What are the costs of tree removal?
Tree removal is a large part of any tree surgeon’s work schedule, particularly in autumn when strong gales increase the vulnerability of diseased trees and bring down those already weakened by decay. Tree removal prices depend on so many factors as no two jobs are the same so it’s virtually impossible to provide a standard answer to how much it costs to remove a tree. What we have tried to do is provide a guide as to what’s involved in removing a tree and how external factors such as access and tree size determine the hours and complexity of the work involved so our customers have a realistic insight into the likely costs.
What may appear to a homeowner as a straight-forward tree removal job could involve a multitude of problems, particularly if the tree concerned is situated close to electricity cables and water pipes. It could also be a lengthy task if access to the tree is poor and tree surgeons are required to tackle the tree in stages.
Similarly, if the tree requiring removal overhangs a road or public highway then it is very likely the tree surgery business you hire will need to implement traffic control measures and possible road closures with the consent and support of the local authority. In some cases, the cost of such measures will fall to you, the homeowner, which will increase the cost of the tree removal work considerably.
Removing a small tree (up to about 30 feet high) in an area free of obstacles could cost from £120 including VAT and from £450 for a tree beyond 60f in height but tree surgery costs can amount to £3,000 for complex jobs which require a team of tree surgeons.
Stump removal is a standalone job or can be carried out as part of a tree removal service but almost always entails its own costs rather than being delivered as standard in a tree removal price. Different equipment is required for stump removal and the job can be as tricky as the initial tree felling process, depending on the diameter and condition of the tree stump. A heavily decayed tree stump may be easier to remove than a healthy one and this should be reflected in the price. At Prince Tree Surgery, we use a number of techniques including grinding, digging out (where access is limited) and stump poisoning to remove tree stumps.
Reputable tree surgery businesses should offer a removal service whereby chopped wood is taken off your premises and disposed of correctly. This may already be reflected in the tree removal price you have been quoted or as a separate add-on. At Prince Tree, all our prices include removal and homeowners have the peace of mind knowing that we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and recycle all waste. Homeowner’s should be wary of rogue traders offering exceptionally cheap tree removal services as such traders are unlikely to have the public liability insurance of a professional tree surgery business and the training needed to carry out the job safely and effectively. Many homeowners have not only been left unhappy with the shoddy work undertaken, but have also been left with a waste in which to dispose of themselves.
There is strict health and safety legislation relating to tree surgery and it is not a job that homeowners should tackle either themselves or by hiring unqualified odd job men. A professional tree surgery business will hold the correct indemnity insurance to protect their work (in our case up to £5million) and will also be aware of the legal channels to go through to ensure compliance, including liaison with the local authority over Tree Protection Orders.
