Tree removal costs vary a lot depending on the size of the tree, where it is and how complicated the job is. For homeowners in Dorking, Reigate and across Surrey, knowing what affects the price helps you plan ahead and compare quotes fairly.
Typical tree removal costs in Surrey
As a rough guide, removing a tree in Dorking, Reigate and wider Surrey typically costs:
- Small trees (under 5m): £150–£400
- Medium trees (5–10m): £400–£900
- Large trees (10m+): £900–£2,000+
- Very large or complex removals: £2,000+
Stump grinding, emergency call-outs and difficult access can add to these figures. They’re a guide only: every tree is different, and an accurate price needs a site visit. We give free, no-obligation quotes for tree removal in Surrey.
What affects the cost of tree removal?
1. Size and height of the tree
Bigger trees take more time, more people and more equipment. This is usually the biggest factor in pricing. A tall tree with a wide crown usually has to be taken down in sections rather than felled in one go.
2. Condition of the tree
A healthy, sound tree is usually more predictable to remove. Dead, decayed, leaning or storm-damaged trees can be unstable and need extra safety measures and careful dismantling.
3. Location and what’s nearby
A tree in an open space can often be felled in one piece. Costs rise when a tree is:
- close to a house, garage or outbuilding
- overhanging neighbouring properties
- near power lines, roads or public footpaths
- in a rear garden with restricted access
In towns like Dorking and Reigate, most residential jobs involve sectional dismantling, with branches lowered on ropes (rigging), which takes longer than straight felling.
4. Access
If equipment can’t get close to the tree, everything has to be carried in and every branch and log carried out. Steps, slopes, narrow side passages and limited parking all add time.
5. Waste and timber
Quotes usually include chipping the branches, removing the timber and clearing the site. If you’d like to keep the logs or woodchip, tell us when we quote, as it can bring the cost down.
6. The stump
Felling a tree leaves a stump. If you want it gone, stump grinding is usually an extra cost, depending on the stump’s size. See our guide to stump grinding prices for typical costs.
7. Emergency work
A tree that has fallen or is about to fall after a storm needs urgent attention. Emergency work often means working at short notice, in poor conditions and with extra people, so it typically costs more than planned removal.
Do you need permission to remove a tree?
If a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, you’ll need consent from the council before it can be removed. A good tree surgeon will check this before quoting. Our guide on whether you need permission to cut down a tree explains the rules.
Why use a professional tree surgeon?
- Safety: felling and dismantling trees is dangerous work that needs training and experience.
- The right equipment: chainsaws, rigging, chippers and stump grinders.
- Insurance: if something goes wrong, you’re protected. South East Forestry and Tree Services carry £10 million public liability insurance.
- Knowledge of the rules: TPOs, conservation areas and nesting birds.
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best. To see what happens on the day, read what happens during a tree removal.
How to get an accurate quote
To give you an accurate price we’ll ask for:
- the type and rough height of the tree
- photos of the tree and what’s around it
- how we get to it, including gates, steps and parking
- whether you want the stump ground and the logs or woodchip left or taken away
Combining jobs, such as removal, stump grinding and hedge work, on one visit can reduce the overall cost.
Get a free tree removal quote
If you need a tree removed in Dorking, Reigate or anywhere in Surrey or Sussex, contact South East Tree Surgeons for a free, no-obligation quote.
FAQs
How much does it cost to remove a tree in Surrey?
Typically from around £150 for a small tree to £2,000 or more for a large or complex removal, depending on size, access and how complicated the job is.
What is the most expensive part of tree removal?
Labour and access are usually the biggest factors. A tree that has to be climbed and taken down in sections near a house costs more than one that can be felled in the open.
Is stump grinding included in the price?
Not usually. Stump grinding is normally priced separately, but it’s often cheaper to have it done on the same visit.
Does it cost more to remove a dead or storm-damaged tree?
Often, yes. Dead and damaged trees can be unpredictable, so they need more careful dismantling, and emergency call-outs cost more than planned work.
Do I need permission to remove a tree?
Only if the tree is protected by a TPO, is in a conservation area or is covered by a planning condition. We’ll check before we quote.