Tree Surgeon Near Me Leicester: The Complete East Midlands Guide for 2026
Chris
Tree Surgeon Near Me Leicester: The Complete East Midlands Guide for 2026
Tree Surgery in Leicester: The Local Context
A City of Varied Landscapes
Leicester spans a wide range of environments — from the dense urban core and inner suburbs to the leafy Victorian and Edwardian residential areas of Stoneygate, Oadby and Knighton, and the rural Leicestershire countryside beyond. The city sits at the heart of a county with exceptional natural landscapes — Charnwood Forest, Bradgate Park, the Vale of Belvoir — that give the outer areas a distinctive rural character quite different from the urban core.
Stoneygate and Oadby
Leicester's most prestigious residential areas — Stoneygate, Knighton, Oadby and the surrounding Victorian and Edwardian suburbs — have some of the finest mature garden trees in the East Midlands. Large detached properties with substantial grounds, wide tree-lined avenues and areas of semi-natural woodland within the suburban fabric create a working environment that rewards genuine arboricultural expertise. Tree work in these areas accounts for a disproportionate share of Leicester's professional tree surgery market.
Charnwood Forest and the Rural Fringe
The north-western fringe of Leicester — Anstey, Groby, Markfield, Newtown Linford — borders Charnwood Forest, one of the East Midlands' most significant ancient woodland landscapes. Tree surgeons working in this area need to be aware of the specific designations and management requirements that apply in and around ancient woodland and the Charnwood Forest Regional Park.
Leicester City Council's Approach to Trees
Leicester City Council has been active in urban greening initiatives and has a well-developed tree service team within its planning department. The Council manages a significant TPO register and takes a generally protective approach to the city's mature tree stock, particularly in Conservation Areas.
How Much Does a Tree Surgeon Cost in Leicester 2026?
Leicester prices are broadly in line with the national average, with some premium in the more affluent southern and eastern suburbs.
| Type of Work | Typical Cost Range Leicester 2026 |
|---|---|
| Small tree removal (up to 5m) | £140 – £370 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10m) | £330 – £790 |
| Large tree removal (10–20m) | £730 – £2,100 |
| Crown reduction (medium tree) | £190 – £510 |
| Crown thinning (medium tree) | £160 – £420 |
| Deadwooding (medium tree) | £130 – £330 |
| Stump grinding (medium stump) | £80 – £200 |
| Hedge cutting (per metre, both sides) | £3.50 – £8.50 |
| Emergency call-out | £190 – £480 |
Price Variation Across Leicester and Leicestershire
| Area | Price Relative to Leicester Average |
|---|---|
| Stoneygate, Knighton, Oadby | 15–20% above average |
| Evington, Clarendon Park | 10–15% above average |
| Wigston, Glen Parva | 5–10% above average |
| Beaumont Leys, Hamilton | At average |
| North Leicester, Mowmacre | At or slightly below average |
| Rural Leicestershire (Market Harborough, Melton) | At or slightly below average |
Note: Oadby and Wigston form a separate borough council — Oadby and Wigston Borough Council — with its own TPO register, separate from Leicester City Council. Always confirm which authority covers your property.
Tree Preservation Orders in Leicester
Leicester City Council manages its own TPO register, with active designation across Conservation Areas and the premium residential suburbs. Several surrounding areas fall under different authorities:
| Area | Planning Authority |
|---|---|
| Leicester City | Leicester City Council |
| Oadby and Wigston | Oadby and Wigston Borough Council |
| Blaby (Narborough, Glen Parva) | Blaby District Council |
| Charnwood (Loughborough, Anstey) | Charnwood Borough Council |
| Harborough (Market Harborough) | Harborough District Council |
| Melton | Melton Borough Council |
How to Check for TPOs in Leicester
- Leicester City Council Planning Portal — leicester.gov.uk/planning
- The national Planning Portal — planningportal.gov.uk
- Contact the relevant district or borough council directly
- Ask your arborist — experienced Leicester tree surgeons check TPO status as part of their site assessment
Conservation Areas in Leicester
Key Conservation Areas with significant tree coverage include:
- Stoneygate — one of Leicester's finest Victorian residential Conservation Areas, with exceptional mature tree coverage
- Clarendon Park — popular Victorian suburb with Conservation Area designation and mature street trees
- New Walk — Leicester's famous Georgian promenade, with significant avenue tree planting
- Knighton — Victorian suburb with Conservation Area coverage and mature garden trees
- Oadby (Oadby and Wigston BC) — several Conservation Areas covering Victorian and Edwardian residential areas
- Market Harborough town centre (Harborough DC) — historic market town with Conservation Area designation
For tree work in any Conservation Area, submit a Section 211 notification to the relevant local authority at least six weeks before starting significant work on any tree with a trunk diameter over 75mm.
