Tree Felling Near Me: The UK Homeowner's Safety and Legal Guide 2026

Professional tree feller cutting through the base of a large tree with a chainsaw in a UK woodland Tree felling requires precise planning, the right equipment and a clear understanding of where the tree will fall — always leave this to a qualified professional. Tree felling is one of the most dramatic and potentially dangerous operations in arboriculture. When a tree comes down, it comes down fast — and the consequences of something going wrong are severe. Whether you have a single tree that needs removing from your garden or multiple trees to be cleared from a larger site, understanding what tree felling actually involves, what it costs, and how to find a properly qualified professional near you is essential before any work begins. This complete 2026 guide covers everything UK homeowners and landowners need to know about tree felling — from the difference between felling and sectional dismantling, to the legal checks that must happen before a chainsaw is switched on.

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What Is Tree Felling?

Tree felling is the process of cutting a tree at or near its base so that it falls to the ground in a controlled direction. It is the simplest and most cost-effective method of tree removal — but it is only possible when there is sufficient clear space for the tree to fall safely without damaging buildings, fences, vehicles, other trees, or injuring people. In practice, full felling is less commonly used in UK domestic gardens than many people assume. Most urban and suburban gardens lack the clear space required, which means sectional dismantling — removing the tree piece by piece from the top down — is the standard approach for most residential tree removals.

Felling vs Sectional Dismantling

A qualified arborist will assess the site and recommend the appropriate method. Be wary of any contractor who immediately suggests straight felling without first assessing whether the space is genuinely clear and safe.

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When Is Tree Felling Necessary?

Tree felling — whether by straight felling or sectional dismantling — is the right course of action in the following situations:

• The tree is dead — a dead tree is structurally unpredictable and increasingly dangerous over time
• The tree is severely diseased — conditions such as ash dieback, honey fungus or advanced decay leave no viable management option
• The tree poses an immediate structural risk — significant lean toward a building, major crown failure, or severe root damage
• The tree is causing damage — to foundations, drainage, boundaries or neighbouring structures
• The tree is in the wrong location — obstructing development, utility lines, or access where no viable alternative exists
• The tree has been significantly storm damaged — partial crown failure often makes the remainder unstable

A good arborist will always consider whether management alternatives — crown reduction, deadwooding, or structural support — could extend the tree's life before recommending removal. If a contractor recommends felling without discussing alternatives, seek a second opinion.

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Do You Need Permission to Fell a Tree?

This is the most critical question to answer before any felling work begins. Getting it wrong can result in an unlimited fine.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

A Tree Preservation Order is a legal designation placed on a tree or group of trees by the local planning authority. Felling a TPO tree without written consent from the council is a criminal offence with no upper limit on fines. TPOs apply to both residential and commercial land. To check whether your tree has a TPO:

• Contact your local council's planning department
• Search your council's online planning portal — many now have interactive TPO maps
• Ask your arborist — experienced professionals will check TPO status before starting any job

Conservation Areas

If your property is in a Conservation Area, you must give your local planning authority six weeks' written notice before felling any tree with a trunk diameter over 75mm (measured at 1.5m from the ground). The council can respond by making a TPO on the tree within that period, which would then require a formal application.

Permitted Development

For trees without a TPO and outside Conservation Areas, felling is generally permitted without planning consent — provided the tree is on your own land and the work does not affect a public right of way or highway. ⚠️ Wildlife protection applies regardless of TPO status. Bats and nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. A tree confirmed or suspected to contain a bat roost requires a survey by a licensed bat ecologist before felling can proceed. Active bird nests must not be disturbed, so felling should be avoided between March and August unless a professional nest check confirms no active nests are present.

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How Much Does Tree Felling Cost in the UK 2026?

Felling costs depend on the size and species of the tree, the method required (straight felling vs sectional dismantling), site access, and whether waste removal is included.

What Affects the Cost?

Tip: Always get at least three written quotes for tree felling work. Include stump grinding in the quote from the start — it's always cheaper when done at the same time as the felling.

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Tree surgeon in full PPE including helmet and chainsaw chaps preparing to fell a tree in a UK garden Full personal protective equipment — helmet with visor, ear defenders, chainsaw chaps and steel-toed boots — is non-negotiable for any tree felling operation.

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The Tree Felling Process: What to Expect

Site Assessment

Before any cutting begins, a qualified arborist will assess the tree and its surroundings. This includes evaluating the tree's lean, identifying the natural fall zone, checking for decay or structural weakness, and establishing where all people, structures and vehicles need to be before work starts.

Setting Up a Safety Exclusion Zone

A clear exclusion zone — typically at least twice the height of the tree in all directions — will be established before felling begins. No members of the public, children, or pets should be within this zone during operations.

The Felling Cut

For straight felling, the arborist uses a combination of a directional notch (cut on the intended fall side) and a back cut (on the opposite side) to control the direction of fall. A hinge of wood is left between the two cuts to guide the tree as it falls. Wedges may be used to ensure the tree falls in exactly the intended direction.

Sectional Dismantling

For sectional dismantling, the arborist climbs the tree using a harness and rope system, removes the outer branches first, then cuts the upper trunk in sections. Each section is either lowered on ropes or dropped to a clear area. This continues progressively down the trunk until only the stump remains.

