Throughout the UK, many homeowners will have gardens with mature and established trees within them.
In most cases, these trees will live long and prosperous lives, far outlasting the current owners of the property. However, in some cases, the current owner of the property may want to remove the tree.
In this article, we are going to explore this topic in more detail so that you are fully informed on the costs, procedures and wider considerations you need to take into account.
The typical cost to remove a tree will depend on its height, width, type, and any obstacles within the garden and neighbouring properties.
As a guide, removal costs will range from £250.00 for smaller trees that are less than 20 metres in height, to well over £2,500.00 for mature trees measuring between 20 and 50 metres in height.
It is worth noting that the cost will only ever be a guide until a tree surgeon has visited the property, inspected the tree and developed an understanding of the obstacles involved. However, many will be able to give a firmer estimate via a WhatsApp message or photograph sent to them.
Another often overlooked consideration before tree removal is that many trees may be subject to tree preservation orders (TPO), meaning that felling them is not permitted. Furthermore, trimming a tree with such an order often requires an application and permission from the local authority.
From the perspective of the property, the presence of mature trees in close or relatively close proximity can result in changes to the soil composition, as the trees draw moisture from the soil, potentially leading to movement and subsidence.
Rectifying this issue is not as simple as just cutting down the tree, as this can result in a heave effect in the soil. The moisture that the tree once absorbed may now saturate the surrounding soil. Instead, it is likely that the tree will require a carefully considered maintenance plan to control its growth.
Therefore, be sure to consult with a building surveyor, structural engineer or arborist well in advance of beginning any tree removal.
During our Level 2 and Level 3 property surveys and Defect Analysis Reports, we encounter many trees and their effects on properties.
If you are in the process of purchasing a home that has mature trees in the garden, be sure to discuss the implications with your surveyor sooner rather than later.
We advise that you make your property insurer aware of the presence of the mature tree to ensure that, should a subsidence issue occur, you are covered and protected against the risk.
