal duty of care.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in 2025?
Tree removal experts base their quotes on several factors instead of using flat rates. You can budget better for this big property maintenance expense by knowing these price factors in 2025.
Average tree removal cost by height
Height is what affects tree removal cost the most. Taller trees need more complex work, equipment, and labor:
| Tree Size | Height | Average Cost | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 25 ft | £150-£350 | 4 hours-1 day |
| Medium | 25-50 ft | £200-£750 | 1 day |
| Large | 50-75 ft | £650-£1,200 | 1-2 days |
| Extra Large | Over 75 ft | £1,000-£2,500 | 2-5 days |
UK’s national average for tree removal is about £400. Prices range from £150 for smaller trees to £2,500 for the tallest ones. A typical 50-foot tree costs between £1,190-£1,720.
Different tree species come with different price tags:
- A mature silver birch (approximately 25ft): £280
- A Scots pine (up to 40ft): £800
- An English Oak: £2,800-£4,800
- An Ash Tree: £2,300
Tree removal service cost by region
Your location in the UK plays a big role in what you’ll pay for tree removal. Regional prices vary because of:
- Labor costs
- Local disposal fees
- Business overhead expenses
- Market competition
London and Southeast prices are higher than other regions. Tree surgeon quotes in these city areas cost £50 to £100 more per day.
A professional team of 3 tree surgeons charges £600-£900 per day, which works out to £75-£110 per hour. Some workers charge £25-£35 per hour, but this usually means one person working alone.
Winter months from November through February are cheaper for tree removal in the UK. People need fewer tree services during this time.
How much to cut down a tree by complexity
Size and location aren’t the only things that change the price. Here’s how other factors affect the cost:
Accessibility issues change prices by a lot. Hard-to-reach trees take more time and special equipment to remove. Here’s what you might pay based on access:
| Tree Height | Simple Access | Difficult Access | Additional Complications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (15-25ft) | £150-£300 | £300-£450 | £450-£600 |
| Medium (25-50ft) | £400-£600 | £600-£850 | £850-£1,200 |
| Large (50-75ft) | £700-£1,000 | £1,000-£1,500 | £1,500-£2,000 |
| Very Large (75ft+) | £1,500-£2,000 | £2,000-£3,000 | £3,000-£5,000+ |
Trees close to buildings, power lines, or public roads need extra care. You might need special equipment like cranes or cherry pickers, which adds £200-£500 to your bill.
Tree condition also changes the price. Dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees are trickier to remove and need extra safety measures. This makes the job more expensive.
Getting several quotes from trusted tree surgeons helps you find the best price. Each job has its own challenges that affect the final cost.
Cost Breakdown by Tree Type and Size
Your tree’s size and species play a big role in determining how much you’ll pay to remove it. Let’s get into how these costs vary for different tree sizes and types, so you can plan your budget better.
Small trees (under 25 ft)
Small trees are the least expensive to remove, with prices between £150 and £350. Tree surgeons can usually finish these jobs in a day – sometimes in just 4 hours.
Examples in this category include:
- Young silver birch trees
- Standard apple trees
- Small ornamental species
- Young conifers
A small tree with easy access will cost you £150 to £300. But when access becomes tricky, prices can jump to £300-£450 or even £450-£600 for the most challenging cases.
Some tree surgeons charge a bit more for small tree removal, anywhere from £200-£400 or £240-£340. These price differences usually come down to your location and your tree’s condition.
Medium trees (25–50 ft)
Medium trees make up most residential removal jobs. You’ll pay between £200 and £750 to remove these trees, based on factors like access and species.
A medium tree job needs:
- A full day of professional work
- Multiple crew members
- More specialized equipment than smaller trees
Difficult access drives up costs to £600-£850, and extra complications can push prices to £850-£1,200. Some medium-sized species cost more – a 40-foot Scots pine runs about £800.
Price ranges can vary from £300-£850, while 30-foot trees might cost £410-£590 and 40-foot ones £670-£960. These differences show why it’s smart to get several quotes.
Large and extra-large trees (50+ ft)
Large tree removal needs serious investment because it takes more time, special equipment, and extra safety measures. Trees between 50-75 feet tall typically cost £650-£1,200. Tree surgeons need 1-2 days to complete these jobs.
Extra-large trees over 75 feet start at £1,000 and can go beyond £2,500. These projects take 2-5 days and need careful planning.
Access issues really change the price:
- Easy access: £700-£1,000 (50-75ft) or £1,500-£2,000 (75ft+)
- Tough access: £1,000-£1,500 (50-75ft) or £2,000-£3,000 (75ft+)
- Complex situations: £1,500-£2,000 (50-75ft) or £3,000-£5,000+ (75ft+)
Common UK tree types and their costs
Tree species affects removal costs because of wood density, growth patterns, and structure. The English Oak tops the price list at £2,800 to £4,800.
Other common UK tree removal costs include:
| Tree Species | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Common Beech | £3500 |
| Ash | £2400 |
| Horse Chestnut | £2400 |
| Sycamore | £1000-£3000 |
| Mature Silver Birch (25ft) | £280 |
| Small Conifer/Eucalyptus (30ft) | £490 |
| Scots Pine (40ft) | £800 |
These prices reflect both species and size – younger trees cost less than mature ones. Tree surgeons look at each job individually and factor in the tree’s health, location, and removal method needed.
