Tree Pruning & Small Stump Removal Costs in Worthing 2026
Comprehensive 2026 price guide for tree pruning, small stump removal, and hedge cutting services in Worthing, East Sussex, covering crown reduction, thinning, deadwood removal, and coastal property tree care. This detailed analysis includes verified local arborist rates, service comparisons, and essential advice for finding qualified, insured professionals serving Worthing's unique tree management challenges from retirement bungalow gardens to seafront properties with specific wind exposure and preservation requirements.
Worthing Tree Pruning Price Summary
Small Tree Pruning (Up to 6m)
Typical price: £150–£350
Includes: Crown reduction, thinning, waste removal
Stump Grinding (Small, up to 30cm)
Typical price: £80–£180
Examples: Grinding to 30cm depth, site cleanup
Hedge Trimming (Per metre)
Typical price: £8–£20 per metre
Note: Height dependent, waste removal included
Coastal Tree Wind Pruning
Typical price: £200–£450+
Common in Worthing: Specialist shaping for wind resistance
Worthing Tree Pruning & Stump Removal Prices 2026: Complete Breakdown
| Tree & Stump Service in Worthing | Average Cost | Worthing-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ServiceSmall Tree Pruning (Up to 6m height) | Typical cost£150–£350 | NotesCrown reduction, thinning, deadwood removal. Common for garden trees in Worthing's many suburban properties. |
| ServiceMedium Tree Pruning (6-10m height) | Typical cost£250–£600 | NotesMay require climbing equipment. Common boundary trees in larger Worthing gardens. |
| ServiceCrown Reduction (20-30%) | Typical cost£200–£500 | NotesReducing overall size while maintaining shape. Often needed near buildings in Worthing's compact gardens. |
| ServiceCrown Thinning (Light to medium) | Typical cost£180–£450 | NotesRemoving selective branches to reduce density. Improves light penetration - valuable in shaded Worthing gardens. |
| ServiceDeadwood Removal (Per tree) | Typical cost£120–£300 | NotesSafety pruning. Coastal trees often have more deadwood due to salt exposure and wind damage. |
| ServiceStump Grinding (Small, up to 30cm diameter) | Typical cost£80–£180 | NotesGrinding to 30cm depth, chips left on site or removed. Common after tree removal in Worthing gardens. |
| ServiceStump Grinding (Medium, 30-60cm) | Typical cost£150–£350 | NotesLarger equipment needed. Additional cost for difficult access common in Worthing's rear gardens. |
| ServiceHedge Trimming (Up to 2m height, per metre) | Typical cost£8–£20 per metre | NotesLaurel, privet, conifer etc. Waste removal included. Many Worthing properties have boundary hedges. |
| ServiceTall Hedge Trimming (2-4m height, per metre) | Typical cost£12–£30 per metre | NotesRequires platforms or specialist equipment. Leylandii common in Worthing, needs regular control. |
| ServiceTree Pollarding (Established tree) | Typical cost£300–£750 | NotesSpecialist technique for specific species. Requires ongoing maintenance commitment. |
| ServiceFruit Tree Pruning (Standard) | Typical cost£80–£200 per tree | NotesSeasonal pruning for health and yield. Common in Worthing's many productive gardens. |
| ServiceCoastal Wind Pruning/Shaping | Typical cost£200–£450+ | NotesSpecialist shaping to reduce wind resistance. Essential for trees in exposed seafront locations. |
| ServiceTree Safety Survey/Report | Typical cost£100–£250 | NotesProfessional assessment of tree health and safety. Recommended after storms in coastal areas. |
| ServiceTPO Application Assistance | Typical cost£150–£350 | NotesHelp with Tree Preservation Order applications. Many Worthing areas have TPOs requiring council permission. |
| ServiceLight Reduction Pruning (For buildings) | Typical cost£180–£400 | NotesImproving light to properties. Common request in Worthing's shaded older gardens with mature trees. |
| ServiceRetirement Property Garden Safety Pruning | Typical cost£150–£350 | NotesFocus on removing trip hazards, improving visibility, creating safe garden spaces for elderly residents. |
| ServiceView Creation/Enhancement Pruning | Typical cost£200–£500 | NotesSelective pruning to create or improve sea or garden views. Premium service for coastal properties. |
| ServiceEmergency Storm Damage Clear-up | Typical cost£200–£600+ | NotesUrgent response for fallen branches, hazardous limbs. Premium for immediate attention after Worthing storms. |
Popular Tree Care Packages in Worthing
Many Worthing arborists offer package deals for common scenarios:
Coastal Garden Wind Protection
Typical Price: £300–£700
Includes: Wind shaping of 2-3 trees, deadwood removal, storm damage inspection, wind-resistant pruning advice
Best For: Seafront properties, exposed gardens
Retirement Garden Safety Package
Typical Price: £250–£550
Includes: Trip hazard removal, light improvement pruning, low branch clearance, safe access creation
Best For: Bungalow gardens, elderly resident properties
Annual Hedge & Tree Maintenance
Typical Price: £200–£500
Includes: Hedge trimming (up to 20m), 2-3 small tree pruning, light reduction where needed, waste removal
Best For: Suburban gardens with mixed planting
Garden Revitalization Package
Typical Price: £400–£900
Includes: Crown reduction/thinning of mature trees, stump grinding of 1-2 old stumps, hedge restoration, light assessment
Best For: Overgrown gardens needing comprehensive attention
9 Factors Affecting Tree Pruning Costs in Worthing
- Tree Size & Species: Height, spread, wood density, growth habits.
