Tree Pruning & Stump Removal Cost in Farnham 2026 | Small Job Prices

2026 price guide for professional tree pruning, trimming, and small stump removal in Farnham, East Sussex. Covering crown reductions, deadwood removal, hedge trimming, and stump grinding for domestic gardens in rural and urban settings. Includes local arborist rates, factors affecting cost, and how to find qualified, insured tree surgeons in Farnham.

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

£160–£380

Crown lift/thin, shape, under 6m

Stump Grinding (Small, 30cm dia.)

£85–£200

Grind to 15-25cm below ground

Large Hedge Trim (per metre)

£9–£22

Leylandii, laurel, reduction/shape

Deadwood Removal/ Safety Prune

£220–£550

Mature tree, from ground/ climb

2026 Tree Work Price Breakdown

Service in Farnham	Cost	Local Notes
Small Ornamental Tree Prune (e.g., Birch, Rowan, up to 6m)	£160–£380	Light crown thin, shape, raise lower branches. Common in suburban and cottage gardens.
Fruit Tree Pruning (Apple, Pear, Plum - Standard)	£130–£300	Seasonal pruning for health/fruit yield. Knowledge of fruit tree biology needed. Popular in Farnham gardens.
Large Tree Crown Reduction/Thin (e.g., Oak, Beech, 8-12m)	£450–£1,500+	Significant work, may need climbing & section felling. Often requires planning permission if TPO'd.
Deadwood Removal & Safety Inspection (Mature Tree)	£220–£550	Removing hazardous branches over property, paths, or drives. Basic health check included.
Hedge Trimming (Leylandii, Laurel, per linear metre)	£9–£22	Height reduction adds cost. Disposal of clippings usually included. Very common boundary job.
Hedge Reduction (Overgrown, cut back hard to restore)	£17–£35 per metre	Restoring a neglected hedge. May require multiple visits if cutting into old wood.
Stump Grinding (Small, up to 30cm diameter)	£85–£200	Machine access required. Leaves wood chips; removal often extra.
Stump Grinding (Medium, 30-60cm diameter)	£170–£400	For larger garden trees. Depth up to 30cm below ground typical for replanting.
Tree/Shrub Removal (Small, easy access, e.g., conifer)	£120–£350	Felling, cutting up, removal of all arisings. Stump grinding usually extra.
Site Clearance & Green Waste Removal (per trailer load)	£90–£180	For branches and chippings. Many jobs include one load; larger projects incur extra costs.
Pollarding or Coppicing (Willow, Hazel, per tree)	£150–£400	Traditional management techniques. Requires skill to ensure tree recovery.
Ivy Removal from Tree Trunk (Mature infestation)	£80–£200	Cutting at base and removing from lower trunk. Stops ivy damaging bark and adding wind sail.

Common Garden Tree Packages

Garden Tidy & Safety Package

£350–£800

Remove deadwood from 1-2 trees, reduce one overgrown hedge (up to 10m), grind one small stump, clear waste.

Orchard/Fruit Tree Care Package

£280–£650

Prune 3-4 standard fruit trees (winter prune), remove any diseased limbs, clear cuttings, advise on aftercare.

Boundary Hedge Maintenance Package

£230–£550

Trim both sides of a Leylandii/laurel hedge (up to 15m long, 3m high), shape top, clear all green waste.

What Affects Tree Work Costs in Farnham?

Tree Size, Species & Condition: Height, spread, wood density, health, presence of decay or ivy.
Access & Location: Back garden with narrow side access vs. front garden. Proximity to buildings, power lines, and protected structures (e.g., thatch).
Complexity of Work: Simple prune vs. complex rigging and section felling in confined spaces.
Equipment Required: Need for climbing, cherry picker (MEWP), large stump grinder, or wood chipper.
Waste Volume & Disposal: Amount of brash and timber to be processed and removed from site.
Conservation Status: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or working in a Conservation Area adds administrative cost.

Common Tree Types & Issues in Farnham

Cottage & Suburban Garden Trees

Overgrown Leylandii hedges (boundary disputes)
Silver Birch, Rowan, Cherry (ornamental pruning)
Apple, Plum, Fig (fruit tree maintenance)
Conifers (Thuja, Cypress - height reduction)

Mature Trees in Larger Gardens & Grounds

Oak, Beech, Sycamore (crown reductions, deadwood)
Willow (near structures, pond management)
Pine (lifting crowns for light)
Yew (historical pruning, often in churchyards)

Problematic or Hazardous Species

Poplar (invasive roots, suckering)
Eucalyptus (fast growth, heavy branches)
Ivy-Clad Trees (hides defects, adds weight/ wind resistance)
Diseased Ash (Ash Dieback management)

How to Choose a Tree Surgeon in Farnham

Verify Insurance, Qualifications & Check for TPOs

They must have £5 million+ Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance. Look for NPTC certificates (CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39). CRITICAL: They must check with Farnham Town Council for any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or if you're in a Conservation Area before quoting.

Get a Detailed Written Quote & Understand the Method

The quote should specify exact work (e.g., 'crown thin by 20%, lift to 4m'), cleanup level, and waste disposal. They should explain their method (e.g., climbing vs. MEWP) and avoid harmful practices like tree topping or flush cutting.

Assess Their Approach to Tree Health & Local Knowledge

A good arborist will discuss the tree's health and the reason for the work (safety, health, light, aesthetics). They should understand local issues like clay soils affecting stability and common diseases (Ash Dieback, Oak Processionary Moth).

Local Farnham, East Sussex Insight

Farnham has many areas subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Areas. It is illegal to undertake work on protected trees without council permission. A reputable local arborist will know this and handle the application for you. The town's clay soils can affect tree stability, particularly in wet winters. Common issues include overgrown Leylandii hedges causing neighbour disputes and mature trees shading gardens or affecting foundations. The best time for major pruning is usually late autumn to early spring (dormant season), but deadwood and hazard removal can be done year-round. For work near thatched properties, extreme care is needed to avoid dropping debris on the roof.

FAQs

Do I need permission to prune or remove a tree in my Farnham garden?

It depends. If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a Conservation Area, you must get permission from Farnham Town Council before any work. A good tree surgeon will check this as part of their quote. There are no general felling licenses required for most private, unprotected garden trees.

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

Stump grinding uses a machine to shred the stump into small wood chips down to 15-30cm below ground. Stump removal involves excavating the entire root ball, which is far more invasive, expensive, and disruptive to the garden, often unnecessary.

When is the best time to prune trees?

For most trees, late autumn to early winter (dormant season) is ideal to reduce disease risk and stress. However, deadwood can be removed any time. Some species like cherry/plum are best pruned in summer to avoid silver leaf disease. An arborist will know.

Can I keep the wood chips or logs from the job?

Usually, yes, and it's encouraged. You can request they leave the wood chips as mulch (from grinding or chipping) and the logs for firewood (if seasoned). This should be agreed in the quote, as it saves them disposal costs and is sustainable.

Conclusion

Tree pruning in Farnham costs £160–£380 for a small tree, with stump grinding from £85–£200. Always use a qualified, insured arborist who checks for TPOs as a first step. Prioritise health and safety over the cheapest quote. Proper tree care enhances your garden's safety, health, and aesthetics, and protects your property value in this desirable area.

Tip:

Take photos of the trees/hedges from several angles before work starts. Clearly mark any specific branches or areas of concern with non-destructive tape. Discuss future maintenance plans to keep costs predictable and trees healthy.