5 min read
It's one of the most common questions we're asked, and the honest answer is: it depends. Tree removal isn't priced by a simple fixed rate, because no two trees or gardens are the same. What follows is a general guide to the factors that move the price up or down, so you can understand your quotes rather than just comparing headline numbers.
As a very rough UK guide, small trees can be relatively inexpensive to remove, while large, tall or awkward trees run into several hundred pounds or more. The only way to get an accurate figure is a quote based on your actual tree, which we're always happy to provide free of charge.
What affects the cost of removing a tree
Rather than focusing on a single number, it helps to understand the things a tree surgeon is weighing up when they quote:
- Size and height, taller, wider trees take longer and need more skill and kit.
- Species, some woods are denser and harder to cut and process than others.
- Access, a tree that machinery can reach is quicker than one that must be dismantled by hand and carried out.
- Proximity to buildings, fences, wires and neighbours, tight or hazardous sites need careful, rigged take-downs.
- Condition, dead, diseased or unstable trees can be more complex and higher-risk to work on.
- Waste, whether the timber and brash are removed and recycled, and whether the stump is ground out.
How much does it cost to cut down a large sycamore?
A large, mature sycamore sits at the higher end of typical tree-removal costs. It's usually a big, heavy tree, often needs to be dismantled in sections rather than felled in one go, and produces a lot of timber and brash to process and clear.
The same principles apply: the bigger the tree, the trickier the access, and the closer it is to buildings, the more the work involves. A large sycamore in an open field is a very different job to the same tree squeezed between two houses.
A 20-foot tree, what to expect
A tree of around 20 feet is a moderate job for most tree surgeons, more than a quick prune, but not a major operation like a large mature tree. The cost still depends heavily on access and what's around it, but it's generally at the more affordable end of removals.
Because there's such a wide range, be wary of anyone quoting a firm price without seeing the tree or a clear photo. A proper quote should reflect your specific situation.
Getting a fair, accurate quote
The best approach is to get a free quote based on your actual tree. We'll look at the size, species, access and surroundings, and give you a clear price with no hidden costs. Many of our customers tell us we came in competitively against other tree surgeons, and that everything was cleared and tidied afterwards.
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Tree Felling & Removal
View serviceThis guide is general information, not legal or professional advice, and details can change. For anything specific to your situation, get in touch and we'll be glad to help.