A tree surgeon in Leeds for garden trees, hedges and stumps

Which tree surgery service do you need in Leeds?

That depends on the tree, the space around it and the result you want. Here are the main types of work, and each one has its own page if you'd like more detail.

Should an overgrown tree be pruned or removed?

Pruning is often enough, because a tall tree isn't automatically unsafe. If a branch is rubbing the roof or the canopy has spread too far, targeted cuts can solve the problem and keep the tree.

Removal makes more sense where serious decay, damage or a structural fault means the tree can't reasonably stay. A natural lean is rarely a concern on its own, but a change in the lean, movement at the root plate or a newly opened crack tells you far more. Our guide to the signs of a dangerous tree explains what to look for.

When you contact us, just describe the result you'd like and leave the choice of cuts to the assessment. Taking off more than a tree can tolerate can cause weak regrowth or lasting damage, so that decision needs care.

Crown reduction, thinning and lifting explained

These three terms are often mixed up, yet each one does a different job. Crown reduction shortens selected branch ends to bring down the overall size while keeping a natural shape. Crown thinning removes smaller branches inside the crown and leaves its outer size much the same, so it won't always cure a lack of light.

Crown lifting raises the lower edge of the canopy by taking off suitable low branches, which can help over a footpath or drive. The final height needs careful planning, though, because large lower limbs matter to the tree.

Working around houses, fences and sheds

Trees in Leeds gardens often stand beside extensions, greenhouses, garden walls or a neighbour's property, so felling in one go may not be possible. Access routes, overhead lines and boundary ownership all shape how the job is done.

It helps to tell us about any narrow side passage, steps, locked gate or difficult parking. If the tree sits near a shared boundary, mention whether we'd need access from a neighbour's property, because that can change the plan even when the tree itself is easy to reach.

Felling, clearing timber, chipping branches and grinding the stump are all separate parts of a job, and a good quote lists each one clearly.

Staying safe around a dangerous or storm-damaged tree

Keep people and pets well away from hanging limbs, fresh splits, or soil lifting at the base of a tree. Never cut or pull damaged timber yourself, as branches under tension can move without warning.

Call 999 straight away if anyone's life is in danger. If a tree has touched electricity cables, stay well clear and call 105, the number for your electricity network. For anything else, take photos only from a safe position and read our page on emergency tree work. Then tell us the job is urgent, and we'll let you know what we can do and when.

Do you need permission for tree work in Leeds?

You might, so check before anyone cuts, prunes or removes a tree. Work on a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) generally needs consent from the council. In a conservation area, qualifying work needs a section 211 notice at least six weeks before it starts.

Some urgent safety situations have their own rules, and birds' nests and bat roosts are protected too. Our guide to tree permission in Leeds covers the detail, and the council's tree guidance is the place to check your own tree.

How much does a tree surgeon cost in Leeds?

There's no reliable single price, because a small pruning job with easy access is nothing like dismantling a large tree above a conservatory. Species, size, condition, working space and waste removal all affect the cost.

When you compare quotes, check that each one covers the same work, including timber removal, stump grinding and disposal, because the lowest figure means little if the scope is different. Our tree surgeon prices page explains what to look for.

Tree work for landlords, businesses and shared sites

Homeowners often want help with something specific, such as overhanging branches, a damaged tree or lost light. Landlords and managing agents may need more than that, including records of inspections or planned maintenance.

Commercial sites can bring extra access controls, public safety arrangements and fixed work schedules. If your enquiry concerns a school, business premises or shared grounds, tell us the type of site and we'll let you know whether we can take it on.

Do we cover your part of Leeds?

Send your postcode and we'll confirm whether we can help. We take enquiries from across Leeds, including Headingley, Horsforth, Roundhay and Morley, and we also welcome them from nearby towns such as Otley and Wetherby.

What to send us for a tree surgery quote

You don't need any technical terms. Just tell us what's wrong, where the tree is and what you'd like to happen, and please include:

• Your name, contact details and postcode.
• The tree's rough height, if you know it.
• Nearby buildings, roads, overhead lines or tight access.
• Any known TPO, conservation area or wildlife issues.
• If you want timber taken away or the stump ground out.

You can use the form on this page for your enquiry. Photos can't go through the form, so please email two or three clear ones, taken safely from the ground, to [email protected].