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

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

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

£150–£350

Crown lift/thin, shape, under 6m

Stump Grinding (Small, 30cm dia.)

£80–£180

Grind to 15-20cm below ground

Large Hedge Trim (per metre)

£8–£20

Leylandii, laurel, reduction/shape

Deadwood Removal/ Safety Prune

£200–£500

Mature tree, from ground/ climb

2026 Tree Work Price Breakdown

Service in Woking	Cost	Local Notes
Small Ornamental Tree Prune (e.g., Birch, Mountain Ash, up to 6m)	£150–£350	Light crown thin, shape, raise lower branches. Common in suburban gardens.
Fruit Tree Pruning (Apple, Pear, Plum - Standard)	£120–£280	Seasonal pruning for health/fruit yield. Knowledge of fruit tree biology needed.
Large Tree Crown Reduction/Thin (e.g., Oak, Sycamore, 8-12m)	£400–£1,200+	Significant work, may need climbing & section felling. Often requires planning permission.
Deadwood Removal & Safety Inspection (Mature Tree)	£200–£500	Removing hazardous branches over property/paths. Basic health check included.
Hedge Trimming (Leylandii, Laurel, per linear metre)	£8–£20	Height reduction adds cost. Disposal of clippings usually included.
Hedge Reduction (Overgrown, cut back hard)	£15–£30 per metre	Restoring a neglected hedge. May require multiple visits if cutting into old wood.
Stump Grinding (Small, up to 30cm diameter)	£80–£180	Machine access required. Leaves wood chips; removal often extra.
Stump Grinding (Medium, 30-60cm diameter)	£150–£350	For larger garden trees. Depth up to 30cm below ground typical.
Tree/Shrub Removal (Small, easy access)	£100–£300	Felling, cutting up, removal of all arisings. Stump grinding usually extra.
Site Clearance & Waste Removal (per load)	£80–£150	For branches and chippings. Many jobs include this, but check the quote.

Common Garden Tree Packages

Garden Tidy & Safety Package

£300–£700

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

Orchard/Fruit Tree Care Package

£250–£600

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

Boundary Hedge Maintenance Package

£200–£500

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

What Affects Tree Work Costs in Woking?

Tree Size, Species & Condition: Height, spread, wood density, health, and presence of decay.
Access & Location: Back garden with narrow side access vs. front garden. Proximity to buildings, power lines, and fences.
Complexity of Work: Simple prune vs. complex rigging and section felling in confined spaces.
Equipment Required: Need for climbing, cherry picker (MEWP), or large stump grinder.
Waste Volume & Disposal: Amount of brash and timber to be processed and removed from site.
Qualifications & Insurance: Arborists with higher certifications (L6) and full insurance cost more.

Common Tree Types & Issues in Woking

Suburban Garden Trees

Overgrown Leylandii hedges (boundary disputes)
Silver Birch, Rowan, Cherry (ornamental pruning)
Apple, Plum, Fig (fruit tree maintenance)

Mature Trees in Larger Gardens

Oak, Beech, Sycamore (crown reductions, deadwood)
Willow (near structures, pond management)
Conifers (Thuja, Pine - height reduction)

Problematic Species

Poplar (invasive roots, suckering)
Eucalyptus (fast growth, heavy branches)
Ivy-Clad Trees (hides defects, adds weight)

How to Choose a Tree Surgeon in Woking

Verify Insurance & Qualifications (Arborist vs. Tree Cutter)

They must have £5 million+ Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance. Look for qualifications like NPTC certificates (CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39) and ideally a Level 3/4 Arboriculture diploma. Ask for proof.

Get a Detailed Written Quote & Check for TPOs

The quote should specify exact work (e.g., 'crown thin by 20%'), cleanup level, and waste disposal. CRITICAL: Ask them to check with Woking Borough Council for any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or if you're in a Conservation Area. Unauthorised work can lead to large fines.

Assess Their Approach to Tree Health & Safety

A good arborist will discuss the tree's health and the reason for the work (safety, health, light). They should use modern climbing techniques and appropriate safety gear. Beware of anyone recommending topping a tree (cutting main leaders) – this is bad practice.

Local Woking, East Sussex Insight

Woking 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. Common issues include overgrown Leylandii hedges causing neighbour disputes and mature trees shading gardens. 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. Always get 2-3 quotes, as methods and thoroughness can vary widely.

FAQs

Do I need permission to prune or remove 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 Woking Borough Council. A good tree surgeon will check this for you. There are no general felling licenses required for most private garden trees otherwise.

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 digging out the entire root ball, which is far more invasive, expensive, and often unnecessary for most garden projects.

When is the best time to prune trees?

For most trees, late autumn to early winter (dormant season) is ideal. However, deadwood can be removed any time. Some species like cherry/plum are best pruned in summer to avoid disease. A qualified arborist will know the correct timing.

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

Usually, yes. 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 upon in the quote, as it saves them disposal costs and may reduce the price slightly.

Conclusion

Tree pruning in Woking costs £150–£350 for a small tree, with stump grinding from £80–£180. Always use a qualified, insured arborist who checks for TPOs. Prioritise health and safety over the cheapest quote. Proper tree care enhances your garden's safety, health, and appearance, and protects your property value.

Tip:

Take photos of the trees/hedges before work starts and share them with the arborist when getting quotes. Clearly mark any specific branches or areas of concern. Discuss future maintenance plans to keep costs predictable.