Tree pruning costs

A healthy and well-maintained tree can be a wonderful addition to your garden. Trees provide shade, refreshment and privacy. Unfortunately, trees can grow to a point where they become dangerous to the environment. Pruning is therefore an important part of maintaining a tree. In this article, we provide more insight into the options and what a tree pruning costs.

What does a tree pruning cost?

The cost of pruning a tree varies depending on various factors such as the size of the tree, its location, accessibility, the type of tree and the amount of work to be carried out. On average, costs start at £100.

Below is a table giving an indication of the average cost of pruning a tree.

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Price examples

When you choose to pay on the basis of pruning a tree, it matters for the cost whether a small, medium or large tree is involved. We give some examples.

For example, a small tree is an apple tree with a height of up to 3 metres. The cost of pruning a small tree like this will average between £150 and £300.

An example of a medium-sized tree is a maple tree with a height of up to 7 metres. The cost of pruning a medium-sized tree will average between £300 and £500.

A large tree has a height of more than 7 metres. The cost of pruning a large tree varies quite a bit depending on the exact size of the tree, but is generally between £500 and £1,500.

Tree pruning cost per hour

In addition to calculating the cost of pruning a tree based on size, there are also gardeners who calculate the cost based on the time it takes to prune a tree. This method of pricing can be useful for trees that are difficult to judge by size or when there is a lot of uncertainty about exactly how much work needs to be done.

Example pricing based on hourly rate

The average landscaper has an hourly rate between £45 and £70 per hour. This means that if the job were to take, say, 4 hours, the cost would range between £180 and £280. It is important to note that this rate only applies to the time spent pruning the tree and does not include any additional costs such as renting machinery or equipment and disposing of garden materials.

Benefits of pruning a tree

Trimming your tree regularly brings several benefits:

• Controlling growth of the tree
• Better formation of flowers and fruits
• Longer life and better health of the tree

One of the most important benefits of tree pruning is that it helps in controlling the growth of the tree. When a tree is not pruned regularly, it can grow out of control and pose a hazard to its surroundings. Pruning removes excess branches, which helps the tree maintain healthy and safe growth.

Another benefit of pruning trees is that it helps in better formation of flowers and fruits. Pruning a tree removes old and dead branches, allowing the tree to concentrate on producing healthy flowers and fruits. This can lead to a more beautiful appearance of the tree.

In addition, pruning ensures a healthier tree and a longer lifespan. Pruning can also ensure that sunlight reaches your garden again, allowing you and your garden to enjoy it more. Moreover, pruning helps remove weak and dead branches, making the tree more sturdy and less likely to break down.

What things affect tree pruning costs?

There are several factors that can affect the price of pruning a tree. We will mention a few:

• Special tools
• Accessibility of tree
• Disposal of garden waste
• Priming licence

Special tools

First of all, special tools may be needed to prune the tree, such as a tree saw or climbing harness. These costs may come on top of the price for the work to be done. For this reason, always make proper arrangements in advance, so that there is no ambiguity about this.

Accessibility of tree

In addition, removing branches in a location that is difficult to reach, such as on top of a roof or in a place that is difficult to reach with equipment, can entail extra costs. The level of finish of the pruning is also a factor that can affect the overall cost of the job.

Disposal of garden waste

If you want the gardener or landscaper to remove the branches in the garden instead of leaving them on the street, you may be charged extra for this. Not only is this extra work for the contractor, there may also be costs associated with disposing of the garden material. Also, possibly removing the trunk of the tree may involve extra costs.

Priming permit

In some cases, it may be necessary to apply for a pruning permit from the municipality before a tree can be pruned. This may be the case, for example, if the tree is protected by a municipal monument or tree policy, or if the tree is in a protected area. It is advisable to check with the municipality whether a permit is required before starting the project.

Frequently asked questions