Tree Removal Near Me: The Complete UK Guide for 2026
Chris
Tree Removal Near Me: The Complete UK Guide for 2026
When Does a Tree Actually Need to Be Removed?
Not every problematic tree needs to come down. A good arborist will always explore alternatives to full removal — crown reduction, thinning, or deadwooding can often solve the problem at lower cost and with less impact on your garden. However, full removal is usually the right call in the following situations:
- The tree is dead or dying — a dead tree becomes increasingly unstable and can fall without warning
- The tree is severely diseased — some diseases such as ash dieback or honey fungus cannot be treated and will eventually kill the tree
- The tree is structurally unsafe — cracks in the trunk, significant decay, or a severe lean toward a building or road
- Roots are causing structural damage — to foundations, drains, patios or boundary walls
- The tree has fallen or been severely storm damaged — partial collapse often makes the remainder unstable
- Planning or development requires removal — with appropriate permissions in place
- The tree is blocking light severely — to the extent it affects quality of life or a neighbour's rights
A reputable tree surgeon will always advise you honestly about whether removal is necessary. If a contractor immediately recommends removal without considering alternatives, get a second opinion.
Do You Need Permission to Remove a Tree in the UK?
This is the single most important question to answer before any removal work begins — and it catches many homeowners out.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed on individual trees or groups of trees by a local planning authority. Removing or carrying out significant work on a TPO tree without consent is a criminal offence that can result in an unlimited fine. You can check for TPOs by contacting your local council's planning department or using their online planning portal. Many councils publish interactive TPO maps on their websites.
Conservation Areas
If your property falls within a designated Conservation Area, you must give your local planning authority six weeks' written notice before removing any tree with a trunk diameter of 75mm or more (measured at 1.5m from the ground). The council can respond by making a TPO on the tree, which would then require a formal application.
When No Permission Is Needed
If your tree has no TPO and your property is not in a Conservation Area, you can generally remove it without permission — provided it is on your land and does not overhang a highway or pose a risk to public safety. Always confirm with your local authority if you are unsure. ⚠️ Important: Even if removal is permitted, you must check whether any wildlife is using the tree. Bats and nesting birds are protected under UK law — work should not begin during nesting season (typically March to August) without an appropriate survey.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in the UK 2026?
Tree removal costs depend on several factors: the height and girth of the tree, how close it is to buildings or fences, whether specialist rigging is required, access for machinery, and whether stump removal is included. Here is a realistic guide to 2026 prices:
| Tree Size | Typical Removal Cost | Additional Stump Grinding |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 5m) | £150 – £400 | £75 – £150 |
| Medium (5–10m) | £400 – £900 | £100 – £200 |
| Large (10–15m) | £900 – £1,800 | £150 – £300 |
| Very large (15–20m+) | £1,800 – £3,500+ | £200 – £400 |
| Emergency removal | £300 – £1,500+ | Varies |
What Affects the Price?
| Factor | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|
| Poor access (narrow gate, no vehicle access) | Significantly increases cost |
| Proximity to buildings or fences | Increases cost — requires slower sectional work |
| Hardwood vs softwood | Hardwood takes longer to cut and process |
| Waste removal included | Adds £50–£200 depending on volume |
| Multiple trees booked together | Often reduces per-tree cost |
| Rural vs urban location | Urban areas often cheaper due to competition |
How Is a Tree Removed? The Process Explained
Understanding what's involved helps you evaluate quotes and know what to expect on the day.
Felling vs Sectional Dismantling
There are two main methods of tree removal: Felling is the simplest and cheapest option — the tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall in a controlled direction. This is only possible when there is sufficient clear space and no risk to buildings, fences or neighbouring trees. Sectional dismantling is required when there isn't enough space to fell the tree whole. The arborist climbs the tree and removes it piece by piece from the top down, using ropes and rigging to lower sections safely. This is more time-consuming and therefore more expensive, but it's the standard method for most urban and suburban gardens.
What Happens on the Day
- The team arrives and assesses the site, confirming the method and setting up a safety exclusion zone
- Any large limbs are removed first and lowered to the ground using ropes
- The main trunk is progressively cut down in sections
- Timber is either processed on-site (chipped or cut into logs) or removed by the team
- The stump is left in place unless stump grinding has been booked separately
- The site is cleared of all debris and swept down
Stump Removal: Should You Include It?
