How Much Does A Tree Surgeon Cost In The UK?

Sheffield Day Rates, Hourly Rates And Real-World Examples

If you are trying to budget for tree work in the New Year, you are not alone. Prices can look confusing at first glance. Some firms quote per job, others talk in day rates, and neighbours will tell you they paid half of what you were just quoted.

In this guide we lift the lid on typical UK and South Yorkshire pricing, explain what really changes the cost, and share real examples from Sheffield gardens so you can plan with confidence.

The quick answer: typical rates in 2026

How much do tree surgeons charge a day?
In the UK you will commonly see day rates for a two to three person crew and chipper between £600 and £1,000. In Sheffield and South Yorkshire, a straightforward full day with a qualified crew typically sits around £700 to £900, depending on access, waste removal and kit needed.

What is the day rate for a tree surgeon?
Solo or two person pruning days can be lower, often £400 to £650 for simpler hedge and light pruning work where a chipper and traffic control are not required.

How much do tree surgeons charge per hour in the UK?
Hourly pricing is less common, but where used you might see £60 to £120 per hour for a crew with equipment and waste removal, with minimum call out times. One person advisory visits or minor pruning can be £40 to £60 per hour without machinery.

How much do tree surgeons charge per tree?
Per tree pricing varies widely with size, species and access. A small ornamental crown tidy can be £120 to £250. A medium garden tree reduction might be £300 to £600. Full removal of a large conifer could be £800 to £2,000 plus, especially in tight terraces.

What is the average cost of a tree removal in the UK?
For an average garden removal, expect £400 to £1,000 including waste removal. Large or complex dismantles can go into the low thousands, particularly with rigging, tight access or road management.

Those are ballpark figures, not a menu. The safest way to get a firm number is a free site quote. At OY Tree Services we visit promptly, talk through options and give you a clear, no obligation price that includes tidy up and disposal.

Why prices vary: the main factors that move the needle

• Access and setup: Can we get a chipper close to the tree, or are we moving arisings through a narrow terrace hallway by hand. Extra labour and time will raise cost.

• Tree size and species: Tall conifers, fast growing poplar or dense larch need more cutting, rigging and chipping than a small cherry or magnolia.

• Condition and hazards: Dead, storm damaged or decayed wood means slower, more careful dismantling to keep people and property safe.

• Permissions: If your tree is in a conservation area or covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), we need to check status and sometimes apply to the council before work can start. We help with this, but it adds admin time.

• Traffic management: Trees overhanging public roads or footpaths may need traffic control, signage or a short road closure. Councils charge for this and it must be planned.

• Waste removal: Taking all arisings away versus leaving logs or chips on site changes costs. Many customers choose to keep logs, which can save money.

Real Sheffield examples to set expectations

Small garden reduction, Heeley terrace
Two small ornamental cherries, light crown lift and tidy, arisings chipped and removed, access via alley. Half day crew.
Typical price: £180 to £280 per tree

Medium ash reduction, Walkley hillside
One medium ash reduced to let light in, careful pruning for health, full tidy and waste removal. Full day crew.
Typical price: £450 to £700

Large conifer removal in a tight Highfield yard
12 to 14 metre leylandii, no vehicle access to rear, full dismantle by climber using rigging, arisings moved through the house with protection and clean up. One to one and a half days with three person crew.
Typical price: £1,100 to £1,800

Multi tree job, S8 garden makeover
Remove a failing hawthorn, reduce a maple, trim hedges and grind two stumps. One full day including chipper and stump grinder.
Typical package: £900 to £1,400 depending on stump sizes.

If you are unsure where your tree sits in that range, a quick photo and your postcode help us give a guide before a visit. If a tree needs to come out, you can read more about sheffield tree felling on our service page.

Why is tree surgery so expensive?

Tree work combines skilled labour, safety critical planning and specialist equipment. You are paying for:

• Qualified climbers and ground crew who know how to protect your property, your neighbours and wildlife.

• Insurance, training, maintenance and modern kit, from rigging gear to chippers and stump grinders.

• Time for permissions, risk assessments and traffic plans when required.

• Proper disposal or recycling of green waste, which carries weight based charges.

Good crews also leave your site tidy, often cleaner than before. Many customers tell us the clean up alone was worth it.

How long does it take to remove a tree?

• Small ornamental removal: 1 to 3 hours.

• Medium garden tree: Half a day to a full day, including tidy up.

• Large conifer or awkward dismantle over sheds and greenhouses: One to two days, sometimes more if weather or access is tricky.

• Stump grinding: 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on diameter and access.

If speed matters due to storm damage or safety concerns, our team provides emergency tree works in Sheffield, with a 24/7 callout where needed.

Day rates vs fixed prices: which is better for you?

Most customers prefer a fixed price per job. It keeps things simple and avoids clock watching. Day rates can make sense for open ended clearance or multi item lists where priorities may change on the day.

At OY Tree Services we are happy to quote either way, but we will always be clear about what is included, how long the work should take, and how we will protect your property.

What your quote includes with OY Tree Services

• Free site visit and advice.

• Clear written price with no obligation.

• All work by qualified, insured tree surgeons.

• Waste removal and tidy up as standard, unless you want to keep logs or chips.

• Help with TPO or conservation checks if required.

Need a local tree surgeon? Call 0788 074 9696, email oytrees@gmail.com or use our website contact form for a free quote. If you are comparing options, you can also browse tree services sheffield to see the breadth of work we handle.

Sheffield specific notes: terraces, hills and tight access

We work across Sheffield’s terraces and hills every week. Narrow ginnels, shared alleys and steep gardens are normal for us. We protect floors and walls if we need to come through a house, we plan rigging to avoid sheds and greenhouses, and we talk to neighbours when access is shared.

These details affect price and timing, but with a site visit we can set accurate expectations and, where possible, suggest cost saving options such as keeping logs or scheduling alongside a neighbour.

If you also need old stumps cleared to make way for planting or fencing, our tree stump removal sheffield page explains how grinding works and what to expect.

Summary: clear prices, tidy work and friendly service

• Typical Sheffield day rates sit around £700 to £900 for a full crew with chipper.

• Hourly rates are less common, but where used, plan for £60 to £120 per crew hour with a minimum charge.

• Per tree prices range from under £200 for small tidies to £1,000 plus for large, complex removals.

• Size, access, permissions, traffic management and waste removal are the big cost drivers.

• Small removals can be done in a few hours. Large dismantles can take one to two days.

Ready for a firm number you can trust? Get your free, no obligation quote today. Call 0788 074 9696, email oytrees@gmail.com or send a message via our website.

We serve Sheffield and the surrounding areas, we turn up when we say we will, and we leave your garden tidy.