Tree Root Removal Cost

Tree roots serve a vital function in the health and stability of a tree. But when they grow where you don’t want them, they can impact structures, foundations and driveways. In these cases, removal of the tree roots is necessary to prevent damage or potentially, subsidence.

In other instances, such as after felling a tree, you may want the roots and stump removed as well. The job of taking out roots can be done by landscaping professionals or tree surgeons using specialist equipment.

The cost of removing tree roots will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the tree, how far the roots go, accessibility and whether you want the stump ground down. Proximity to buildings or hard landscaping elements, such as patios or decking, increases the cost of removal.

It is possible for homeowners to remove small tree roots as a DIY task, and there are specific tools available that make the job a little easier. However, any medium to large trees will typically have robust root systems that require professional equipment and prior experience.

How Much is Tree Root Removal?

How much you pay for tree root removal is determined by many factors. Homeowners may pay between £200 and £750 according to the size and complexity of the task, among other things.

Size & Extent of Tree Roots

Large trees typically have extensive root systems, not simply to anchor the tree but to access water and nutrients. While they may not go very deep, depending on soil conditions, tree roots do spread. It’s this horizontal spreading that can impact drains, building foundations, patios and driveways. How big and how far they have extended will impact the cost of removing tree roots.

Type & Age of Tree

The majority of trees have root systems that are comparatively shallow relative to the size of the tree. Most roots are present in the top two metres of soil, but how far they spread laterally can depend on the type of tree.

Willows are famous for how far their roots extend - sometimes up to three times the distance as the branches - in search of water. This can cause problems for nearby infrastructure and buildings.

The root system of younger trees doesn’t extend as far as that of mature specimens, and this potentially makes them cheaper to remove.

Accessibility

Prices for removal are affected depending on the location of the tree and its roots. A mature tree in an urban garden will need greater care and expertise to safely remove than a younger tree in an open rural location. Its proximity to nearby buildings, hard landscaping or drains will also impact the cost of removing tree roots as extra caution is needed.

If there is no space for specialist equipment or the location is unsuitable, manual extraction of tree roots may be necessary, increasing the price that you pay.

Surrounding Structures

Any surrounding structures close to the removal site will have an effect on how much you pay. The presence of a house, garage, patio or driveway means that extra care needs to be taken when extracting tree roots.

If the purpose of removing them is to prevent damage to adjacent buildings or drains, then the process of clearing them must be equally cautious. This can mean manual tree root removal, which is slower and more costly.

Necessary Equipment

Some tree roots are too extensive, thick or deep to remove by hand and specialist equipment is needed. For large jobs, a mini excavator or stump grinder is used.

For smaller trees, a specialist reciprocating saw, or saw-toothed spade, makes short work of tree roots. The cost is higher for heavy-duty, mechanical equipment if that is what your tree root removal needs.

Waste Removal & Disposal

You must dispose of garden waste properly. Therefore, you have the options of putting it on your compost heap, taking it to the local recycling centre or arranging for your tree surgeon to take it away and dispose of it for you. This last option will typically cost you more, but will likely be offered by most professional services.

For the most part, shallow and young roots are generally cheaper to remove. In contrast, more mature tree roots, which are close to buildings or other structures, increase the price that you’ll pay for their removal.

Tree Root Removal Prices

The cost of removing tree roots varies depending on numerous factors, including tree size, type of soil, access and surrounding structures.

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

Tree surgeons and landscape specialists can use manual extraction or mechanical removal for tree roots. The decision typically rests on the roots’ size and location, as well as safety concerns and the client’s budget.

Spades and Digging Tools

Digging tools such as serrated-edged spades, regular spades, mattocks, picks and shovels are all commonly used to remove smaller tree roots. A digging bar is used for leverage or to break up roots. Manual tools such as these are standard for landscape specialists and tree surgeons.

Root Saws or Pruning Saws

Root saws or pruning saws are either straight or curved. Both are used to sever roots in awkward places and to facilitate the removal of the root system. As root saws are designed to cut through dirt, the teeth are double-hardened and carbide-tipped to protect them.

Chainsaws

Tree surgeons sometimes use chainsaws to cut through the roots surrounding a tree stump, making sure to excavate as much soil as possible first. Rocks and dirt will very quickly dull a chainsaw blade and can cause dangerous kick-back, so using a chainsaw for root cutting is not recommended for non-professionals.

Mechanical Stump Grinders

The fastest and easiest way to remove roots is to use a stump grinder. This machine uses a rotating vertical wheel fitted with carbide-tipped teeth, which chews effortlessly through the roots and stump of felled trees. Stump grinders can be hired for DIY use, or you can hire a professional service to do the work for you.

