Tree felling and removal in South London typically costs between £400 and £2,500 depending on the tree’s height, species, access, and proximity to buildings. Tree Surgeons in South London carries out controlled felling and sectional dismantling across Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, and Lambeth — with over 13 years of experience removing trees from the tight Victorian and Edwardian gardens that define most of SE London. Every removal includes full site clearance, and our NPTC-qualified arborists hold public liability insurance to protect your property throughout the job.
When a tree needs to come down in South London, the decision is usually driven by safety, structural risk, or planning requirements rather than preference. Our arborists always assess whether pruning, crown reduction, or treatment could preserve the tree before recommending removal.
Common reasons homeowners across Lewisham, Dulwich, and Greenwich request tree removal include:
A tree that has died or entered advanced decay — bark falling away, fungal brackets on the trunk, hollow sections visible at ground level. A tree whose roots are causing subsidence or foundation damage. South London’s shrinkable London Clay makes this a genuine concern, particularly with species like willows, oaks, and poplars that draw large volumes of moisture from the soil. A tree that has suffered severe storm damage and can no longer be made safe through remedial pruning. A tree blocking significant light to a garden or neighbouring property where crown reduction alone would not achieve the required clearance. A tree that must be removed to allow construction, extension work, or a development project to proceed.
If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or falls within a conservation area — and large parts of Dulwich, Blackheath, Lewisham, Greenwich, and Bromley carry these designations — Tree Surgeons In South London handles the local authority application process on your behalf before any work begins.
Tree removal works differently in South London than in open rural settings, because most residential gardens in SE London do not have the space for a straight fell. Victorian terraces, narrow side returns, neighbouring fences, garden walls, sheds, and overhead cables all restrict the drop zone.
First, we visit the site and assess the tree. We check the species, size, condition, lean, root stability, surrounding structures, overhead services, and access routes. We identify any TPO or conservation area restrictions and confirm whether consent is needed.
Second, we provide a written quote with a specific scope of work. The quote states exactly how the tree will be removed — straight fell, sectional dismantle, or crane-assisted — and what the cost covers. No vague estimates.
Third, our climbing team carries out the removal. In most South London gardens, we dismantle the tree in sections from the top down. Each branch and trunk section is cut, rigged, and lowered to the ground by rope to avoid damage to fences, buildings, garden features, and neighbouring property. For trees with no climbing access — due to severe decay, storm damage, or structural failure — we arrange a mobile crane or elevated work platform.
Finally, we clear the site completely. All timber, branches, foliage, and sawdust are removed. We sweep paths, rake lawns, and clean neighbouring areas. If access runs through the house — which happens regularly in mid-terrace properties with no side or rear access — we protect internal floors, walls, and doorways with heavy-duty sheeting throughout the carry-through.
After the tree is down, the stump remains at ground level. We offer professional stump grinding as an additional service, removing the stump to 15–30cm below the surrounding soil surface so you can replant, turf, pave, or build over the area.
Stump grinding can be carried out on the same day as the tree removal or scheduled for a later date. For smaller stumps in locations where grinding is not cost-effective, we can treat the stump with eco plugs to prevent regrowth. Our team will advise on which approach suits your situation.
Tree felling costs in South London range from approximately £300 for a small tree in an accessible garden to £2,500 or more for a large mature tree requiring sectional dismantling or crane assistance.
The main factors that affect pricing are the tree’s height and trunk diameter, the species and density of the timber, access to the tree and the site, proximity to buildings, fences, power lines, and neighbouring property, and whether traffic management or road closures are required for trees overhanging public highways.
We provide free site visits and detailed written quotes before any work begins. The quote is fixed — not an estimate — so you know exactly what you will pay. No hidden fees, no price changes on the day.
Small trees in accessible gardens cost from around £300. Medium trees typically fall between £600 and £1,200. Large trees requiring sectional dismantling or crane assistance range from £1,500 to £2,500 or more. We provide free site visits and fixed written quotes — you know the exact cost before we start.
Permission is required if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or if your property falls within a conservation area. Unauthorised work on a protected tree carries fines of up to £20,000. Many areas across Lewisham, Greenwich, Dulwich, Blackheath, and Bromley have conservation area designations. We check the status of every tree as part of our assessment.
Most species can be removed year-round. We avoid unnecessary work during bird nesting season (March to August) where possible to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Emergency removals of dangerous trees proceed regardless of season.
All waste is recycled. Timber is processed into logs and woodchip — nothing goes to landfill. We also offer affordable mulch and log delivery across South London if you want to keep any of the material.
Stump removal is quoted separately from tree felling. We offer stump grinding to remove stumps below ground level, or eco plug treatment for smaller stumps where grinding is not cost-effective. Both can be arranged alongside or after the tree removal.
Call us or fill in the contact form for a free no-obligation site visit and quote. We respond quickly and can usually arrange a visit within a few days. We serve Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, Lambeth, Dulwich, Catford, Deptford, Brockley, Camberwell, Peckham, Blackheath, Herne Hill, Eltham, and all surrounding areas.
