Tree removal cost: How much should you budget in the UK?

While healthy trees can boost property values by up to 20%, those that are dying, diseased, or damaging foundations quickly turn from assets into expensive problems. When roots crack foundations, branches endanger roofs, or garden pests and diseases spread to other vegetation, professional removal becomes the only sensible option.

On average, tree removal costs £400 in the UK, but prices range from  £150 to more than £2,500 depending on size, accessibility, and additional services. This guide breaks down all the factors affecting tree removal pricing across the UK, helping you budget accurately before calling in tree removal professionals.

Signs that a tree needs to be removed

It can be hard to know what’s going on beneath the surface of a tree. You might need an expert to tell you if a tree is deceased or just dormant. If it has cracks in the trunk, flaking bark, or fungus growing under the branches, it might need to be removed. Here are two simple tests for determining tree health:

1. Scratch test: Scratch the bark with your thumbnail to reveal the inner layer. Green indicates a living tree, while brown means it's likely dead.
2. Snap test: Bend a one-year-old twig to a 90-degree angle. Living branches bend flexibly, while dead ones snap cleanly with little resistance.

When in doubt, it’s best to book an arborist to come and assess things.

Tree removal price list

Size is the most critical factor in tree removal pricing. Taller trees require more time, specialized equipment, and extra labour to cut and remove safely. A small 4-meter tree might cost just £150, while a towering tree specimen can run up to £2500 or more, depending on its location and accessibility.

When budgeting for tree work, it’s important to understand the two main services offered: Tree felling and tree removal. 

Tree removal involves dismantling the tree piece by piece from top to bottom. An arborist or a tree surgeon climbs the tree, cuts branches and trunk pieces, and lowers them safely to the ground. This method is safer for urban areas but costs more. 

On the other hand, tree felling is a more direct approach where the entire tree is cut at the base and brought down in one piece. While more efficient and potentially less expensive, this method requires adequate clear space for the tree to fall and involves higher risk.

An arborist in a bucket truck cutting branches with a chainsaw. (Source: iStock)

What factors affect the cost of tree removal?

Tree size

As you’d expect, size matters. Tall trees require more equipment and time and carry higher risks, making pine tree removal costs exceptionally high. A very tall tree is more likely to damage the surrounding area if it falls incorrectly. 

If the tree overhangs a house, shed, or road, extra care must be taken to prevent severe damage. A tree's type can sometimes impact how easy it is to fell. Still, there isn’t a massive price difference in removing various types of trees. The estimated cost of large tree removal is often higher, meaning size is more important to consider. 

Ease of access

If it’s hard to reach the tree, it will cost more to fell. Logically, if a site is hard to access, it will take longer for people and equipment to get there. It can also take longer to clear waste away from a place that’s hard to get to (which might mean you’ll face tree debris removal costs, too). For trees that overhang public footpaths or roads, you’ll need permission to close the street down before felling. This can be an additional expense.

Disposal method

Reuse and recycle where you can. The cheapest disposal method is simply cutting the tree up to where it falls and using it as firewood. You can also use it as compost or for a wood-burning stove. Also, check with your neighbours—they might need a branch or two. 

Additional tree removal costs

When deciding to remove a tree, expect some extra fees for removing the stump and roots if you want to stop another tree from growing in the same place or are worried the old tree was diseased or infested with pests.

A worker using a chainsaw to cut through a stump, sending wood chips flying. (Source: iStock)

Tree trimming

Tree trimming or pruning is a lot cheaper than removal. If your tree only needs trimming or pruning, expect to pay £100 - £500.

Tree stump removal

For stumps with shallow roots, a professional can use a chainsaw and grind them away. Cherry tree stumps with notoriously deep roots can take hours to remove. In contrast, conifer trees have shallow roots and are easier to grind.

Tree surveys and arborist reports

A tree survey will let you know the health of your garden trees and flag potential problems. Trees could grow through pipes or against the property, or their leaves and branches might drop on your roof and clog your gutters. Hiring an arborist for a tree survey costs £250 – £350.

Post a task for tree removal

Now that you're familiar with tree removal prices in the UK, you're ready to post a task. You'll shortly receive offers from Taskers near you. You can check their profiles and select the best tree service professional for your needs. Here are some details to share when filling out the request form:

• Your budget
• Your location
• Tree size and condition
• Schedule or time frame

Overall, the more info you share, the easier it is for Taskers to give you exact estimates.