In 2026, cutting down a tree in the UK typically costs between £150 and £3,500+. A small tree (up to 15ft) costs £150-£450, a medium tree (15-30ft) costs £300-£800, a large tree (30-50ft) costs £600-£1,500, and very large trees (over 50ft) can cost £1,000-£3,500+. The final price depends on species, location, access, and whether stump removal is included.

Stump removal in the UK typically costs between £60 and £350 per stump. Small stumps (under 30cm diameter) cost £60-£120, medium stumps (30-60cm) cost £120-£220, and large stumps (over 60cm) cost £200-£350. Stump grinding is the most common and cost-effective method, usually completed in 30-60 minutes per stump.

Yes, tree removal is often 10-20% cheaper in winter (November to February) in the UK. This is the off-peak season for tree surgeons as trees are dormant, demand is lower, and access is often easier without leaves. However, winter work can be complicated by wet ground conditions, and some species shouldn’t be pruned in winter due to disease risk (e.g., oak to avoid oak wilt).

You must check if your tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a Conservation Area before cutting it down. If a TPO applies, you need written consent from your local council, which is free but takes 8 weeks to process. Trees in Conservation Areas require 6 weeks’ notice via a Section 211 application. Felling without permission can result in unlimited fines. Always check with your local authority first — most professional tree surgeons will handle this for you.

Most UK home insurance policies cover tree removal only if the tree has fallen and caused damage to your property (e.g., roof, fence, or vehicle) due to storm, lightning, or subsidence. Preventative tree removal for maintenance is not covered. You’ll typically need to pay your policy excess (usually £100-£500). Check your specific policy for details and call your insurer before arranging any work.

Conifer tree removal in the UK typically costs more than deciduous trees due to their dense foliage and height. A small conifer (Leylandii up to 15ft) costs £200-£500, medium (15-30ft) costs £400-£900, and large conifers (over 30ft) can cost £800-£2,500+. The volume of waste generated significantly affects the price, as conifers produce 2-3 times more green waste than deciduous trees of the same size.

Tree surgeon day rates in the UK typically range from £250 to £500 per day for a two-person team, or £40-£80 per hour for smaller jobs. In London and the South East, expect to pay 15-30% more. Day rates usually include labour, basic equipment, and waste removal. Larger teams or specialist equipment (cranes, MEWPs) will cost extra. Always get a fixed quote rather than an hourly rate for larger jobs.

In some cases, yes. If the tree is causing subsidence damage, your buildings insurance may cover removal. Local councils sometimes offer grants for tree work in Conservation Areas or for veteran trees. If you’re on low income or elderly, some councils have discretionary help schemes. For trees on rental properties, the landlord is responsible for costs. Always check with your council’s tree officer for local assistance options.

Yes, it can be a criminal offence. Cutting down a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) without consent can result in fines up to £20,000 in a magistrates’ court, or unlimited fines in the Crown Court. Working on trees in Conservation Areas without giving 6 weeks’ notice is also an offence. Additionally, you must check for protected wildlife (bats, nesting birds) before any work. Always get professional advice and check permissions first.

Crown reduction (reducing a tree’s height and spread) typically costs £150-£800 in the UK, depending on tree size. Small trees cost £150-£300, medium trees £250-£500, and large trees £400-£800+. Crown reduction is often cheaper than full removal as less waste is generated and the work is quicker. However, it must be done correctly by a qualified arborist to avoid damaging the tree.