Cost of removing tree?

[FujiWisteria]

Hello everyone,

We have a beautiful copper beech tree on our driveway, which is unfortunately lifting up the concrete driveway and our neighbours have stated that it's starting to lift theirs. I wonder if there is a way of blocking the roots from growing into that direction, or we'll have to accept that it needs complete removal.

Has anyone removed a tree recently and is able to outline costs of removal? Based in the SE of the country.

I assume it hasn't got a TPO on it?

No it doesn't have a TPO

If it is a large mature tree, ie you can't get your arms around it, then well in the thousands, probably. I see you have checked about the TPO but it might also be worth making sure you aren't in a conservation area as well.

Something you have to remember is that removal of a tree that size can cause more problems than it solves - heave being the main thing.

You should be asking a reputable tree surgeon their advice. It may be possible to keep it, but reduce the crown.

It depends whether you want the stump removing or not and how big the tree is . To remove a large tree (about twice height of two story house) was a mornings work for three tree surgeons and cost £800. If we wanted the stump ground out it would cost another £150 . This is in a cheaper area than south east.

On the whole we have left stumps in to rot down , you can put copper nails in or salt to speed up rotting or get tree surgeon to hollow out top so water collects there. The exception has been sycamore which will resurrect from almost anything if left in.

This is with a reputable and insured tree surgeon and a tree that needed a climber to bring down.

To offset that we have a log burner , so the wood has been chopped and stacked and will be ready to burn in around 2 years.

I had three trees removed about a year ago that were mature and sadly dying. It cost about £3k and that also included pruning some other trees. It included about three men for two days and a crane in my front garden.

Access is a big thing that can put the price up, and how close to the boundary, as well as the size of the tree.

Blocking the roots in their direction will make it more likely to blow down in your direction. Roots act like guy ropes.

Seek advice from someone with an arboriculture qualification (not someone with just tools and a rope access certificate)