Conifer Tree Removal Cost

Conifer tree removal costs can vary depending on the size of the tree, how easy it is to access, and whether stump removal and waste clearance are included. While conifers are popular for privacy and screening, they can quickly become too large, block light and cause problems in the garden.

Because of their height, density and weight, conifer removal is usually best left to a professional tree surgeon.

This guide explains the average conifer tree removal cost, what affects the final price, and how to find the right contractor for the job.

How Much is Conifer Tree Removal?

The average cost of a conifer removal in the UK is usually around £250-£1500 per tree, but the prices can be higher for very tall or difficult-to-access trees.

Smaller conifers and shrubs are usually quite quick and easy to remove, so these are a cheaper option. However, larger trees require more time, labour and specialist equipment, so these can cost a lot more to remove.

Costs are typically influenced by:

• Tree height and width
• Number of trees being removed
• Access to the garden
• Proximity to buildings or fences
• Waste removal and disposal
• Whether stump grinding is required

Removing multiple conifers at the same time may reduce the price per tree, so this is something to keep in mind if you are planning to remove more of your conifers in the future – it may be more cost-effective to get them all removed at the same time instead of some now and others later.

Conifer Tree Removal Prices

Below is a table showing the typical prices that you can expect to pay for removing a conifer tree:

The figures listed above represent the conifer removal cost for professional tree surgeons. The overall costs may vary depending on the complexity of the job and your location.

Supply Costs

Removing a conifer tree will require specialised tools and equipment, which are used exclusively by trained professionals. Some examples of the things a professional will need for removing a conifer tree include:

• Chainsaws for cutting branches and trunks
• Climbing ropes, harnesses, and rigging systems
• Protective safety equipment (helmets, gloves, boots)
• Wood chippers for processing the branches
• Stump grinders for removing tree bases
• Rigging systems for controlled dismantling

Because of the complexity of the job and the risks involved, it is not recommended that you attempt to remove a conifer as a DIY job, especially if you are dealing with a larger tree.

For very small conifers or shrubs, basic tools may be sufficient for the removal. Here is a list of things you’ll need to remove a small conifer as a DIY job:

• Hand saw: £20-£50
• Loppers: £30-£80
• Small chainsaw: £80-£200

Safety should always be the priority when removing a conifer. Anything beyond minor cutting is best left to the professionals. If you do choose to remove a small conifer yourself, make sure to protect your eyes, wear gloves and keep your skin covered to prevent small cuts or irritation.

Additional Costs

When you are calculating the conifer tree removal cost, it is important that you consider any additional services that may increase the overall price.

Examples include:

• Stump grinding or stump removal: £60-£300
• Waste removal and disposal: £50-£200<
• Log splitting or wood chipping: £50-£150
• Tree health inspections: £100-£300
• Garden repairs after tree removal: £100-£500+
• Wall or fence repairs if roots have caused damage: £150-£1000

Access equipment, such as cherry pickers or cranes, may also increase the overall price if the tree is particularly tall or located near buildings. This can significantly increase the costs and can often add hundreds of pounds to the cost of the job.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour is one of the biggest parts of the total cost when cutting down conifers.

Tree surgeons typically charge based on:

• Tree size and height
• Job complexity
• Access to the site
• Number of workers required

A tree surgeon will usually charge around £200-£400 per day. In many cases, they will work in a team of two for safety reasons. A team of two will usually cost around £400-£700 per day.

Typical timescales may include:

• Small conifers: 1 to 3 hours
• Medium conifers: 3 to 5 hours
• Large conifers: half a day or longer

Tall or dense conifers may need to be dismantled in sections for safety, which can increase labour time and the overall price.

Your location can also affect the cost that you can expect to pay. Those based in London and the surrounding areas can expect to pay more for the labour side of things than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Cost Factors for Conifer Tree Removal

There are certain factors that can influence the overall cost of a conifer tree removal. Understanding these factors will help you to better plan your budget and avoid any unexpected expenses.

Below is a list of the things that could affect the cost of removing a conifer tree:

Tree Height and Density

The height and density of the conifer are some of the most significant factors that can affect the overall price of a removal job. Taller trees will need more time, specialist equipment, and often additional safety measures to safely remove them.

Denser conifer trees with thicker foliage and heavy branches can also take much longer to cut and remove, so this can increase the labour times and costs.

Number of Trees Being Removed

If you are removing conifers in bulk, this may make it cost less per tree to remove them. This is because the contractors will be able to complete the work more efficiently in one visit, so this reduces the setup and travel time.

However, large-scale jobs may still have a higher total cost due to the increased volume of waste and labour required.