- Access Difficulty: Rear garden access, narrow passages, overhead obstructions.
- Pruning Complexity: Simple reduction vs detailed crown shaping, proximity to buildings.
- Waste Disposal: Volume of material, chipper use needed, tip fees.
- Coastal Considerations: Wind exposure, salt damage, specialized shaping for wind resistance.
- Season & Timing: Dormant season vs growing season, bird nesting restrictions (March-August).
- Equipment Required: Basic tools vs cherry picker, stump grinder, wood chipper.
- Regulatory Requirements: TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders), conservation area restrictions.
- Safety Concerns: Deadwood, disease, proximity to power lines, storm damage.
Worthing Tree Services: Area Coverage & Common Issues
Different areas of Worthing present distinct tree management challenges:
Central Worthing & Seafront
(BN11 postcode)
- Common Issues: Salt wind damage, TPO protected trees, compact garden access
- Typical Response: 1-3 weeks for non-urgent, 24-48hr for emergencies
- Specialist Needs: TPO application experience, coastal wind pruning knowledge, compact access equipment
- Unique Challenges: Parking for equipment, conservation area restrictions, holiday let garden maintenance
West Worthing, Goring & Ferring
(BN12, BN13)
- Common Issues: Mature garden trees, boundary hedge disputes, retirement property safety pruning
- Typical Response: 2-4 weeks for scheduled work
- Specialist Needs: Large tree expertise, hedge law knowledge, elderly client communication
- Unique Challenges: Large equipment access in narrow lanes, TPOs on mature specimens, light right to light considerations
Durrington & East Worthing
(BN13, BN14)
- Common Issues: New development boundary trees, suburban garden maintenance, view creation requests
- Typical Response: 3-6 weeks during growing season
- Specialist Needs: New build garden knowledge, fast-growing species management
- Unique Challenges: Shared access with new neighbours, developer-planted tree maintenance, estate management coordination
Getting an Accurate Tree Pruning Quote in Worthing: 10 Essential Details
- Tree Species & Size: Type of tree, approximate height and spread, trunk diameter.
- Work Required: Specific pruning type (reduction, thinning, deadwood), percentage reduction desired.
- Access Information: Gate widths, overhead wires, neighbouring property access needed.
- Waste Disposal Preferences: Chips left on site, logs stacked, complete removal.
- TPO Status: Check if tree has Tree Preservation Order or is in conservation area.
- Coastal Exposure: Proximity to sea, prevailing wind direction, existing wind damage.
- Safety Concerns: Dead branches visible, fungal growth, proximity to buildings.
- Timing Requirements: Specific timeframe, bird nesting season considerations.
- Neighbour Considerations: Overhanging branches from/to neighbouring properties.
- Special Requirements: View creation, light improvement, fruit production enhancement.
Worthing Tree Services: Essential Questions Answered
What's the average cost for tree pruning in Worthing?
Small trees (up to 6m) typically cost £150–£350, medium trees (6-10m) £250–£600. Stump grinding ranges from £80–£180 for small stumps to £150–£350 for medium. Hedge trimming averages £8–£20 per metre.
Do I need permission to prune trees in Worthing?