Clearance and Disposal

Once the tree is down or dismantled, the timber is either chipped, cut into logs, or removed from site. The stump is left unless stump grinding has been booked. The site is then cleared of all debris before the team leaves.

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Qualifications to Look for in a Tree Felling Contractor

Tree felling is high-risk work. The qualifications your contractor holds matter enormously:

• NPTC/City & Guilds CS30/31 — chainsaw maintenance and crosscutting (essential baseline)
• NPTC/City & Guilds CS38 — felling and processing trees up to 380mm diameter
• NPTC/City & Guilds CS39 — felling and processing trees over 380mm diameter
• NPTC/City & Guilds CS40 — chainsaw use from a rope and harness (required for aerial work)
• Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status — confirms insurance, qualifications and professional standards have been independently assessed
• First aid at work certificate — essential for any team working with chainsaws

Ask to see certificates. Any professional will produce them readily. Anyone who cannot or will not show qualification evidence should be avoided.

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Insurance Requirements

Tree felling must only be carried out by contractors holding appropriate insurance:

• Public liability insurance — minimum £5 million, ideally £10 million for larger jobs
• Employers' liability insurance — required if the contractor employs any staff
• Professional indemnity insurance — important if you are relying on their assessment of the tree's condition

Ask to see the actual insurance certificate — not just a verbal assurance. Check the expiry date and the level of cover.

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Felling Company

• ✅ Have you checked for TPOs and Conservation Area status?
• ✅ Will you carry out a wildlife check before starting work?
• ✅ What method do you recommend — felling or sectional dismantling — and why?
• ✅ What NPTC/City & Guilds qualifications do your operatives hold?
• ✅ Are you an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor?
• ✅ Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
• ✅ Is waste removal included in the quote?
• ✅ Is stump grinding included, or quoted separately?
• ✅ What is your payment schedule?

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Red Flags to Watch Out For

Tree felling is an area that attracts a disproportionate number of unqualified traders. Watch for these warning signs:

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What to Do With the Timber

Before the team leaves, discuss what happens to the wood — it has real value:

• Keep the logs — hardwood logs from felled trees can be split and dried for use as firewood. Ask the team to cut them to your preferred length
• Keep the chippings — wood chippings from the branches and smaller wood make excellent garden mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture
• Donate the timber — local community groups, wood-burning stove owners, or smallholders may be happy to collect usable timber
• Have it removed — most felling companies will chip and remove all green waste for an additional charge, or include it in an all-inclusive quote

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After the Tree Is Felled

Once the tree is down and the site cleared, think ahead about what comes next:

• Stump treatment — if the stump was not ground, apply a stump killer immediately to prevent regrowth from species that regenerate vigorously
• Root monitoring — large decaying roots can cause minor ground settlement over several years. If the tree was close to structures, monitor the area
• Replanting — replacing a felled tree with a more suitable species maintains garden ecology. Avoid replanting with the same species if disease was involved
• Notify your insurer — if the felling was carried out as a result of storm damage, check whether your buildings insurance covers any associated costs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to fell a tree yourself?

Tree felling is one of the most dangerous activities a person can undertake without training. Chainsaws are responsible for thousands of serious injuries in the UK every year. Uncontrolled falls — where a tree does not fall in the intended direction — are a leading cause of fatalities in amateur tree work. Unless you hold NPTC chainsaw certification and have proper PPE, leave all tree felling to a qualified professional.

How long does tree felling take?

A single small tree can be felled and cleared in two to four hours. Large trees requiring complex sectional dismantling may take a full day or longer. Emergency removal of fallen trees after storms may take less time if the tree is already down, but clearing debris can add significantly to the job time.

Can I fell a tree that is leaning toward my neighbour's garden?

You can fell a tree on your own land without your neighbour's consent — provided it has no TPO and you are not in a Conservation Area. However, if the tree's canopy overhangs their land, your contractor must manage the work carefully to avoid dropping timber onto their property. Good communication with neighbours before felling work is always advisable.

What happens to the roots after felling?

Unless full root extraction is carried out, the root system remains in the ground and decays over several years. For most garden situations this causes no practical problems. If you plan to build, pave or lay a new lawn in the same area, the decaying roots may cause minor settlement — factor this in when planning.

Can I sell timber from a felled tree?

If the tree has significant timber value — particularly large hardwoods such as oak, ash, walnut or cherry — it may be worth contacting a local sawmill or timber merchant before felling. Usable timber can have real commercial value and may offset some of the cost of the felling itself.

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Conclusion

Tree felling is one of the most consequential decisions a homeowner or landowner can make — and one that demands a qualified, insured professional every time. The legal risks of felling a protected tree, the safety risks of uncontrolled chainsaw work, and the potential cost of an uninsured accident make DIY or unqualified contractor felling a risk that simply isn't worth taking. Check TPO status before instructing anyone, verify qualifications and insurance before signing anything, and always get a written specification that covers the method, waste disposal and stump treatment. Done properly by the right professional, tree felling is efficient, safe and opens up the space for whatever comes next in your garden or land.

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