Mini Diggers for Excavation

A mini digger can be used to clear the soil around tree roots and stumps. Small roots can be broken up with the bucket, and larger roots cleared of earth so they can be cut with a chainsaw or pruning saw.

Protective Equipment

When using garden equipment, either mechanical or manual, wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended.

In particular, when removing tree roots, safety boots, gloves and safety goggles should be worn. If you’re using mechanical tools such as chainsaws or a stump grinder, ear protection is also necessary.

Small roots can be removed using manual garden tools such as a spade, mattock and pruning saw, making it a less expensive job. However, larger roots often require specialist machinery such as a stump grinder or mini excavator, increasing the cost.

If you decide to remove tree roots yourself, hiring specialist equipment may be necessary and add to your overall budget.

Additional Costs

Some of the extra work may come as a surprise when dealing with tree root removal, particularly when it involves increasing your costs. By being prepared for additional expenses, you can budget accordingly and keep your project on track.

Stump Grinding

It’s possible to hire a stump grinding machine for removing tree roots yourself. Typical costs are between £70 and £150 per day or £100 to £170 for two days' hire. There are different sizes of machines so that you can choose the right one for your needs.

The cost of hiring a specialist with a stump grinder varies depending on the size of the tree stump and the roots to be removed. Prices range from £100 to £600 and also depend on access and location.

Excavation Work

The soil around the tree roots needs to be excavated so that the roots can be exposed and removed. For small roots, this can be done manually with shovels and spades, but for large root systems, a mini digger is often used. The cost of hiring a mini excavator ranges from £200 to £330 per day, depending on your location.

Waste Removal and Disposal

Once the roots are removed, you need to dispose of the waste. Smaller roots can be chopped up and put on your compost heap or taken to the local recycling centre. Large roots and associated waste may need to be transported and disposed of for you, adding to your costs. A one-off removal costs between £50 and £250, depending on location and volume.

Repairing Damaged Patios, Driveways, or Paths

Tree roots which have grown beneath patios, driveways or paths will cost you not only the price of removing them but also repairing the associated damage. Replacing paving slabs is easier than repairing tarmac or concrete, and the costs will vary depending on the amount of damage and the materials involved.

Replacing Turf or Landscaping After Root Removal

Taking out troublesome or unattractive tree roots and stumps can itself cause the area to look untidy or bare. If you are going to lay turf or plant the area, leave it to settle for a few weeks first.

New turf costs around £3-£5 per square metre. Grass seed is slower to establish but cheaper to buy, with an average cost of £10 per kilo depending on quality, quantity and the brand.

Soil Replacement or Levelling

The void left after tree root removal can be significant, and it’s possible that you’ll need to fill it with soil to level the ground. A bulk bag of half to one tonne of soil costs between £70 and £100, while loose loads are cheaper at £35 to £40 per tonne.

The soil needs to be compacted to prevent settling and subsequent dips. A wacker plate costs approximately £40-£70 per day, depending on your location and the size of the machine.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Depending on the size and scale of the tree roots in your garden, you might tackle the removal yourself using hired equipment. However, many people prefer to leave this job to qualified tree surgeons or landscapers, particularly when the tree roots are large or extensive.

Professionals can charge an hourly rate for smaller jobs, a day rate for larger projects or a fixed price depending on their assessment of the work. A tree surgeon charges from £250 to around £460 per day, with an average of £375. Hourly rates are £40 to £50 with an average of £45 per hour. Landscapers cost from £165 to £330 per day with an hourly rate of £25 to £60 per hour.

The tree root removal cost is obviously impacted by how long the work takes. Small tree roots may be removed in just a couple of hours, while medium roots may take two to four hours. Depending on the method used to extract large roots, the completion time can be anything from half a day to a couple of days.

Any roots that are located beneath structures such as decking, patios, driveways or paths will take longer to remove. This is due to having to lift the material above the roots and then repair or replace it afterwards. Timescales and labour costs will both be affected by this process.

Cost Factors for Tree Root Removal

There are many factors that affect the cost of removing tree roots, including their size, accessibility and the tools required, among other things.

Size & Spread of the Root System

Potentially the biggest cost factor for removing tree roots is their size and spread. Although most tree roots are relatively shallow, they often spread for many metres. This is particularly the case for species such as willow or poplar, which aggressively seek water.

Depth of the Roots

While depth is not as big an issue as lateral spread, it still affects how much you pay to remove tree roots. If they are difficult to access, the use of machinery such as mini excavators may be necessary, which increases your costs.

Type of Tree

Some trees are notorious for having extensive root systems, such as willow and poplar, which can send roots out for 40 metres or more. Oak, walnut and pine trees also can have expansive roots, and these will take more time and labour to remove.