Access to the Garden

Easier access to the tree will make the job a lot quicker and more affordable. If the contractors can easily bring in the equipment and remove all of the waste, the work will be a lot more straightforward.

However, if there is restricted access, such as narrow pathways, terraced houses, or no rear access, this can increase the labour time and may require manual handling or smaller equipment, which can increase the overall conifer removal cost.

Location of the Tree

The location of the tree within your property can quite significantly affect how the job is carried out. If the trees are located close to any buildings, fences, sheds, or power lines, then they will require more careful planning and controlled cutting techniques.

This often means the tree will need to be dismantled in sections rather than just felled in one piece. This can increase both the time and cost of the job.

Safety Risks or Nearby Structures

If your conifer tree poses any safety risks, such as being unstable, diseased, or leaning, it may need some additional precautions in order to safely remove it.

If the tree is near any roads, public footpaths, or neighbouring properties, it also requires extra care and possibly traffic management measures. These added safety requirements can increase both the labour costs and the overall price of the job.

Waste Removal Requirements

The amount of waste that is generated from cutting down conifer trees can be substantial, especially if you are dealing with a large number of trees. If waste removal is included in the job, the contractors will need to chip the branches, load up the debris, and transport it for disposal.

All of these additional things take up time and resources. Some companies will include this within their quote, but others may charge it separately, so it’s important to check what is included in the cost before going ahead with the job.

Stump Removal Requirements

After the tree has been cut down, the stump and roots might remain in the ground. If you choose to include conifer root removal, this will increase the total cost of the job due to the need for additional equipment, such as stump grinders.

This is an optional addition to the job. However, removing the stump is usually recommended if you are planning to install, lay, or replace anything in that area, such as turf, paving, or fencing.

Regional Labour Rates

Labour costs vary depending on where you live in the UK. Those based in London and the surrounding areas can expect to pay more for the labour side of things than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Building Regulations for Conifer Tree Removal

Before you go ahead and remove a conifer tree, it is essential that you check whether or not there are any legal restrictions that may apply.

Below are some key considerations:

• Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) require council approval before removal
• Trees in conservation areas may also require permission
• Contractors should follow safety regulations when carrying out tree surgery work

If you fail to obtain permission before removing a protected tree, this could result in significant fines. Make sure to always check with your local council before proceeding.

Types of Conifer Tree Removal

There are different approaches used when removing conifer trees. Take a look at the list below of the different methods and the pros and cons of each method:

Straight Felling

This is where the tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall in one piece. This method is usually only possible where there is sufficient space. This is usually the cheapest option.

Pros

• ✔ Quick and efficient
• ✔ Lower labour costs

Cons

• ✖ Requires plenty of space
• ✖ Not suitable near buildings

Sectional Dismantling

This is where the tree is cut down in sections from the top down using climbing equipment and ropes. This is commonly used in gardens with limited space and is often more expensive due to the complexity.

Pros

• ✔ Safe in confined spaces
• ✔ Suitable for urban gardens

Cons

• ✖ Time-consuming
• ✖ Higher labour costs

Mechanical Removal

This is where specialist machinery may be used for large conifers or hedge removal projects. The cost for this type of removal is usually moderate to high, depending on the equipment used and the scope of the job.

Pros

• ✔ Efficient for multiple trees
• ✔ Ideal for large areas

Cons

• ✖ Requires access to machinery
• ✖ Higher equipment costs

The method used will affect the cost and timescale of the job.

Alternative Options to Removing Conifers

If a full removal is not necessary, there are some other cheap alternatives that you may want to consider instead.

Examples include:

• Conifer trimming or pruning: This reduces the height and improves its appearance
• Crown reduction: This limits its overall size
• Hedge reduction: This helps to control growth
• Reshaping or thinning: This improves light and air flow

These options may be more affordable if the goal is simply to reduce height or control growth rather than completely remove the tree.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Conifer Tree Removal

When you are hiring a professional to remove your conifer tree for you, there are some things that you may need to consider. Take a look at the checklist below, which should help you when choosing the right contractor for the job:

• Check qualifications and insurance
• Ask for references or reviews
• Get multiple quotes
• Confirm waste disposal is included
• Ensure they follow safety regulations
• Check experience with similar jobs

Choosing the right contractor ensures that the job is completed safely and efficiently.

Removing Conifer Stumps

After a conifer tree is removed, the stump may still remain in the ground. This can be unsightly and may lead to regrowth.

Below are some options you could choose to deal with the stump:

• Stump grinding: This is the most common method
• Full stump removal: This is where the entire root system is removed
• Chemical stump treatment: This helps to slow decay

Stump removal may add additional cost, but it prevents regrowth and allows the area to be reused for landscaping.

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