Yes if: Tree has a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) or property is in a conservation area. Always check with Worthing Borough Council before work. Unauthorised work on protected trees can result in fines up to £20,000.
How does coastal location affect tree pruning in Worthing?
Coastal trees require: Wind-resistant shaping techniques, more frequent deadwood removal due to salt damage, special attention to windward sides, and often different pruning schedules to avoid storm season.
When is the best time to prune trees in Worthing?
Late autumn to early spring (November-March) for most trees, avoiding bird nesting season (March-August). Fruit trees have specific seasonal requirements. Emergency work can be done anytime if there's safety risk.
What should I check when hiring a tree surgeon in Worthing?
Verify: NPTC/AA qualifications, insurance (£5m+ public liability), TPO experience, coastal tree references, written detailed quotes, and membership in professional associations like ARB or AA.
How to Choose a Reliable Arborist in Worthing, East Sussex
Verify Qualifications & Insurance
Always check for NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) qualifications and AA (Arboricultural Association) membership. Ensure they have £5-10 million public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance. For coastal work, ask about specific experience with wind-pruning techniques and salt-damage assessment.
Check TPO & Conservation Area Experience
Many Worthing areas have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation area restrictions. A professional arborist should check TPO status before quoting, understand application processes for permissions, and have experience with council consultations. They should never recommend illegal work.
Assess Equipment & Safety Standards
Professional tree surgeons use properly maintained climbing equipment, wood chippers with safety guards, and appropriate personal protective equipment. They should conduct site-specific risk assessments and have emergency rescue procedures. For coastal work, ask about wind speed monitoring equipment.
Review Pruning Philosophy & Techniques
Good arborists follow BS3998 tree work recommendations, practice natural target pruning (avoiding flush cuts), and understand species-specific requirements. They should explain why each cut is needed and provide aftercare advice. Beware of "topping" or excessive pruning that harms tree health.
Evaluate Waste Management & Clean-up
Professional services include proper waste disposal or chipping for mulch. They should leave the site clean and safe, with chips/logs stacked as requested. Ask about wood retention options if you want logs for firewood. Ensure they have waste carrier licenses for off-site disposal.
📍 Local Worthing Tree Care Insight
Worthing's tree care needs are shaped by its coastal climate, mature gardens, and regulatory environment. Salt winds cause asymmetric growth - trees need windward side pruning. Many areas have TPOs - always check before work. Autumn/winter is best for pruning, but avoid nesting season (March-August). Coastal trees may need more frequent light pruning rather than heavy reductions to maintain wind resistance. Consider view corridor creation if you have sea glimpses. Retirement properties benefit from raised canopy pruning for better light and security. After storms, inspect trees for root plate movement - common in Worthing's clay soils. Chip mulch from pruning makes excellent garden mulch but can be salty in coastal areas. Always get multiple quotes but beware of significantly low prices - proper tree work requires qualified personnel and adequate insurance.
Finding Reliable Tree Services in Worthing: 2026 Guide
Tree pruning costs in Worthing reflect the town's coastal environment and regulatory landscape. Small tree pruning ranges from £150–£350, with stump grinding costing £80–£180 for small stumps and £150–£350 for medium. Hedge trimming averages £8–£20 per metre. Always choose qualified arborists with specific coastal experience, as Worthing's salt winds require specialised pruning techniques and more frequent maintenance. For protected trees, ensure the arborist has TPO application experience - unauthorised work carries heavy fines. Regular tree maintenance not only keeps gardens looking their best but also improves safety, enhances property value, and can create or protect desirable sea views. Investing in professional tree care protects both your property and Worthing's valuable tree canopy.
Local Tree Care Insight:
Schedule tree work for November-February when trees are dormant and arborists have better availability. Check TPO status on the Worthing Borough Council website before planning any work. After storms, inspect trees for cracks, hanging branches, or root movement. Consider crown thinning rather than reduction for coastal trees to maintain wind resistance. Keep pruning waste as woodchip mulch for garden beds - it's free and sustainable. For boundary trees, discuss plans with neighbours to avoid disputes. If creating sea views, prune selectively to maintain tree health while opening vistas. After pruning, consider applying seaweed-based fertiliser to help coastal trees recover. Finally, establish a relationship with a local arborist who understands your garden's microclimate - they'll provide consistent care and notice changes in tree health over time.