How Much Does a Tree Surgeon Cost in North London? (2026)
There is no fixed price list for tree work. Every tree and every garden is different. But two London tree firms have published 2026 price guides. We have pulled the figures together so you can sanity-check a quote.
All figures below are from those two published guides. They are a starting point, not a promise. Get written quotes for your own job.
Published London price ranges (2026)
| Job | Forbes Tree Care (Palmers Green, April 2026) | GraftinGardeners (London-wide, June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate, team of three | £600 to £900 a day | £600 to £1,500 a day with truck and chipper |
| Hourly rate | £75 to £110 | £75 to £110 |
| Small tree removal | From £300 (no size breakdown given) | £250 to £550 (up to about 15ft) |
| Medium tree removal | See above | From £600 (about 15 to 30ft) |
| Large tree removal | See above | £1,200 to £3,500+ (30ft+) |
| Crown reduction | From £300 | Small from £200; medium from £480; large £900 to £1,200+ |
| Stump grinding | From £100 | £150 to £400+ per stump |
| Hedge trimming | Not listed | £150 to £1,000+ |
| Tree report | From £300 | Not listed |
Sources: Forbes Tree Care cost guide and GraftinGardeners cost guide. Both are tree firms, so treat the numbers as one firm's view of the market.
Why the range is so wide
A quote for the same size tree can double based on a few things:
- Access. A tree in a back garden with no side gate means every log is carried through the house or over a wall. That adds hours.
- What is under it. Working over a conservatory, a neighbour's shed or a road means slower rigging.
- Waste. Chipping and taking away the wood costs money. Leaving logs for you saves it.
- Protection. If the tree is protected, someone has to apply to the council. Forbes lists a planning application at £144 including VAT when done on its own. (Forbes Tree Care)
- Time of year. Winter is quieter for many firms. Some will price keener.
- VAT. A VAT-registered firm adds 20%. Ask if the price includes it.
Day rates versus fixed prices
Most firms quote a fixed price for the job. A day rate is more common for big or open-ended jobs. Both guides put a three-person crew at roughly £600 to £900 a day, with the top end higher when a truck and chipper are included. If a firm quotes a day rate, ask how many days it expects.
What a "cheap" quote can mean
A quote well under the others is not always a bargain. It can mean:
- No insurance, or not enough
- No waste removal
- No council application
- A crew without the right certificates
- Topping instead of proper reduction, which harms the tree
Our red flags guide covers the warning signs.
How to get a fair price
- Get a written quote. If it feels high, get a second for the same job. See our quotes guide.
- Ask each firm to state VAT and waste removal clearly.
- Ask whether a smaller job can be bundled with a neighbour's. Shared set-up costs cut the price.
- Do not pay in full up front. A deposit for a large job is normal. Full payment before work is not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a tree surgeon in London?
Two published 2026 London guides put a three-person crew at about £600 to £900 a day, or £75 to £110 an hour. Fixed-price jobs range from about £250 for a small tree to £3,500 or more for a large tree in a tight spot.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Published London figures range from about £100 to £400 per stump, depending on the stump's width at ground level.
Is it cheaper to remove a tree in winter?
Often, yes. Many firms are quieter in winter and can price more keenly. Winter also avoids bird nesting season.
Do tree surgeons charge for quotes?
Usually not for a standard quote. The Arboricultural Association says quotes "will normally be provided free of charge when quoting against a specification", but a fee may apply if advice or a report is involved. (Arboricultural Association)