Accessibility of the Area

When access to the work area is restrictive or difficult, this drives up your costs. If the roots have to be cut up smaller or transported along narrow alleys, the time and effort for the work increases, along with your costs.

Large machinery needs good access and clear working areas; if this isn’t possible, manual excavation and extraction are necessary. Extended timescales and more labour will add to the price you pay.

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.

Whether the Roots are Beneath Paving, Driveways, or Buildings

Roots that are present beneath paving, driveways or buildings need very careful removal. Typically, this means a slower and more involved process, often using only manual tools.

Taking out paving slabs or removing concrete or tarmac and then repairing afterwards significantly increases how much you pay.

Machinery Required for Excavation

When dealing with large or extensive roots, there is usually a need for machinery to facilitate their removal.

A mini excavator is commonly used to dig around large roots, clearing away the soil and is also used to break up some roots. The cost of hiring either a mini excavator for DIY use or with an operator adds to your budget.

Waste Disposal Requirements

Once the tree roots are removed, you’ll need to dispose of the waste. For smaller roots, you can chop them up and add them to your compost, but for larger roots, you’ll need to pay for their disposal. You can hire a skip, pay to have the roots taken away or hire a professional to remove the roots and dispose of the waste as part of the process.

Regional Labour Rates

Labour rates for tree surgeons or landscapers vary across the UK. Some areas, such as London and the southeast, are typically more expensive than the north of England or Wales.

It is worth getting at least three quotes for removing tree roots so you can gauge what the average cost is likely to be in your area.

Tree roots which are in an open-access area will be easier and cheaper to remove than those that are located under structures or close to buildings. The latter will be more expensive to remove.

Building Regulations for Tree Root Removal

Removing tree roots doesn’t generally require planning permission, although there are some instances where it may apply.

Tree Preservation Orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are legal restrictions imposed by the local authority to protect certain trees or woodland. The order prohibits the felling, topping, uprooting, lopping or willful damage of the tree without prior permission from the council.

If your tree has a TPO, you cannot legally cut it down and remove the roots unless you are given permission to do so. Ignoring a TPO is a criminal offence, and you may be fined up to £20,000 in a Magistrates’ Court or face an unlimited fine in the Crown Court. You will also be ordered to replace the removed tree.

Trees in a Conservation Area

Trees within a conservation area are automatically protected, and you need permission to carry out any work on them. All trees with a 75mm diameter or larger fall under this protection, and the local authority requires six weeks' notice if you plan to do any work on the tree. However, you cannot proceed until you receive permission to go ahead.

Any unauthorised work on a tree in a conservation area is considered a criminal offence and carries a potential fine. If you’re unsure about whether the tree is located in a conservation area, you can check your local authority’s planning portal.

Tree root removal close to property foundations or underground services such as drains should be undertaken with caution and preferably, by a professional with the right equipment.

Types of Tree Root Removal

There are a few options available to homeowners when looking to remove tree roots. The three most common are manual, mechanical and chemical removal.

Manual Root Removal

Manual tree root removal uses hand tools to expose, cut and extract the roots. The soil around the roots is excavated with a mattock, spade or shovel. The roots are then cut with an axe, loppers or a pruning saw.

This method is ideal for small or shallow roots, which are easily extracted by hand. Medium to large roots, which are in a location that prevents the use of machinery, for example, next to buildings or structures, can also be removed this way, although it is very labour-intensive.

Pros

• ✔ Lowest cost method
• ✔ No large machinery to manoeuvre
• ✔ Eco friendly
• ✔ Suitable for DIY tree root removal

Cons

• ✖ Labour intensive
• ✖ Time consuming
• ✖ Impractical for large or extensive root systems

The cost of manual tree root removal is impacted by the extent, size and depth of the roots, as well as your location and accessibility to the site. Average prices for a day’s work to remove roots manually are around £250-£375.

When tree roots are in an area that is not accessible to machinery, close to structures or the roots are small, this method of removal can be successfully used.

Mechanical Root Removal

As the name implies, mechanical root removal uses machinery to extract the roots. The most common machines used for this process are a stump grinder and a mini excavator. Winches may also be used to pull out tree stumps and roots.

The choice of mechanical root removal is made when the roots are large, extensive, and there is good access for machinery.

Pros

• ✔ Fast removal of roots and stumps
• ✔ Less labour-intensive
• ✔ No chemicals in the soil
• ✔ Choice of stump grinding or root excavation

Cons

• ✖ More expensive option
• ✖ Large machinery can damage turf and nearby plants
• ✖ Unsuitable for many urban locations

Hiring machinery is not as cheap as using hand tools, but the process is faster and more efficient. Stump grinders can be hired from £70 to £150 per day, while with an operator, the cost can be up to £600.