When a tree is removed, the stump and root plate remain unless you specifically book stump grinding or removal. Whether to include this depends on what you plan to do with the space.
Reasons to Remove the Stump
- You want to replant or lay turf in the same area
- The stump is a trip hazard
- You want to prevent regrowth — many tree species will shoot from the stump if left
- Honey fungus can colonise old stumps and spread to other plants in the garden
Reasons to Leave the Stump
- You plan to use it as a garden feature or wildlife habitat
- It is in a location where it won't cause problems
- Budget is tight and stump grinding can be done later
Stump grinding uses a specialised machine to grind the stump down below ground level, leaving wood chippings that can be used as mulch. It does not remove the root system, which will gradually decay over several years.
Finding a Reputable Tree Removal Company Near You
Not all tree removal companies are equal. Here's how to find one you can trust:
Check for Arboricultural Association Approval
The AA's Approved Contractor scheme is the most reliable indicator of a professional, properly insured and qualified tree removal company. Search their directory at trees.org.uk before looking anywhere else.
Verify Insurance
Any company carrying out tree removal must hold public liability insurance of at least £5 million. For larger commercial jobs, £10 million is standard. Always ask to see the certificate — a legitimate company will provide it without hesitation.
Get Written Quotes
Always obtain a minimum of three written quotes for tree removal work. Each quote should specify exactly what is included: felling or sectional dismantling, waste removal, stump treatment, and any site reinstatement.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- ✅ Are you an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor?
- ✅ Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
- ✅ Have you checked whether the tree has a TPO or is in a Conservation Area?
- ✅ Will you carry out a wildlife check before starting work?
- ✅ Is waste removal included in the quote?
- ✅ Is stump grinding included, or priced separately?
- ✅ What method will you use — felling or sectional dismantling?
- ✅ What is your payment schedule? (Avoid large upfront deposits)
What to Do With the Wood
Before the team leaves, discuss what happens to the timber:
- Keep the logs — hardwood logs can be dried and used as firewood. Ask the team to cut them to your preferred length
- Keep the chippings — wood chippings make excellent mulch for garden beds and paths
- Have it all taken away — most tree removal companies will remove all green waste for an additional fee or as part of an all-inclusive quote
- Donate it — some community groups, schools or allotments are happy to take logs and chippings
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tree removal take?
A small tree removal typically takes two to four hours. A large or complex tree in a confined space can take a full day or more. The team will give you a time estimate when they assess the job.
Can I remove a tree overhanging from a neighbour's property?
You have the legal right to cut back branches that overhang your property to the boundary line — but the cut timber legally belongs to your neighbour and should be offered back to them. You cannot remove the whole tree without their consent.
Does removing a tree affect my property value?
Mature trees generally add value to a property. However, a tree causing structural damage or posing a safety risk is a much bigger liability than its aesthetic benefit. Replacing a removed tree with a more suitable species is always worth considering.
What happens if a removed tree grows back?
Many species — including elder, willow, poplar and cherry — will regenerate vigorously from the stump if left. Apply stump-killing herbicide immediately after felling, or opt for stump grinding to prevent regrowth entirely.
Is tree removal covered by home insurance?
If a tree falls and damages your property due to a storm or sudden event, your buildings insurance will usually cover the damage — and may contribute toward removal costs. Planned removal of a healthy tree is not typically covered. Always check your policy wording.
Conclusion
Tree removal is not a decision to take lightly — or a job to hand to the cheapest quote without checking credentials. The legal, safety and practical considerations are significant, and getting them wrong can mean an unlimited fine, an uninsured accident, or a garden left in worse shape than before. Take the time to check for TPOs, verify insurance, get multiple written quotes, and choose a contractor with genuine professional qualifications. Done properly, tree removal can resolve a long-standing problem, make a garden safer, and open up exciting new planting possibilities for years to come.
Find a Qualified Tree Removal Specialist Near You → Search our free UK directory to compare qualified, insured tree removal companies in your local area. Read genuine reviews and request quotes today.