Job type – Select your tree pruning type. If you are not sure, select “General prune”
How many trees – Enter the number of trees you need pruning
Tree Height – Select the height which best represents your tree or trees
Location – Where on your property is the tree
Note: There are several factors which contribute to the cost of tree pruning, so the price may vary from the estimates above. For a more accurate price it is strongly recommended you get 3 quotes from local tree services to get a firm price before deciding on any one company for the job.
Tree pruning costs are influenced by several factors, each affecting the complexity, time, and safety involved in the job.
Below are the main factors that tree services consider when quoting pruning work, listed from most to least impactful.
Tree Size – Larger trees take more time, equipment, and skill to prune safely, especially if climbing or elevated work platforms are needed. Taller or wider trees will always cost more to prune than smaller ones.
Type of Pruning Required – Different pruning methods vary in complexity. For example, a light formative prune is quicker and cheaper than a full crown reduction or deadwooding high-risk limbs. The more technical or labour-intensive the pruning type, the higher the cost.
Number and Density of Branches – A tree with dense foliage and lots of branches will take longer to prune than one with a sparse canopy, even if they’re the same height. Thicker growth means more cutting, cleanup, and potentially green waste removal.
Accessibility – Trees located in tight or difficult-to-access areas—like over a fence, near power lines, or behind structures—are harder to reach and may require specialist equipment. This added effort can increase the overall price.
Obstacles and Hazards – Nearby buildings, sheds, fences, or power lines can make pruning more delicate and dangerous. Extra care and setup time add to the job cost.
Condition of the Tree – A tree in poor health or structural decline (e.g. brittle limbs, disease) might be riskier to work on, requiring more careful pruning techniques or additional safety measures, which increases costs.
Location and Timing – Some seasons, like winter, tend to be slower for tree services, which can lead to slightly cheaper quotes. In contrast, peak times, such as spring and summer, can push prices higher due to demand.
The Tree Service You Hire – Arborists price their work differently based on experience, equipment, crew size, and overheads. For the best value, always get at least three quotes and ensure the arborist is qualified and insured.
General Pruning (Formative / Health Pruning) – This is routine pruning that improves the tree’s overall health and structure. It includes removing small branches, shaping young trees (formative pruning), and clearing out minor defects to promote strong future growth.
Deadwooding – Deadwooding involves removing dead, dying, or diseased branches from a tree. It’s done to reduce the risk of falling limbs, improve tree health, and enhance appearance, especially important in high-traffic areas or over buildings.
Crown Thinning – This method involves selectively removing branches throughout the crown to reduce its density without altering the overall shape. It allows more light and wind to pass through the tree, reducing wind resistance and promoting inner canopy growth.
Crown Lift – A crown lift removes the lower branches of a tree to raise the height of the canopy. This is often done to improve access under the tree, clear lines of sight, or create clearance for fences, paths, vehicles, or buildings.
Crown Reduction – Crown reduction reduces the overall height or spread of the tree by carefully cutting back outer branches. It’s used to control the size of a tree, reduce shading, or minimise stress on heavy limbs—ideal near structures or power lines.
