Tree felling costs 2026

Felling a tree costs on average between €400 and €800, depending on the size, accessibility, and whether the trunk and branches also need to be removed. When removing a tree, a gardener saws the trunk into pieces and removes all branches, after which you choose whether to process the wood yourself or have it disposed of. In this price guide, you can read exactly what the costs for felling a tree are and which factors influence the price.

What does felling a tree cost?

Felling a tree costs on average €400 to €800, depending on the size. Felling a small tree costs approximately €400, while a large tree can cost up to €800. The costs for felling a tree are calculated per project and include sawing the trunk and removing all branches.

Tree felling costs per type

Type of tree	Costs
Felling a small tree	€400
Felling a medium-sized tree	€600
Felling a large tree	€800
Removing tree stump	€65-€80

The table shows the average costs for removing a tree per type. A small tree has a trunk diameter up to about 30 cm, a medium-sized tree between 30 and 50 cm, and a large tree more than 50 cm. The costs for removing the tree stump are in addition to the price for the felling itself.

For a large tree with little space around it, costs can rise to approximately €1,050. This is because the professional must work extra carefully and the tree often needs to be sawn into smaller sections to prevent damage to buildings or planting.

All stated costs include 21% VAT and labour. Wood disposal is not included as standard and can be arranged for an additional fee.

Tree felling costs per type of tree

The costs for felling a tree vary mainly based on size. A small tree with a trunk diameter up to 30 cm is relatively easy to remove, while a large tree with a diameter of more than 50 cm requires significantly more time and work.

Type of tree	Costs
Small tree	€400
Medium-sized tree	€600
Large tree	€800
Removing tree stump	€65-€80

Price-determining factors for felling a tree

The costs for felling a tree vary per situation. One tree requires more work than another, and circumstances also play a role. Below you can read which factors influence the price and why.

Size of the tree

The larger the tree, the higher the costs. A larger tree has more branches, a thicker trunk and requires heavier tools. The gardener needs more time to safely saw the tree into pieces and remove all parts. This increases both the labour duration and the equipment usage.

Method of removal

There are different ways to fell a tree. Felling (sawing off at the ground) is the fastest and cheapest. The climbing technique, where the gardener saws off branches from the top down, takes more time and requires specific expertise. Hiring a cherry picker is the most expensive option, but sometimes necessary for difficult-to-reach or diseased trees.

Available space around the tree

With little space, the professional must work more carefully to prevent damage to buildings or planting. The tree is then sawn into smaller sections, which takes more time. This leads to higher costs, especially with large trees in densely built-up gardens.

Felling permit

Many municipalities require a felling permit, depending on the trunk circumference or tree species. The application often takes several weeks and costs time. Illegal felling can lead to high fines. Check with your municipality in advance whether you need a permit before starting the work.

Removing tree stump

Felling a tree does not automatically include removing the stump. If you also want the stump removed, additional costs of €65 to €80 apply. This requires additional tools and labour, increasing the total price.

Wood disposal

Having the wood disposed of or chipped is not included in the price as standard. This service costs extra because the gardener needs more time and resources for transport and processing. You can save by keeping the wood yourself as firewood or disposing of it yourself.

Urgency

Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. The gardener must adjust their schedule and cannot always prepare optimally. This increases costs as flexibility and speed require extra time and organisation.

Weekend or weekdays

Work at the weekend costs more than during the week. Gardeners normally work from Monday to Friday, and weekend work requires a surcharge. Plan the task during the week if you want to keep costs down.

Region

In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher labour costs, parking pressure, and longer travel times. A local professional can limit these costs because they arrive on site faster.

Preparation

Good preparation saves time and therefore money. Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. Remove obstacles such as garden furniture or toys, and inform neighbours about potential nuisance. The easier the gardener can work, the faster the job is finished.

Address small problems early

Do not postpone tasks. A tree that threatens to fall over or causes damage becomes more complicated and expensive to remove as the problem grows. Acting early prevents larger repair costs.

Fair platform

At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises. The affiliated professionals work at fixed rates, so you can estimate the costs before the work begins.

Additional costs and surcharges

The costs for felling a tree can increase due to additional work or surcharges. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.

• Urgency surcharge: A surcharge applies for urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their planning
• Weekend surcharge: Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week
• Removing tree stump: Extra costs of €65 to €80 per stump
• Wood disposal: Having wood disposed of or chipped costs extra
• Cherry picker: For difficult-to-reach or diseased trees that cannot be climbed, a cherry picker must be hired, which significantly increases costs

How does the gardener work when felling a tree?

Felling a tree follows a fixed sequence of steps.

1. Inspection and permit check: The gardener assesses the tree, the environment, and checks if a felling permit is required. If in doubt, they can help with the application, making the costs clear in advance.
2. Workspace preparation: The area around the tree is cleared and cordoned off. The gardener checks for cables and pipes via a KLIC notification to prevent damage.
3. Felling: Depending on the situation, the tree is felled, dismantled using climbing techniques, or removed with a cherry picker. Professional gardeners take measures against falling branches and damage to buildings.
4. Stump removal: If desired, the stump is removed by grinding or excavation. The costs for removing the tree stump are €65 to €80 and are in addition to the price for the felling itself.
5. Material disposal: Branches and trunk wood are disposed of or chipped, unless you keep the wood yourself. Cleaning up and potentially filling the hole with soil completes the job.