Additional and Hidden Costs to Watch For
The quoted price for tree removal rarely tells the whole story. Your final bill might include several extra costs that can add up quickly. Let’s look at what you need to know to avoid surprises.
Stump grinding and root removal
The stump stays behind after cutting down a tree, and you’ll need to pay extra to remove it. Stump grinding costs between £60 to £400. Here’s what affects the price:
- Small stumps under 30cm across cost about £100-£200
- Large stumps over 60cm across range from £200 to £500+
- Hard-to-reach spots make the job more expensive
- Cherry trees take longer to remove than conifers because of their deep roots
You might face extra charges if the team finds more roots once they start grinding.
Garden waste disposal fees
While many tree services include waste removal in their quotes, some don’t. Getting rid of garden waste costs between £90 and £500. The price depends on how much waste there is and how easy it is to access.
Heavy materials like soil or concrete cost about £150 per ton. The price goes up with:
- Large amounts that need multiple trips
- Areas where trucks can’t get close
- Materials that need special disposal
- Waste that needs to be carried through houses
You can save money by composting green waste if you have space in your yard.
Tree surveyor or arborist report
A professional tree survey helps you spot problems before they get pricey. Simple surveys cost between £150-£300. A detailed BS5837 survey for planning applications might cost more than £500.
An average arborist report costs £250-£350 and gives you a clear picture of your tree’s health and safety. You’ll need these reports if you plan to:
- Extend your property
- Build new structures
- Change your property access
- Move utility lines
Permit and legal compliance costs
Legal requirements can add to your removal costs. Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) need council approval first. Remember, removing protected trees without permission can lead to legal trouble.
You’ll need planning permission if the work blocks public paths or roads. A quick check with your local council can save you from legal headaches and extra expenses later.
Factors That Influence Tree Removal Pricing
Tree removal costs vary based on more than just size and type. Several crucial factors can make a big difference in what you’ll pay. Let’s look at why quotes might differ between service providers for what seems like similar jobs.
Tree condition and health
A tree’s health and condition directly affects how complex and safe the removal will be. Dead, diseased, or unstable trees create special challenges that usually drive up costs. Trees that are decaying make the job more hazardous because their weak structure might fall in unexpected ways. Tree surgeons must take extra safety steps when they work with these specimens.
Healthy trees can actually take more work to remove even though they’re stable. Their thick foliage and strong structure requires more effort. Each case needs specific techniques and safety measures, which ends up affecting the final price.
Ease of access to the site
Getting to the tree can really change the price. Trees in tight spaces, close to buildings, or with hard-to-reach spots cost more to remove. To name just one example, trees that are tough to access can bump up removal costs by 20-50% compared to ones that are easy to reach.
Things like fences, other trees, narrow paths, or steep slopes make the job harder. When equipment can’t get close to the tree, workers have to cut it into smaller pieces and carry debris by hand. This takes longer and costs more.
Labor and equipment requirements
The job’s complexity determines how many people and what equipment you’ll need. Regular jobs usually take a team of three people, which costs between £600-£900 per day. Trees near buildings, power lines, or other obstacles need special equipment like cranes, bucket trucks, or rigging systems—this can add £200-£500 to your bill.
Different trees and locations need different equipment. Some jobs require aerial lift bucket trucks instead of ladders to safely reach higher branches, especially in risky spots.
Urban vs rural location impact
Your location substantially affects the price. Urban areas usually charge 20-30% more than the national average because of higher operating costs and logistics challenges. Rural areas tend to be cheaper (about 10-20% less), but travel costs for tree surgeons might eat up these savings.
London and Southeast England charge the highest rates—you’ll pay £50-£100 more per day than other UK regions. This happens because of higher living costs, tighter regulations, and more demand in city areas.
Our Final Say!
Property owners make a big investment when removing trees. This piece explored typical costs ranging from £150 for small trees to £5,000 for complex projects. Understanding these price variations will help you budget better and avoid surprises.
A tree’s size directly affects its removal cost. Small trees under 25ft average £150-£350, while medium ones between 25-50ft cost £200-£750. Large specimens from 50-75ft need £650-£1,200, and extra-large trees cost more than £2,500 in most cases. Your final bill changes based on the tree species, especially when you have challenging specimens like English Oaks that demand premium prices.
Your location plays a vital role in the total cost. Tree services in London and Southeast regions charge £50-£100 more daily compared to other areas. On top of that, limited access can push costs up by 20-50%, particularly when special equipment becomes necessary.
You should pay attention to hidden costs before starting any tree removal project. Stump grinding (£60-£400), waste disposal (£90-£500), and required permits can add substantial amounts to your original quote. Getting detailed estimates that list all included services will protect you from unexpected charges.
Safety should always come before cost. Trees that show signs of disease, structural weakness, or stand dangerously close to buildings need professional attention whatever the price. Note that you’re legally responsible to prevent damage or injury from hazardous trees on your property.
The best approach is to get multiple quotes from reputable, insured tree surgeons before making your final decision. This gives you fair pricing and confirms that professionals agree on the recommended action. Tree removal changes your property’s landscape significantly and deserves careful thought.
Now you have the knowledge about tree removal costs in 2025 to handle this necessary property maintenance task with confidence.
Tree Surgeon Bishops Wood – Tree Surgeon Rodbaston – Tree Surgeon Shipley
