Thinking about removing an overgrown hedge that’s taking over your garden?

Removing a hedge is a popular project for homeowners who want to reclaim valuable space, improve the appearance of their property, or cut down on ongoing maintenance.

In this guide, you’ll find essential information on hedge removal costs — covering everything from hiring the right professional to understanding the factors that influence pricing.

Whether you’re tackling a small hedge or a towering boundary screen, this guide will help you confidently navigate every step.

How Much Does Hedge Removal Cost?

Hedge removal costs in the UK can vary significantly depending on the type of hedge you’re looking to remove, the height and thickness of the hedge, accessibility to the area, and how extensive the root system is.

On average, you can expect to pay around £100 to £400 for removing a standard-sized hedge. This estimate includes basic root removal and waste disposal.

This would be for a hedge that’s between 1 to 2 metres tall, up to 1 metre wide, and around 5 to 10 metres long. This would be a manageable project for professional removal that would not typically require significant machinery or special techniques.

In the table below, you’ll find estimated costs of hedge removal for the most common types of hedges in the UK.

Hedge Type	Average Height	Hedge Removal Cost
Leylandii	Up to 2 metres	£150 – £300
Privet	Up to 1.5 metres	£100 – £200
Laurel	Up to 2 metres	£200 – £350
Beech	Up to 2 metres	£150 – £250
Boxwood (Box)	Up to 1 metre	£100 – £150
Conifer (Large)	More than 2 metres	£300 – £500

For hedges on the smaller end (closer to 1 metre in height and width), costs would lean toward the £100 to £200 range, while those at the upper end (near 2 metres in height) will fall between £250 and £400.

For extensive hedges or those with deep-rooted systems, costs may be higher than this.

For particularly large hedges over 3 metres in height or 1 metre in width, such as mature leylandii or conifers used for privacy screens, removal costs can range from £500 to £1,000. These higher costs reflect the added labour and machinery required to safely remove tall hedges with extensive root systems.

Who Do You Hire to Remove a Hedge?

The type of tradesperson that you need to hire for a hedge removal will mainly depend on the size, type, and location of the hedge.

Gardeners or Landscapers

If you want to remove a small to medium-sized hedge which only has a minimal root system, a gardener or landscaper is often the best choice. They have the tools and experience to handle trimming, removal, and basic waste disposal.

Gardeners and landscapers are also a budget-friendly option for straightforward jobs — with their costs based on an hourly rate of between £20 and £35 per hour.

Tree Surgeons

For large or mature hedges, particularly those with deep roots or thick, woody bases, a tree surgeon may be required — as they’re qualified to handle the complexities of a large hedge removal.

They are especially valuable if the hedge resembles a small tree in size and density or is situated near structures that require careful removal. Their costs are typically based on an hourly rate of between £40 and £60 per hour.

Their higher rate reflects the specialized skills, equipment, and safety measures required for large or challenging hedge removal.

Specialist Hedge Removal Services

Specialist hedge removal services will provide a comprehensive service that includes root extraction, stump grinding, and full waste disposal. Going with a specialist company might be the best choice if you have a large hedge or if it’s located in a hard-to-reach area. They’ll also be able to assist with any necessary permits or permissions.

The cost of these hedge removal specialists is typically around £50 to £70 per hour. This rate accounts for the advanced tools and expertise needed for extensive or difficult hedge removals, particularly those in tight or hard-to-reach locations.

How Long Does Hedge Removal Take?

The time required for hedge removal depends on factors like the hedge’s size, type, root depth, and accessibility.

In the majority of cases, homeowners in the UK shouldn’t expect it to take more than one day to remove a standard-sized or large hedge.

For a standard hedge around 1 to 2 metres in height with a manageable root system, it won’t typically take more than 2 to 4 hours to complete the removal. (This includes cutting down the hedge, digging out basic roots, and clearing away the debris.)

For larger or mature hedges, especially those with extensive root systems or located in hard-to-reach areas, removal may take up to a day. This is because hedges that are more than 2 metres in height (or are near structures) often require specialized equipment. This is particularly true if stump grinding or complete root extraction is needed.

