How Much does conifer Removal cost UK?

Conifers are evergreen trees and shrubs that have leaves that look like needles or scales. These trees are common in the UK, from our experience these tree’s typically cost anywhere from £350 to £1,500. One small conifer tree can cost £350 to £500, whilst one large conifer tree can cost £600 to £1,500. There are still other factors that determine the cost of your conifer removals.

What determines the cost of conifer removal UK?

1. Tree Size and Quantity: The size and number of conifers that need removing are important factors to the cost. As generally, larger trees or multiple conifers require more resources & time, this would mean higher costs.
2. Accessibility and Location: The accessibility of the trees is important as overgrown conifers can sometimes stretch out to neighbouring gardens or pathways, this would mean more specialized equipment and expertise is required to ensure the cuttings of the tree only land in the space we have been given permission to use.  
3. Tree Health: This is also a huge underlying factor of the cost of conifer removal, diseased and damaged tree’s require additional care and precautions, which can lead to higher removal costs.

Cost breakdown of conifer removal UK

Conifer removal costs in the UK have several factors:

1. Labour Costs: Professional tree surgeons or gardeners typically charge £150-£300 per day for their services, equipment included. The equipment required, such as shovels, mini diggers, and stump grinders, is typically part of the primary quote.
2. Specialist Equipment Costs: Additional expenses may arise if specialized equipment like woodchippers or scaffolding is needed. Woodchipper hire costs around £50-£120 per day, while scaffolding rental falls within the range of £50-£250 per day.
3. Waste Removal Costs: The disposal of conifer waste is usually factored into the estimates. However, some professionals charge separately for this service. In some cases, Tree surgeons can dispose of their chips and logs for free, as it gets chipped further and burned as biomass in power stations. It still may require a skip hire for this route.

Factors influencing costs of conifer removal

Several factors significantly affect the cost of conifer removal:

Tree Size: Larger conifers are naturally more expensive to remove due to their size, extensive root systems, and additional resources required.

Tree Species: Although most conifers share similar growth characteristics, variations in species can lead to cost disparities. Additionally, certain species may have protection statuses, requiring surveys and permissions, which incur extra expenses.

Accessibility: The ease of access to the conifer’s location and clearance space around it can influence costs. Difficult access or cramped working conditions may result in higher rates. If the tree in question is close to a public road, you will still need to get a permit to block of the area, which will cost money.

Tree Condition: The condition of the conifer is vital. Removing a healthy tree is typically more straightforward and cost-effective than dealing with a dead, diseased, or damaged one, which demands extra care and precautions, as it is more prone to falling branches and lean.

Site Plans: If you wish to redevelop the land of the conifer/tree it is better to get a full stump removal, so that the roots are removed too, giving you a good foundation for new builds/designs. Stump removals will add to the cost of the conifer removal.

Location: By location we mean the area you live in. Cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham have higher rates of tree removal than smaller towns or suburbs.

The conifer removal process

Let’s break down the process of conifer removal step by step. While this overview provides insight, further research, especially through instructional resources on platforms like YouTube, is recommended for those considering DIY conifer removal.

Step 1: Tree Inspection This step is important as you will be assessing the risks involved and planning a strategy for the removal of conifers. You will do this first be checking for nearby drain runs, power lines, cables and pipes close by. Then use this information to plan on how to remove your conifer.

Step 2: Tree Cutting For larger conifers, the process may begin with size reduction, which includes cutting foliage and substantial branches. Eventually, the main trunk is cut down to stump level.

Step 3: Stump and Root Removal For this step you will need a stump grinder to grind the stump to ground level, or if you wish to do a full stump removal then you may need an Auger machine. Which you will then dig out the stump and roots.

Step 4: Finalization This stage encompasses waste removal, soil refill, and other necessary finishing tasks, providing a clean and tidy result. You can also incorporate additional garden activities as desired.

Reasons for conifer removal UK

Conifers such as Leylandii, spruce, yew, and cedar offer aesthetic appeal but may warrant removal for several reasons:

1. Size Issues: Conifers tend to grow fast and big which require regularly pruning and cutting, this rapid growth can lead to oversized trees with a lot of potential risks.
2. Convenience Concerns: Large conifers might obstruct views, interfere with power lines, or overshadow other plants.
3. Property Damage: Their roots can damage patios, foundations, driveways, and underground pipes.
4. Health Considerations: Removing dead, damaged, or diseased conifers can protect other garden plants and prevent potential hazards.
5. Neighbour Disputes: Overgrown conifers can lead to disputes with neighbours, highlighting the importance of maintaining a harmonious living environment.
6. Garden Redesign: Removal may be necessary when redesigning your garden to accommodate new landscaping plans.

Finding a professional tree removal service for conifer removal

Picking a certified Tree Surgeon is important. There are so many things that can go wrong in tree surgery. We will list below the qualities to look for in a tree surgeon like us, to ensure a safe and affordable Tree removal.

• Licenses and certifications from recognized arborist bodies.
• Membership in reputable arborist organizations such as the Arboricultural Association.
• Proof of past projects and reliable references.
• Public liability insurance for added protection.

Request written quotes from the a few companies to receive the best offers.

Conclusion

In summary, conifer removal costs in the UK generally range from £400 to £1,500, with variables such as tree size, location, condition, and more influencing the final expense.