What Does Tree Felling Cost?

If you have a tree on your property that needs to come down, one of the first questions you will ask is: what is the tree felling cost going to be? Tree felling cost in Ireland can vary quite a bit depending on a range of factors, and it is worth understanding what drives those costs before you start ringing around for quotes. Whether you have a small garden tree that has outgrown its space or a large mature oak that is posing a risk to your home, this guide will walk you through what you can realistically expect to pay.

Typical Tree Felling Costs in Ireland

As a general rule of thumb, tree felling in Ireland costs anywhere from around €400 to well over €3,000. That is a wide range, and the reason for it comes down to the enormous variation in tree size, location, and the specific work involved.

Most professional tree surgeons will have a minimum call-out fee, which typically sits at around €400 regardless of the job. This covers their time, travel, insurance, and equipment. For very small trees, the minimum call-out may actually end up being the main cost driver rather than the complexity of the work itself.

Breaking it down by tree size gives a clearer picture. For small trees up to around 5 metres in height, you can generally expect to pay between €150 and €700. Medium-sized trees in the 5 to 12 metre range typically fall between €600 and €1,200. For large trees over 12 metres, prices commonly start at €1,200 and can climb to €4,000 or more depending on the complexity of the job. These figures are estimates based on typical market rates across Ireland, and the actual price you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your tree and property.

What Affects the Price of Tree Removal?

Understanding what pushes the price up or down can help you have a more informed conversation with any contractor you bring in to assess the job.

Tree size and condition are the two most obvious starting points. A taller tree simply takes more time and equipment to safely dismantle. However, the condition of the tree matters just as much. A healthy, structurally sound tree is actually more predictable to work with. A tree that is diseased, hollow, or unstable can be significantly more hazardous to remove, requiring slower, more careful work and sometimes specialist rigging techniques. This increased risk and time investment will be reflected in the quote.

Accessibility is another major factor that people often overlook when budgeting for tree work. If a contractor can drive a chipper or crane directly alongside the tree, the job will be quicker and cheaper. If your tree is tucked into the back corner of a walled garden, accessed only through a narrow side passage, or sitting close to a boundary wall, power lines, or a greenhouse, the job becomes considerably more difficult. Each additional complication adds time and risk, and that means a higher price.

The specific services included in your quote matter enormously, and this is where homeowners sometimes get caught out. The basic felling price will generally cover cutting the tree down and sectioning the main trunk. It will often not include stump grinding or stump removal, which is a separate process requiring specialist machinery and is usually priced as an add-on. Disposal of the wood and green waste is similarly often charged separately. Before agreeing to any quote, clarify exactly what is and is not included.

Your location in Ireland also plays a role. Costs in Dublin and other major cities tend to be higher than in rural areas, reflecting higher operating costs for contractors working in urban environments. That said, there are excellent tree surgeons working throughout the country, including in regional cities and towns. If you are based in Munster, for instance, seeking out specialists who are already working in your area rather than travelling from afar can help keep costs reasonable. Reputable providers such as those offering tree surgery Limerick services can often deliver competitive pricing precisely because they are local to the area and not charging for long-distance travel.

Emergency and out-of-hours work commands a premium. If a storm has brought a tree down across your driveway or onto your roof and you need someone to respond urgently, expect to pay significantly more than you would for a planned removal carried out during normal working hours. This is simply the reality of emergency call-out work, and it applies across all trades.

Do You Need a Felling Licence in Ireland?

This is a question that catches many homeowners off guard, and it is important to get right. Under Irish law, it is generally an offence to uproot or cut down any tree without a felling licence granted by the Forest Service, which operates under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

There are, however, important exemptions. Trees growing within the curtilage of a private dwelling house are generally exempt from the felling licence requirement, provided the tree does not fall under a Tree Preservation Order. Trees under a certain volume threshold (5 cubic metres) also fall outside the scope of the requirement in many cases. If your tree is in an urban garden and is not subject to any planning conditions, you will likely be fine without a licence, but it is always worth checking.

If you are in any doubt, your local authority planning department can advise on whether a Tree Preservation Order applies to trees on your property. Any reputable tree surgeon will also be familiar with these rules and should flag any concerns before work begins. You can find full guidance on the felling licence application process on the gov.ie website.

Choosing the Right Tree Surgeon

Not all tree removal contractors are created equal, and given that tree felling involves working at height with chainsaws near buildings and people, choosing the right professional matters. Always look for contractors who are fully insured, including public liability cover, and who hold relevant qualifications. In Ireland and the UK, the relevant benchmark is generally ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification or equivalent.

Avoid anyone who turns up unsolicited offering cheap cash-in-hand removals. Tree work gone wrong can result in serious structural damage to your property or, in the worst cases, serious injury. Paying for a qualified, insured professional is not just about compliance; it is about protecting yourself and your property.

Getting the Best Deal

The single most effective way to ensure you are paying a fair price is to get at least three quotes from different contractors. Prices for the same job can vary considerably, and comparing quotes also gives you a sense of what is considered a reasonable scope of work. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low, as these may not include stump removal, waste disposal, or adequate insurance.

When requesting quotes, be as specific as possible about the tree: its height, approximate diameter at the base, proximity to structures or boundaries, and access to the site. The more information you give upfront, the more accurate the quotes will be and the less likely you are to encounter unexpected costs on the day.

It is also worth asking contractors whether the timber has any value. Mature hardwood logs, particularly oak or ash, can sometimes be sold or given away to firewood merchants, which a contractor may factor into their pricing.

A Final Word on Tree Work Costs

Tree felling is not a job where it pays to cut corners, financially or otherwise. The cost reflects genuine risk, skill, and specialist equipment. That said, with a clear understanding of what affects pricing, a willingness to shop around, and a commitment to hiring qualified professionals, there is no reason you cannot get the job done at a fair price. Whether you are dealing with a troublesome garden tree in Dublin or a large mature specimen in the countryside, the key is to be informed, ask the right questions, and never rush into hiring the first contractor who gives you a number.