A mini excavator costs in the range of £200-£330 per day to hire. With the addition of an operator, this cost increases, with prices from £300 to £600 and an average of around £500 for 8 hours.

Chemical Root Treatment

There are several options for chemical root removal, including potassium nitrate, epsom salt, rock salt and copper sulphate. Most are perfectly safe to use for homeowners, with the exception of copper sulphate, which requires cautious handling, particularly in households with children or pets.

It’s important to follow the correct procedure when using chemicals for root and stump removal in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and speedy decomposition.

Pros

• ✔ Cheaper option than mechanical removal
• ✔ DIY friendly
• ✔ No large machinery in your garden
• ✔ Can be used where mechanical extraction is impossible
• ✔ Minimum labour & equipment needed

Cons

• ✖ Slower process, most chemicals take several weeks to months to be effective
• ✖ Some chemicals are not environmentally friendly or safe for children & pets
• ✖ Potential soil contamination

The method that you choose to remove your tree roots will affect the overall cost and duration of the work. Mechanical extraction is the fastest but most expensive method, while chemical removal is slow but a budget-friendly choice.

Alternative Options to Tree Root Removal

If none of the options for tree root removal is suitable for your situation or doesn’t meet your needs, what are the alternatives?

Root Pruning

Root pruning involves trimming the tree’s roots, and it should only ever be done by a professional tree surgeon. By cutting back the roots, any damage that they are causing to structures or services nearby can be restricted. The act of root pruning can control growth in the tree, but may destabilise it if it’s not done properly.

Installing Root Barriers

Installing root barriers is sometimes done in conjunction with root pruning. If a tree’s roots are interfering with nearby structures, following pruning, a physical barrier is installed to prevent the roots from regrowing in the same direction. These barriers are made of metal or plastic and stop the roots from encroaching on buildings, paths, driveways or into drains or water pipes.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding removes the visible portion of the tree trunk that is left after the tree is cut down. A machine grinds the stump to below ground level, and the roots are left to decompose naturally. Without the stump to provide nutrients, the tree roots will die, and the tree won’t regrow.

Landscaping Adjustments

Rather than removing a tree stump and roots, you can incorporate it into your garden with some landscaping adjustments. Add some wildflowers, climbing plants or ferns for a naturalised look. Alternatively, you could use it to grow some edible mushrooms like shiitake or oyster or place a low-level bird bath or feeder on it.

Depending on the reason for removing the tree roots and stump, one of these options may help to fix the problem without completely removing the root system.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Tree Root Removal

When searching for contractors to carry out tree root removal, it’s important that you ask the right questions before hiring. This approach ensures that the work is done safely, efficiently and without damage to your property.

Below is a list of the things you should ask before going any further with your tree root removal project.

Check for TPO with the Local Authority

Before you allow anyone to cut down a tree, check with your local authority that there is no TPO in place. Penalties for contravening a tree preservation order are serious and severe.

If the tree is dead or diseased and poses a danger, you need to inform the local council in writing at least five days before you remove it, unless there is an immediate risk to life or property.

Verify Qualifications & Insurance

When hiring any type of contractor, it’s vital to verify their qualifications and to request proof of their public liability insurance.

Accredited tree surgeons typically display the Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor logo on their website or paperwork. Alternatively, you can check the International Society of Arboriculture website for their details.

Ask if they will perform a site assessment to protect your property and any underground services.

Ask About the Method & Equipment

Ask which method of tree root removal they will use and make sure you’re happy with it, e.g., chemical, mechanical or manual. Enquire about the type of equipment they will bring onto your property and what precautions they will take to minimise damage, such as heavy-duty track mats for a mini excavator.

Request a Detailed Quote

Make sure that the quotes you request are as detailed as possible and clarify any vague terms with the contractor. Quotations should be itemised and include information about charges for difficult access, waste disposal and any site restoration such as backfilling the hole.

Check Contractor Reviews

Always check reviews as client feedback tells you about a contractor’s reliability, professionalism and quality of work. Take a look at their website, social media and any third-party sites to give you insight into whether they are right for your project.

Removing Tree Stumps and Roots

Tree root removal is typically carried out in conjunction with stump removal. As the roots are connected to the stump, it makes sense that this part of the tree is extracted at the same time.

If a stump remains in the ground, the roots still have a source of nutrients from shoots and suckers, and they will continue to grow, albeit more slowly. Therefore, the roots can still cause problems. Stump grinding effectively and efficiently removes any remaining roots and prevents regrowth.

Although stump grinding does increase the overall cost, it is necessary to fully fix the root problem. With the roots removed, the area can be safely reused for landscaping, returning your garden to the way you want it.

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