How Much Does a Tree Surgeon Cost? What to Expect From a Quote
If you’re thinking about hiring a tree surgeon, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much will it cost me?”
The truth is, tree surgery prices vary a lot depending on the job. In this post, we’ll explain the average costs, and the main things we consider when giving you a quote.
Typical Tree Surgeon Costs in the UK
Every job is different, but here are some rough averages (as of 2025):
- Small tree reduction or thinning: £250 – £400
- Medium tree reduction or thinning: £400 – £800
- Large tree reduction or removal: £800 – £2,000+
- Stump grinding or removal: £100 – £600 (depending on size)
- Emergency call-out (storm damage etc.): £250 – £500+
Remember: these are just average figures and the actual price depends on multiple factors, specific to your tree and location.
What Affects the Cost of Tree Surgery?
When we visit a property to provide a quote, we take several factors into account:
1. The Size and Type of Tree
- Larger trees require more time, equipment, and manpower. And, bigger machinery is often needed to remove them safely.
- Hardwoods (like oak) are tougher to cut than softer woods (like willow). The wear and tear to equipment will be factored into the cost.
2. The Type of Work Needed
- Thinning can often cost more than a full removal due to the additional time, skill and risk this can often present.
- Complex jobs, like sectional dismantling near buildings or cables, can also cost more because they too can often involve additional risk along with rigging, and extra labour.
3. Access to the Tree
- Is the tree easy to reach? Narrow access, obstacles (like sheds, fences, or wires), or limited vehicle access can all increase the cost.
4. Waste Removal
- Do you want the branches (brash) and timber taken away, or will you keep them for firewood?
- Chipping and disposal adds time and expense, and again can require additional or larger machinery such as; larger chippers and/or shredders, to break up larger segments.
5. Safety and Risk
- Location is a large factor in the cost. Trees near roads, power lines, or buildings require more care and sometimes specialist equipment.
- High-risk jobs may also need extra staff for safety, for example to manage the flow of traffic or to move large branches off footpaths quickly.
- And some trees can themselves be higher risk. Ash Trees with dieback can fracture and often be dangerous to climb.
6. Emergency Work
- If a tree has fallen during a storm, emergency call-outs are usually more expensive than planned jobs.
7. Location
- The travel time and distance to a job will be factored in to the cost. Whilst we mainly cover the Gloucestershire area, we often travel to jobs further afield!
8. What you can’t see that’s often factored in
- Tree surgeons will have additional costs for hauling, storing and drying your timber.
- Tree felling causes wear and tear to expensive tools and machinery, all of which needs frequent maintenance to ensure consistent performance and safety.
- And once your job is finished, the day isn’t over yet for a tree surgeon. They still need to transport large machinery and off-load any waste from the job. This can add on extra hours!
Why Quotes Can Differ Between Tree Surgeons
You can expect to get different quotes from different companies across a range of price. Factors included are:
- Experience and qualifications (fully insured and certified tree surgeons may cost more, but it’s a safer option).
- Quality of equipment (professional, premium machinery speeds up work).
- Labour (companies may have multiple jobs to complete, therefore more people are needed).
- Insurance cover (a reputable tree surgeon will carry public liability insurance).
👉 Cheapest doesn’t always mean best. Always check reviews, qualifications, and insurance before choosing.
Do Tree Surgeons Give Free Quotes?
Yes—most reputable tree surgeons will provide a free, no-obligation quote after inspecting your tree. At Tall Tree Services, we’re happy to also give advice about permissions, such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or conservation area restrictions.
Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring a tree surgeon depends on many factors, from the size and type of tree to access, risk, and waste disposal. While prices can vary, what you’re really paying for is safety, expertise, and peace of mind.
If you’re not sure what your job might cost, and want a free, no-obligation quote, Call us on 07864 627137 or contact us via the link below!