Are Garden Waste Removal Costs Included?

Garden waste disposal is usually included when hiring a professional for hedge removal. This is the most convenient option and can also be more economical.

This all-inclusive service ensures that branches, roots, and other debris are removed from the property — leaving the area clear and reducing the hassle of managing waste independently.

However, you should confirm with the tradesperson who you intend to hire for this project, as some many charge an additional fee for waste disposal — especially if it’s for a particularly large or dense hedge.

How Much Does Garden Waste Removal Cost?

Having the garden waste removed by the same person or company removing your hedge tends to work out cheaper.

Hiring a garden waste removal service to collect and dispose of green waste from a hedge removal typically costs between £70 and £200 — but it will largely depend on how much garden waste you’re getting rid of.

In this cost range, a garden waste removal service would typically remove up to 1 tonne of green waste. This would be roughly equivalent to a hedge that is around 2 metres in height and between 5 to 10 metres in length.

Hiring a skip is another option for larger amounts of hedge waste. This costs between £100 and £300 and would typically require homeowners to load the skip themselves.

What Impacts Hedge Removal Costs?

Various factors can influence the overall cost of hedge removal — from the size and type of the hedge to the complexity of its root system and accessibility. Each element plays a part in determining how much this job will cost you.

The subsections below provide a closer look at these cost factors, helping you understand what to expect.

Hedge Size

As we’ve already covered, the size of a hedge plays a major role in determining how much it costs to get it removed by a professional.

Taller hedges, especially those exceeding 2 metres, generally require more labour and specialized equipment (e.g., long-reach trimmers or ladders) to ensure a safe and effective removal.

The width and length of a hedge impact the cost, as wider or longer hedges will generate more green waste. This adds to the time needed for cutting and clearing, and will also raise disposal costs.

Root Depth and Density

The root system of a hedge can significantly how much it costs to get removed.

This is especially true for mature hedges with deep or widespread roots. Species like leylandii and laurel are known for their extensive and dense root networks, which can make complete extraction challenging.

Thorough root removal often requires specialized machinery, such as stump grinders or mini diggers, to remove stubborn roots below the soil line. This additional step is crucial for homeowners who plan to replant or landscape the area, as leftover roots can obstruct future gardening efforts.

Unfortunately, this extra step will add to the overall expense of getting a hedge removed due to the extra time and equipment involved.

Hedge Type

The type of hedge you want to have removed will influence the cost.

Let’s look at some examples:

• Dense or thorny hedges, such as hawthorn, can be harder to handle safely — often requiring additional safety equipment and protective gear for contractors, which can increase labour costs.

• Certain species, such as conifers, also tend to grow quickly and develop extensive root systems that are more challenging to get rid of.

• Some hedge types have a higher wood density, which may require specialized cutting tools or extra disposal efforts — particularly for thick or sap-laden branches.

These factors make some hedge types inherently more costly to remove than others.

Accessibility of the Hedge

The location and accessibility of a hedge can significantly impact the removal cost.

Hedges positioned in hard-to-reach areas — such as along boundary fences, on slopes, near buildings, or in tight spaces — pose additional challenges. Limited access may restrict the use of standard equipment, requiring more manual labour or specialized tools, which can increase the removal cost.

In these situations, contractors might need to use mini diggers or long-reach cutting tools. This will translate into higher costs to cover the extra machinery (and time) involved. Narrow garden pathways or limited access points for waste removal can also further increase the cost of hedge removal, as make everything a bit slower.

When hedges run along shared property boundaries or close to structures, contractors often take extra precautions to avoid damage. This added care may also contribute to a slightly higher cost, reflecting the need for careful handling in such settings.

Time of the Year

Hedge removal in peak seasons (spring and summer) may be more expensive due to high demand. During these months, contractors are typically busier, which could increase the price slightly.

Winter removals might be more affordable, but wet or frozen ground could complicate root extraction — so it might not be appropriate in every case.

