Tree Removal Cost in South London — 2026 Pricing Guide
Tree removal in South London costs between £250 for a small garden tree and £3,500 or more for a large mature specimen requiring sectional dismantling or crane assistance. London prices typically sit 15-20% above the national average due to tighter access, parking restrictions, and higher disposal costs.
At Tree Surgeons in South London, we provide free site visits and fixed written quotes — so you know the exact cost before any work begins. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay based on the size of the tree, the method of removal, and the specific challenges of working in South London’s residential streets and gardens.
Tree Removal Costs by Size
The biggest factor affecting tree removal cost is the tree’s height and trunk diameter.
Small trees (up to 5 metres / 15 feet) Typical species: ornamental cherry, apple, pear, small birch. Cost: £250 – £550. These trees can usually be felled in one controlled drop if space allows, or dismantled quickly in a few sections. Most small tree removals in South London take 2-3 hours including clean-up.
Medium trees (5-10 metres / 15-30 feet) Typical species: birch, cherry, smaller sycamores, rowan. Cost: £550 – £1,200. Medium trees usually require a climber to dismantle the crown in sections before felling the trunk. In South London’s terraced gardens, most medium tree removals are sectional rather than straight fells due to space constraints.
Large trees (10-20 metres / 30-65 feet) Typical species: sycamore, oak, horse chestnut, London plane, large lime. Cost: £1,200 – £3,500+. Large tree removals almost always require sectional dismantling with rigging and rope-lowering in South London gardens. Trees overhanging buildings, near power lines, or with no rear access (requiring timber to be carried through the house) are at the higher end.
Very large or complex trees Crane-assisted removals, trees on steep slopes (Crystal Palace, Forest Hill), or trees requiring road closures and traffic management can exceed £3,500. These are quoted individually based on the specific logistics.
What Affects the Price?
Beyond tree size, several factors specific to South London affect the final cost.
Access. South London’s Victorian and Edwardian terraces frequently have no side or rear access. If all timber has to be carried through the house, the job takes longer and costs more. We protect internal floors and doorways with heavy-duty sheeting, but the additional labour and care adds to the price.
Proximity to structures. Trees close to buildings, fences, walls, conservatories, or power lines require more careful dismantling. Each piece needs to be rigged and lowered rather than dropped, which takes significantly more time.
Species and timber density. Hardwoods like oak and beech take longer to cut and are heavier to handle than softwoods like pine or willow. A 15-metre oak costs more to remove than a 15-metre willow of the same height.
Stump grinding. Stump removal is usually quoted separately from tree felling. Stump grinding in South London costs between £100 and £350 per stump depending on diameter and species. It can be done on the same day as the removal or scheduled for a later date.
Tree Preservation Orders. If the tree is protected by a TPO or is in a conservation area, you need consent from the local council before removal. The application itself is free for homeowners, but the process adds 6-8 weeks of lead time before work can begin. Many areas across Lewisham, Greenwich, Dulwich, Blackheath, and Bromley have conservation area designations — we check the status of every tree.
Season. Late winter and early spring (November to March) can be slightly cheaper as it is the quieter period for tree surgeons. Summer months, when trees are in full leaf, generate more waste material and can take longer to dismantle.
Additional Costs to Consider
Stump grinding: £100 – £350 per stump (or eco plug treatment from £50 for smaller stumps).
Log and waste disposal: Included in our quotes at no extra charge. All waste is recycled.
TPO application: Free for homeowners in most South London boroughs, but requires a written application and 6-8 week waiting period.
Traffic management: Required if the tree overhangs a public road. Costs vary depending on the borough and the duration of the closure.
Parking suspension: If our vehicles need to park on a public road, a council parking suspension may be required. Costs vary by borough — typically £50-£100 in South London.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The only way to get an accurate quote for tree removal in South London is a site visit. Online estimates based on tree height alone cannot account for access, proximity to structures, species, stump grinding, or TPO status — all of which significantly affect the price.
We provide free site visits and written quotes with no obligation. The quote is fixed — not an estimate — so you know exactly what you will pay. If you decide not to go ahead, that is absolutely fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to cut down a tree in South London?
Between £250 for a small tree and £3,500+ for a large tree requiring sectional dismantling. The average cost for a medium garden tree in South London is around £600-£1,000. We provide free site visits and fixed quotes.
Is tree removal cheaper in winter?
It can be slightly cheaper during the quieter months (November to March) as demand is lower. However, emergency work during winter storms can be more complex. The difference is usually modest.
Does the price include stump removal?
Stump grinding is usually quoted separately. We offer it as an add-on service — typically £100-£350 per stump depending on size and species. It can be done on the same day as the felling or at a later date.
Do I need permission to remove a tree in my garden?
If the tree has a TPO or your property is in a conservation area, yes — written consent from the council is required. Unauthorised removal can result in fines up to £20,000. We check the status of every tree as part of our assessment.
Can I reduce costs by keeping the wood?
Yes. If you want to keep logs for firewood or woodchip for garden mulch, we can leave the processed material on site rather than removing it. This can reduce the disposal element of the cost.