How can you save on felling a tree?

There are several ways to reduce the costs of felling a tree without compromising on quality.

• Dispose of the wood yourself: By keeping the wood yourself as firewood or disposing of it yourself, you save on disposal costs. This easily saves dozens of euros in extra work.
• Plan in the low season: In the winter months (November to March), demand is lower and prices are often more favourable. Gardeners then have more time and flexibility in their planning.
• Choose an experienced climbing gardener: A gardener with climbing experience does not need a cherry picker, which saves significantly on costs. Climbing work is more efficient and therefore cheaper for trees that are easily accessible.
• Good preparation: Ensure the garden is accessible, remove obstacles such as garden furniture or toys, and inform neighbours about potential nuisance. The faster the professional can start, the less time the job takes.
• Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.

Common reasons to fell a tree

Trees are felled for various reasons, from safety risks to practical necessity.

Diseased or dead tree

A tree with fungus, pests, or rot can fall over and poses a danger to people and property. The trunk weakens from the inside, causing stability to be lost and branches to break off unexpectedly.

Grown too large

The tree takes away too much light or the roots damage sewerage, paving, or foundations. This leads to costly repairs and reduced living comfort due to constant shade in the garden.

Storm damage

After a storm, a damaged tree can be unstable and break further. Waiting to remove it increases the risk of damage to buildings or injury during new gusts of wind.

Space for renovation

When creating a terrace, pond, or extension, the tree must go. The costs for removing the tree are then part of the total renovation project.

Nuisance

Overhanging branches, falling leaves, or shade problems cause daily hindrance. Ignoring this leads to growing frustration and sometimes legal disputes with neighbours.

Find the best gardener for felling a tree

A reliable gardener ensures safe and professional work, without risk of damage or complications.

• Experience and insurance: A professional gardener masters various felling techniques and has public liability insurance that covers damage to property during the work.
• Permits and safety: Check if the professional can help with permit applications and if they perform a KLIC notification to locate cables and pipes before they start.
• No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, keeping costs predictable.
• Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what you pay before the work starts, without surprises afterwards.
• Fast booking without quote hassle: Choose a moment and book directly, without waiting long for quotes.
• Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay once the job is fully completed and you are satisfied.
• Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated gardeners are verified for professional knowledge and reliability, so you are assured of quality work at fair prices.

Frequently asked questions about felling a tree

What does it cost on average to fell a tree?

On average, costs for felling a tree range between €400 and €800, depending on the size. A small tree costs about €400, a medium-sized tree around €600, and a large tree can go up to €800. For difficult-to-reach locations, costs may be higher.

Do I need a felling permit?

This depends on your municipality, the trunk circumference, and the tree species. Many municipalities require a permit for trees with a trunk circumference above a certain size. Always check with your municipality in advance whether you need a felling permit. Illegal felling can lead to high fines.

When is the best season to fell a tree?

Winter (November to March) is ideal for felling. There are fewer leaves on the tree and costs are often lower due to less demand. Note: between March and July, a felling ban often applies due to the bird breeding season.

How long does it take to fell a tree?

A small tree takes a few hours, a large tree can take a whole day. This depends on the method (felling, climbing technique, or cherry picker) and the accessibility of the tree. With little space or complex situations, the work takes more time.

What happens to the wood after felling?

The gardener can dispose of the wood or chip it for an additional fee. You can also keep it yourself as firewood, which saves on disposal costs. Discuss what you want to do with the material in advance.

Must the tree stump also be removed?

This is optional, but often necessary if you want to use the spot for paving or new planting. The costs for removing the tree stump are €65 to €80 and are in addition to the price for the felling itself.

Can I fell a tree myself?

This is strongly discouraged due to safety risks such as falling branches, damage to buildings, and personal injury. A professional gardener has the right experience, tools, and insurance to perform the job safely.

What if the tree is on the boundary line?

Consult with your neighbours and check ownership rights. If in doubt, you can consult the municipality. A tree on the boundary line is often common property, meaning both parties must agree to the felling.

Are there alternatives to complete felling?

Sometimes pruning or crown reduction is sufficient to solve problems with light, shade, or overhanging branches. The costs for pruning a tree are lower than felling, and you partially retain the tree in your garden.

Do I need to be home during the work?

This is not mandatory, but it is useful to be reachable for any questions or unexpected situations. Ensure the workspace is easily accessible and obstacles are removed before the gardener starts.

Book a gardener for felling a tree

Ready to have a tree felled? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay when the work is done. Book a professional directly.

Useful links

• Remove tree stump
• Alternatives such as pruning
• Landscaping
• Building a terrace
• Building a pond
• Sowing grass
• Laying turf