How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree in the UK?

Typical price ranges you can expect

As a rough guide, a small tree up to around 6 metres often sits in the £150 to £400 range. A medium tree of 6 to 12 metres is more commonly £400 to £900, while a large mature tree, such as an established oak or sycamore over 12 metres, can run from £900 to £2,500 or more.

These are ballpark figures for the UK, not fixed quotes. The only reliable way to know is a site visit, because two trees of the same height can differ hugely in difficulty.

• Small tree (up to 6m): roughly £150 to £400
• Medium tree (6 to 12m): roughly £400 to £900
• Large tree (12m+): roughly £900 to £2,500+

What actually drives the cost

Height is only part of the story. Access is often the biggest factor. A tree in an open field is quick work, whereas one boxed in by a house, fence and greenhouse has to be dismantled in small sections and lowered by rope, which takes far longer.

Proximity to buildings, power lines and neighbouring gardens all add complexity and time. The species and condition matter too, as dense hardwoods are slower to cut and a dead or diseased tree can be unpredictable and needs extra care.

The extras people forget to budget for

Felling the tree and clearing the waste are not always the same thing. Ask whether the quote includes removing all the timber and brash, or whether that is charged separately, as green waste disposal adds up quickly.

Stump removal is almost always a separate job. Grinding a stump typically costs £80 to £250 depending on size and how many roots are involved. Around Skegness the sandy coastal soil can make grinding easier, but nearby mature stumps with wide root plates still take time.

Permissions in Lincolnshire you must check first

Before any work starts, check whether the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or sits in a Conservation Area. In these cases you need consent from your local council, and in a Conservation Area you must give six weeks' notice. Removing a protected tree without permission can lead to a serious fine.

A reputable local firm will help you check this and should carry public liability insurance. It is always worth asking to see proof before work begins.