Finding a Qualified Tree Surgeon in Leicester
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors
The AA Approved Contractor directory at trees.org.uk is the most reliable starting point. Leicestershire has a reasonable number of AA Approved Contractors, with representation across Leicester City and the surrounding district councils.
What to Check Before Hiring
- Confirm which council covers your property — Leicester City, Oadby and Wigston, Blaby, Charnwood or another Leicestershire authority
- AA Approved Contractor status — independently verified qualifications and insurance
- Public liability insurance — minimum £5 million; ask to see the certificate
- NPTC/City & Guilds qualifications — relevant chainsaw and climbing certificates
- Written quote and specification before any work begins
- Waste removal included — confirm before booking
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- ✅ Which council covers my property and are you familiar with their planning team?
- ✅ Have you confirmed TPO status for the trees I need work on?
- ✅ Is my property in a Conservation Area?
- ✅ Are you an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor?
- ✅ Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
- ✅ What NPTC qualifications do your operatives hold?
- ✅ Will you provide a written specification before starting?
- ✅ Is waste removal included in the quote?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ash dieback a significant issue in Leicestershire?
Yes — ash dieback has significantly affected Leicestershire's ash tree population, particularly in the county's hedgerows, woodlands and parkland settings. Charnwood Forest and the rural Leicestershire landscape have been notably affected. Many Leicester-area tree surgeons have substantial experience of ash dieback assessment and felling. If you have ash trees, have them assessed promptly.
How long should I allow for TPO consent from Leicester City Council?
Leicester City Council aims to process TPO consent applications within eight weeks. Well-prepared applications with clear arboricultural justification are processed more efficiently. Allow a minimum of eight to ten weeks from submission when planning work on protected trees.
Do I need different permissions for trees in Charnwood Forest?
Trees within or adjacent to the Charnwood Forest Regional Park may be subject to additional landscape designations. The ancient woodland designations that apply in parts of Charnwood mean that any work near SSSI or ancient woodland boundaries requires particularly careful ecological consideration. A qualified arborist familiar with the Charnwood area will advise on the specific requirements.
How competitive is the Leicester tree surgery market?
Leicester has a well-developed and competitive tree surgery market, particularly in the Stoneygate and Oadby areas where the concentration of mature trees and experienced contractors is greatest. Getting three quotes from AA Approved Contractors gives a reliable picture of fair market pricing for your specific job.
What is the best way to find emergency tree surgery in Leicester?
Several Leicester-area tree surgery companies offer 24-hour emergency response for storm damage. Search specifically for companies advertising emergency or out-of-hours availability. The AA Approved Contractor directory is a good starting point, and local recommendations from neighbours who have dealt with storm damage previously are particularly valuable.
Conclusion
Leicester's tree surgery market is competitive and well-served, particularly in the premium southern suburbs where the concentration of mature trees and experienced arborists is greatest. The key to finding the right contractor is confirming which planning authority covers your property — an important and easily overlooked step in greater Leicester — and then finding a qualified arborist who knows that authority's planning team. Use the AA Approved Contractor directory, check TPO status and Conservation Area designation before instructing anyone, and always get three written quotes. Leicester's Victorian tree heritage — from the lime avenues of New Walk to the mature gardens of Stoneygate — is well worth protecting with the best professional care available.
Find a Tree Surgeon in Leicester → Search our free UK directory to find qualified, insured tree surgeons and arborists across Leicester and Leicestershire. Compare reviews, check credentials and request a quote today.