Average cost of tree removal

Summary: How much does it cost to remove a tree, average cost to cut down a tree and average price of a tree surgeon.

There are many considerations when it comes to removing a tree and a wide number of variables which will affect the cost.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

Before any tree is removed it is vitally important to know whether it is subject to a tree preservation order. Removing any part of a specified tree can result in large fines up to £20,000 and a request to replace the tree. These orders are imposed by local authorities and you should contact the local planning authority if you think your tree may be subject to one. If the tree is dead or dangerous it is unlikely to be protected.

Once you know your tree can be removed you should decide whether to engage a specialist. This is usually recommended unless the tree is quite small or relatively easily dealt with. There are ways to minimise cost even if you use a specialist as outlined below.

It is not only the tree itself that needs to be considered but the surrounding area. A tree earmarked for removal will often by close to other objects hence the need to take it away. A tree that has a clear area surrounding it can be more readily felled. In confined space some of the branches will need to be removed carefully before the body of the tree can be brought down. Thus the level of skill involved and the time taken will be a consideration. Removing the tree must be done safely without causing damage to other structures around it. Some of these may be moved away or protected soliciting a safe removal but this could incur extra cost.

Costs to consider

Naturally the size of the tree plays a big part in determining cost. As trees vary hugely in terms of size the variety of tree will be a factor as a skilled professional will need to take into account how wide the trunk is, how tall the tree is, how far the branches reach out and how extensive the remaining roots are likely to be. Some trees such as leylandii can be tall and relatively narrow but an oak can be tall and wide.

The degree of ease with which the tree can be removed will be an important consideration. If a tree is dead this may make it difficult to get to the top of as it may be suffering some decay and therefore be dangerous. In contrast a healthy tree that is easy to climb will be a lot easier to bring under control.

The complexity of the tree removal is important in determining the number of workers required. The larger the tree and the more complicated it is to dispose of it the more costly it is going to be. As with any specialist it is a good idea to get a number of quotes for the job. Specialists will vary in terms of the equipment they have, their level of skill and the number of employees they have. All of these factors will influence how much they are likely to charge.

The surrounding area is also very important when it comes to tree disposal. Access to the property is key. It is clearly a lot easier to dispose of a tree in a front garden for example when the branches can be easily shredded and put straight into the tree surgeons lorry. A tree some way down a back garden or on a difficult to reach piece of land will bring added complications and cost. It takes much longer to transport branches etc. where access is challenging and as the saying goes, time is money.

Another factor to consider is the type of tree being removed and the potential for using the logs and branches it produces. Not all trees make good fire wood but fruit trees and oak trees for example make excellent logs. Some trees will provide excellent firewood once the logs are properly seasoned. The tree surgeon may be able to cut the tree into logs and kindling and subsequently save you the cost of removal. If the branches are left for you to carry out this task it could mean a good cost saving not only in terms of the tree surgeon but also in winter fuel costs. It may be a good idea to ask for a separate cost for the removal of the branches and trunk as this part of the job is less skilled and one the householder could often do themselves. Wood not suitable for firewood can still have a use when chipped for mulch. Again this is something the tree surgeon could do, saving the cost of removal, or can be done at home so another potential cost saving.