Tree Pruning & Stump Removal Cost in Basingstoke 2026 | Small Tree & Hedge Prices

2026 price guide for professional tree pruning, hedge trimming, and small stump removal in Basingstoke, East Sussex. Covering crown reduction, thinning, deadwood removal, and stump grinding for domestic gardens, period properties, and rural boundaries. Includes costs per tree, per hour, and factors like TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders) common in the area.

Small Tree Prune (e.g., Apple, Rowan)

£120–£280

Shape, thin, raise crown. Waste removed.

Medium Tree Crown Reduction

£300–£650

Mature birch/pine (up to 10m). Full climb & rigging.

Stump Grinding (Small, <30cm)

£80–£180

Grind to 15-20cm deep, grindings left.

Laurel/Conifer Hedge Trim

£40–£90 per hour

Labour only. Waste removal extra.

2026 Tree Work Price Breakdown

Service in Basingstoke	Cost	Local Notes
Light Prune / Fruit Tree Pruning (Small, under 5m)	£120–£280	Improves shape/health. Common for garden apple, cherry, plum. Waste removed.
Deadwood Removal & Crown Clean (Mature Tree)	£200–£450	Removing hazardous dead branches. Essential for trees near paths, drives, or buildings in windy areas.
Crown Thinning (Medium Tree, 8-12m)	£350–£600	Selective branch removal to allow light/air. Requires skilled climbing. Common for overshadowed gardens.
Crown Reduction (by up to 20-30%)	£300–£650+	Reducing height/spread. Often needed near houses, power lines, or for light. Requires TPO check.
Crown Raising / Lifting (Lower Branch Removal)	£150–£350	Clearing space over paths, drives, or views. Standard for street-facing trees.
Pollarding (Established Willow, Lime)	£400–£800	Specialist technique to control size. Often on older estate or boundary trees.
Hedge Trimming (Laurel/Conifer, per hour labour)	£40–£90	Height dependent. Waste chipping/removal typically charged extra per load.
Hedge Reduction (Height/Width, Hard Prune)	£200–£500 per hedge	Reviving overgrown boundary hedges. Risk of killing conifers if cut into old wood.
Small Tree Felling (under 10m, straightforward)	£250–£600	Incl. safe felling, cutting to logs, stump left. Requires check for TPOs and conservation area status.
Sectional Dismantling (Confined Space)	£450–£1,200+	Taking tree down piece by piece due to proximity to buildings, wires, or gardens. Includes rigging.
Stump Grinding (Small, 30cm diameter)	£80–£180	Machine access required. Grindings can be left as mulch or removed for extra fee.
Stump Grinding (Medium, 30-60cm)	£180–£400	Larger machine. Common for felled leylandii or mature garden trees.
Waste Removal / Logs (Per Transit Load)	£50–£120	Branchwood chippings and logs. Can often be left for customer if requested.
Site Clearance & Final Tidying	£50–£150	Raking, sweeping, ensuring site is clean. Usually included in quoted price.

Common Garden Tree & Hedge Packages

Garden Tidy-Up Package

£300–£700

Prune 1-2 small trees, trim one boundary hedge, remove all green waste. Ideal for spring maintenance.

Light & View Improvement Package

£500–£1,200

Crown raise/lift 2-3 trees blocking light to house, thin one large tree, grind one small stump.

Overgrown Boundary Clearance

£600–£1,500

Reduce height/width of a long conifer/laurel hedge, fell 1-2 small self-sawn trees, clear all waste.

New Build Garden Starter Package

£400–£900

Fell 3-4 small/medium trees (planning permitted), grind stumps, clear site for landscaping.

What Affects Tree Work Prices in Basingstoke?

Tree Size, Species & Condition: Large, dense hardwood (Oak) vs small fruit tree. Dead, diseased, or unstable trees may require more care.
Access & Complexity: Tight rear garden with no machine access vs. open front. Proximity to buildings, power lines, or fragile structures (greenhouses, conservatories).
Planning Constraints: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or Conservation Area status require council application (6-8 week wait) and influence permissible work.
Waste Disposal: Volume of arisings (chippings, logs). Removal off-site vs. leaving for customer use as mulch/firewood.
Team Size & Equipment: Need for mobile platform (MEWP), large stump grinder, or complex rigging for confined dismantling.
Time of Year: Some birds nest protection seasons (Mar-Aug) may restrict work, but professional arborists can often work year-round with checks.

