One of the most common questions we hear is "how much will it cost?" The honest answer is that tree surgery prices vary significantly depending on what needs doing, how big the tree is, where it’s located, and how easy it is to access. But we know that’s not very helpful when you’re trying to budget, so here’s a practical guide to what you can expect to pay for tree work in Sussex in 2026.
A small tree removal — say a birch or ornamental cherry under 8 metres tall in an accessible back garden — typically costs between £400 and £800. Once you get into medium-sized trees (8 to 15 metres), prices usually sit between £800 and £2,000. Large trees over 15 metres, particularly oaks and beeches in tight spaces, can range from £2,000 to £5,000 or more. These are ballpark figures — the actual price depends on factors we’ll cover below.
Crown reductions are one of the most common jobs we carry out. For a medium-sized tree, expect to pay between £400 and £1,200. The price depends on the species, the amount of reduction needed, and whether there are obstacles like buildings, fences, or power lines nearby. A straightforward crown reduction on a lime tree in an open garden is a very different job from reducing a large oak that overhangs a neighbour’s conservatory.
Stump grinding is usually priced separately from tree removal. A single stump typically costs between £100 and £300 to grind out, depending on its diameter and accessibility. If you’re having a tree removed at the same time, most tree surgeons (including us) will offer a combined price that works out cheaper than booking them separately.
Hedge trimming prices depend on the length, height, and type of hedge. A straightforward front garden hedge of 10 to 15 metres might cost £150 to £300. Tall hedges over 3 metres, or long boundary hedges, cost more because they require specialist equipment and take longer. A leylandii hedge that hasn’t been trimmed in years and needs a hard cut-back is a bigger job than an annual maintenance trim on a laurel hedge.
Several factors affect the final price. Access is one of the biggest — if we need to carry everything through the house or down a narrow side passage, it takes longer. Proximity to buildings, power lines, and neighbouring properties also matters because these require more careful, time-consuming techniques. Trees with TPOs or in conservation areas may need a planning application, which doesn’t usually add to the cost of the work itself but can add a few weeks to the timeline.
The species of tree makes a difference too. Hardwoods like oak and beech are denser and heavier than softwoods like pine or spruce, which means they take longer to process and remove. A 12-metre oak produces significantly more timber by weight than a 12-metre conifer, and that affects both the labour time and the disposal costs.
One thing to watch out for is unusually low quotes. Tree surgery is skilled, physically demanding work that requires professional qualifications, specialist equipment, and comprehensive insurance. A qualified tree surgeon carrying NPTC certificates, £5 million or more in public liability insurance, and proper climbing gear has real overheads. If a quote seems too good to be true, it usually is — and the consequences of poor tree work can be expensive to put right.
We always recommend getting at least two or three quotes for any significant tree work. A reputable tree surgeon will visit the site, assess the tree in person, and provide a written quote that details exactly what’s included. Be wary of anyone who quotes over the phone without seeing the tree, or who asks for full payment upfront. At AG Garden & Tree, we provide free, no-obligation quotes for all work across Sussex and Surrey, and we’re always happy to explain how we’ve arrived at the price.
