For UK tree surgeons

Tree surgeon quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a tree surgery quote that sets out the trees and the work, site access, waste and arisings removal, any permissions needed and how VAT is shown.

What a tree surgery quote should include

A tree surgery quote needs to leave no room for doubt about which trees you are working on and exactly what you are doing to each one. Set the scope out in plain terms and cover the practical details that affect the price.

• The tree or trees and the work: identify each tree and state the task clearly, whether that is felling, crown reduction, crown thinning, pollarding or deadwooding, and by how much a crown is being reduced.
• Permissions: a check for any Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or whether the tree sits in a conservation area, and a clear line on who obtains permission and who applies to the local council.
• Access and equipment: how you will reach the tree, any restricted access, and the equipment needed such as a mobile elevated work platform, climbing kit or a chipper.
• Waste and arisings: whether branches and timber are removed from site, chipped, or left stacked, and who is responsible for disposal.
• Stump grinding: state clearly whether stump grinding is included or priced separately, and to what depth.
• Site protection and clean up: how you protect lawns, borders and neighbouring property, and that the site is left tidy.
• Insurance and qualifications: your public liability cover and relevant certificates so the customer knows the work is carried out competently.
• VAT: whether your prices include or exclude VAT, and your VAT number if you are registered, so the total is never a surprise.

A tree surgery quote example

The figures below are placeholders to show the layout only. They are not a guide to real prices, which depend on the trees, access, height and site.

• Crown reduction of one mature oak by an agreed percentage: [amount]
• Felling of one dead sycamore in sections: [amount]
• Chipping of brash and removal of all arisings from site: [amount]
• Stump grinding of the felled sycamore to below ground level: [amount]
• Subtotal: [subtotal]
• VAT at the applicable rate: [VAT amount]
• Total: [total]

The mistakes that cost tree surgeons money on a quote

• Not checking for a TPO or conservation area before quoting: if a tree is protected and consent has not been granted, the work cannot go ahead, and quoting blind wastes your time and can put the customer at risk of a fine.
• Underpricing access and waste removal: a tricky rear garden with no vehicle access, or a large volume of arisings to chip and cart away, adds real hours that a headline felling price rarely covers.
• Not stating whether stump grinding is included: customers often assume the stump goes too, so spell out whether it is in the price or a separate line.
• Being vague on how much of the tree is being reduced: "reduce the crown" means different things to different people, so state the target reduction so the finished result matches what was quoted.

Should a tree surgeon send a quote or an estimate?

Send a quote once you have inspected the tree and the access in person. When you have seen the height, the condition, the ground and how you will get equipment in, you can commit to a fixed figure and the customer knows exactly what they will pay.

Send an estimate when you are working from photos before a site visit. It gives a guide price so the customer can decide whether to proceed, but make it clear the figure may change once you have inspected the tree and confirmed access on the day.

Send a tree surgery quote in two minutes

QuoteSmith lets you type the job and your prices, then turns them into a branded, professional PDF quote in minutes, with the scope of works, your terms and VAT all set out clearly. No more retyping the same wording for every reduction, felling and stump grind.

It is £19.99 a month, cancel anytime, and it is also on iPhone so you can send a quote from the customer's driveway before you have packed the kit away. See how it works

Tree surgery quote FAQ

Do you need permission to work on a tree with a TPO?

Yes. If a tree has a Tree Preservation Order you must apply to the local council for consent before any pruning or felling, and wait for a decision. Carrying out work without consent can lead to prosecution, so the check and the application should happen before the work is booked.

What about trees in a conservation area?

Trees in a conservation area are also protected. You normally have to give the council written notice around six weeks before the work so they can decide whether to place a TPO on the tree. It is worth confirming the property's status before you quote.

What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?

A quote is a fixed price you stand by once you have inspected the tree and access. An estimate is a guide figure, often given from photos or a description, that can change once you have seen the job in person. Say clearly which one you are giving.

Should the price include VAT?

If you are VAT registered you must charge VAT and it should be shown on the quote, ideally as a separate line so the customer can see the amount and the total. If you are not registered, make it clear the price has no VAT added so there are no surprises later.