Common Tree Work Needs in Basingstoke, East Sussex

Historic Gardens & Period Properties

TPO Management: Pruning and maintaining mature oaks, beeches, and cedars often subject to TPOs.
Orchard Tree Care: Renovative pruning of old apple, pear, and plum trees in traditional orchards.
Boundary Hedge Restoration: Managing overgrown native hedgerows (hawthorn, blackthorn) in line with rural character.

Coastal & Exposed Gardens

Wind Damage Repair: Crown reduction and deadwood removal on trees stressed by coastal winds.
Salt-Tolerant Species Pruning: Managing pines, holm oaks, and tamarisks common in seaside plantings.
View Corridor Management: Selective pruning or removal to preserve or open up sea views.

Modern Estates & New Builds

Subsidence Risk Mitigation: Crown reduction or pollarding of moisture-hungry trees (willow, poplar) near foundations on clay soil.
Overgrown Conifer Removal: Felling and stump grinding of large Leylandii hedges that block light.
Garden Preparation: Clearing small trees and scrub to make way for landscaping, sheds, or extensions.

Choosing a Tree Surgeon in Basingstoke

Verify Insurance & Qualifications (Arborist vs. Tree Cutter)

Always use a NPTC/AAA certified arborist with full public liability insurance (min £5m) and professional indemnity insurance. Ask for certificates. A true arborist understands tree biology; a "tree cutter" may just hack, causing long-term damage or safety hazards. This is critical with Basingstoke's many TPOs and valuable mature trees.

Check for Local Planning Knowledge (TPOs & Conservation Areas)

Basingstoke has many Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas. A reputable local arborist will check with the council for TPOs before quoting and can advise on the likelihood of permission for certain works. They may even handle the application for you. Working on a protected tree without consent can lead to fines of £20,000+ per tree.

Get a Detailed Written Quote & Understand the Methodology

The quote should specify: exact work (BS3998 standards), waste disposal method, start/finish times, and total price inc VAT. Ask how they will do the work—will they use a MEWP or climb? How will they protect your lawn/garden? A professional will discuss the biological impact of the proposed work (e.g., "crown reduction by 2m to laterals" not just "chop the top off").

Local Basingstoke, East Sussex Insight

Basingstoke's coastal winds and salt spray can stress trees, making them more prone to failure – regular pruning by an arborist is a safety investment. The area's clay soil means certain trees (willow, poplar) can contribute to subsidence; an arborist can advise on management vs. removal. The prevalence of historic gardens means many trees have TPOs; always assume a tree might be protected until proven otherwise. For work in conservation areas, you must give the council 6 weeks' notice even if no TPO exists. When clearing land for a sea view, consider the "right to light" vs. preserving natural windbreaks. A good local arborist is an invaluable resource for navigating these issues while keeping your trees healthy and safe.

FAQs

Do I need permission to prune or cut down a tree in my garden?

It depends. If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a Conservation Area, you must get permission from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council. Fines are severe. A good tree surgeon will check this for you. If there's no TPO and you're not in a Conservation Area, you can generally proceed, but check your property deeds for any covenants.

What's the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?

Stump grinding uses a machine to chip the stump into small woodchips down to 15-45cm below ground, leaving the roots. It's quick, affordable, and allows replanting. Stump removal involves excavating the entire stump and root ball, which is much more labour-intensive, expensive, and disruptive to the garden. For most domestic jobs, grinding is sufficient.

When is the best time to prune trees?

For most deciduous trees, late autumn to early spring (dormant season) is ideal, as wounds heal quickly and disease risk is lower. However, deadwood can be removed anytime. Some species like cherry/prune in summer to avoid silverleaf disease. Birch and maple "bleed" sap if pruned in late winter/spring but this isn't harmful. A qualified arborist will know the best timing.

Can I keep the wood chips or logs?

Yes, in most cases. Wood chips make excellent garden mulch, and logs can be seasoned for firewood. You should request this when getting the quote, as it may slightly reduce the price if the contractor doesn't have to pay for disposal. Ensure logs are cut to a manageable size for you.

Conclusion

Tree pruning and stump removal in Basingstoke costs £120–£280 for a small tree prune and £80–£180 for a small stump grind. Due to the prevalence of TPOs, coastal winds, and valuable mature trees, it is crucial to hire an NPTC certified, fully insured arborist with local knowledge. Always check for permissions before any work commences. Investing in professional tree care enhances garden safety, protects your property, and ensures the long-term health of Basingstoke's beautiful tree landscape.

Tip:

Before hiring, ask to see similar work they've completed locally. Get at least three detailed written quotes. Plan tree work for the dormant season where possible for better prices and tree health. Remember, it's often more cost-effective and better for the tree to have regular light pruning than drastic, expensive work every decade.