Tree Pruning & Stump Removal Costs in Guildford 2026 | Small Tree Prices
2026 price guide for tree pruning and stump removal services in Guildford, Surrey. Covering small tree work, hedge trimming, and garden tree maintenance. Includes local tree surgeon rates, TPO considerations, and how to find qualified arborists for Guildford's gardens and conservation areas.
Price Summary
Small Tree Pruning (Up to 6m)
£120–£300
Crown lift/thin, waste removal
Stump Grinding (30cm)
£80–£200
Grinding to 30cm depth
Hedge Trimming (Per metre)
£15–£35
Shaping, waste included
TPO/Conservation Work
£150–£400+
Applications, specialist care
2026 Price Breakdown
| Service in Guildford | Cost | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Thinning (Small tree) | £120–£280 | Common for light improvement in Guildford's suburban gardens. Season affects price. |
| Crown Lifting (Raise canopy) | £100–£250 | For clearance over paths/driveways in Guildford homes. TPO may restrict work. |
| Fruit Tree Pruning | £60–£150 | Popular in Guildford's older gardens with established fruit trees. |
| Hedge Trimming (Small) | £15–£35 per metre | Regular maintenance in Guildford's boundary hedges. Avoid bird nesting season. |
| Stump Grinding (Up to 30cm) | £80–£200 | Access affects price in Guildford's often narrow rear gardens. |
| Stump Grinding (30-50cm) | £120–£300 | Larger equipment needed. Common for mature trees in Guildford. |
| Deadwood Removal | £80–£200 | Safety work, often required after storms in Guildford's tree-lined areas. |
| Tree Removal (Small) | £200–£500 | For diseased/dangerous small trees. Guildford conservation areas need approval. |
| Waste Removal (Per load) | £40–£100 | Optional extra. Many Guildford residents keep woodchip for gardens. |
| Consultation/Report | £50–£150 | For TPO applications or insurance claims in Guildford. |
Popular Packages
Garden Tree Care Package
£200–£500
Prune 2-3 small trees, hedge trim (up to 10m), remove one small stump, waste removal
Seasonal Maintenance Package
£150–£350
Autumn leaf clearance, tree safety check, deadwood removal, hedge tidy, garden waste removal
TPO Application Package
£200–£450
Site assessment, application preparation, council liaison, approved work execution, certification
Cost Factors in Guildford
- Tree Size & Species: Height, spread, hardwood vs softwood
- Access & Equipment: Narrow Guildford garden access, equipment size needed
- TPO/Conservation Status: Tree Preservation Orders common in Guildford
- Waste Disposal: Volume of waste, Guildford recycling centre distance
- Season: Dormant season (winter) preferred, nesting season restrictions
- Qualifications: AA approved contractors command higher rates
Area-Specific Considerations
Conservation Areas & Period Properties
- TPO checks essential before any work
- Heritage tree care knowledge needed
- Council approval processes can delay work
Suburban Family Gardens
- Regular maintenance most common
- Child-safe pruning considerations
- Standard species like birch, rowan, apple
New Developments
- Young tree formative pruning
- Builder's landscape maintenance
- Warranty considerations for new plantings
Choosing a Tree Surgeon in Guildford
Verify AA Accreditation & Insurance
Check for Arboricultural Association (AA) approval and public liability insurance (£5m+). For Guildford's TPO areas, experience with council applications is essential. Ask for proof before work starts.
Assess TPO Knowledge
They should check TPO status before quoting and explain Guildford's conservation area rules. Ask how they handle applications and typical timelines for Guildford Borough Council approvals.
Review Waste Management
Professional tree surgeons have waste carrier licenses. They should offer woodchip for gardens or proper disposal at Guildford's Slyfield recycling centre. Get this in writing.
Check Equipment & Safety
They should use appropriate equipment for Guildford's often tight spaces. Ask about safety procedures and property protection. For stump grinding, check they can access your garden.
Local Guildford Insight
Guildford has many Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) - always check with the council before any tree work. The town's clay soil affects tree stability and stump grinding conditions. Conservation areas cover much of central Guildford with strict rules. Many period properties have protected mature trees. For stump removal in Guildford's clay, expect more mess than sandy soils. Schedule work for winter months when trees are dormant and ground is firmer. Always get written confirmation of TPO checks before work begins.
FAQs
How much to prune a small tree in Guildford?
£120–£300 for trees up to 6m. Crown thinning £120–£280, crown lifting £100–£250. TPO trees require council approval adding £50–£150 for applications. Always check TPO status first.
Do I need permission to prune my tree in Guildford?
If the tree has a TPO or is in a conservation area, yes. Check Guildford Borough Council's online map first. Unauthorised work on protected trees can result in significant fines.
What's the best time for tree work in Guildford?
November–February for deciduous trees (dormant season). Avoid March–August due to bird nesting season. Evergreens can be pruned year-round except in freezing conditions.
Can I remove a tree stump myself?
Small stumps maybe, but stump grinding requires specialist equipment. In Guildford's clay soil, it's particularly challenging. Professional removal ensures complete grinding and proper waste disposal.
Conclusion
Tree work in Guildford costs £120–£300 for small tree pruning, £80–£200 for stump grinding, £15–£35 per metre for hedge trimming. Always check TPO status before any work. Use AA approved tree surgeons with Guildford experience. Get written quotes including waste disposal and TPO application costs if needed.
Tip:
Check TPO status on Guildford Borough Council website before getting quotes. Schedule winter work for best prices and tree health. Keep woodchip for garden mulch. For conservation areas, factor in application time (4-8 weeks). Always get insurance proof before work starts.