Location in the UK

The cost of hedge removal can vary regionally across the UK, with higher rates in urban areas or regions where labour costs are typically elevated.

In general, rural areas may have lower prices, while prices in cities or areas with high demand for landscaping services may be higher.

Additional Hedge Removal Costs

In addition to the primary costs of hedge removal we’ve already covered, there are a few extra expenses that homeowners sometimes end up paying for.

In the subsections below, we cover two of the most common additional costs of hedge removal.

Stump Grinding Cost

Stump grinding is a process where the contractor grinds down the stump to below ground level, removing most of the woody base and allowing for easier landscaping or replanting. This can be essential if you want a more usable surface for future projects.

While smaller hedges can often be removed without much leftover base, larger or older hedges may leave behind a significant stump. For example, species like leylandii, laurel, or privet develop thick, woody bases over time, which may require more than standard removal.

This service typically costs between £60 and £100 per stump. However, the exact cost will vary depending on the stump’s size and root complexity. For hedges with multiple large bases, stump grinding can add a substantial amount to the total project cost, so it’s worth discussing this with your contractor in advance so there are no surprises.

Soil Restoration and Landscaping Cost

Soil restoration and light landscaping may include levelling, aerating, and adding topsoil or nutrients to improve soil quality for replanting. For homeowners planning to replant the area or convert it into a lawn, flower bed, or other landscaped space, soil restoration ensures a healthy base for new growth.

This might be necessary when you get a hedge removed as the soil might be compacted or uneven — especially if heavy equipment like mini diggers were used during the removal.

This typically adds between £50 and £150 to the cost, depending on the extent of restoration needed. While not essential for every hedge removal, it’s an additional service that can help complete the area’s transformation after the hedge is gone.

Planning Permission and Regulations for Hedge Removal

In most cases, hedge removal on private property doesn’t require planning permission.

However, permits may be needed if the hedge is part of a conservation area, serves as a boundary or privacy screen, or resembles a tree in size and structure. If you’re unsure at all, the best thing to do is to check with your local council.

Hedges in conservation zones or near protected habitats may need council permission to ensure environmental preservation. Permit fees typically range from £20 to £50, but you might also be required to pay for an environmental assessment which costs between £100 to £300.

Hedges that mark boundaries or provide privacy may fall under specific guidelines, particularly if they are large or shared with a neighbour. The High Hedges legislation may apply in some disputes involving tall boundary hedges — if it does, the cost of a high hedge compliant is typically between £100 to £400 (but it varies significantly between councils).

Mature hedges resembling trees, particularly those impacting public land or neighbouring properties, may also require council approval similar to that needed for tree removal. Standard application fees for this are between £20 and £50.

Hedge Removal Hiring Checklist

It’s important to consider several key factors before hiring a gardener, tree surgeon, or a hedge removal service. This checklist covers everything from assessing the hedge and confirming included services to checking for necessary permits.

• Identify the height, width, and type of hedge to determine the complexity of the removal. Larger, dense, or mature hedges may require a tree surgeon or specialist company, while smaller hedges might be handled by a gardener or landscaper.

• Confirm if they include waste disposal in their quote. This ensures you won’t have to find money for unexpected disposal fees — especially if the hedge is large and generates significant debris.

• Ask about stump removal and root extraction. This is necessary for complete removal and if you want to reuse the area after the hedge is removed. You need to confirm whether there will be extra costs involved for this.

• Confirm how long the hedge removal will take. Standard hedge removals typically take 2 to 4 hours, while larger hedges may take a full day or more.

• Confirm that the contractor has proper insurance coverage. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the removal process.

• Confirm permit and permission requirements. If the hedge is large, serves as a boundary, or is in a conservation area, confirm with them if local permits or permissions need to be sorted in advance. Some contractors may assist with this process if necessary.

And as always, ensure that you get from at least three professionals to compare costs, services included, and any potential additional charges.

FAQs

What Time of Year Can I Remove a Hedge?

Hedge removal can be done at any time of year, but it’s best to avoid nesting season (March to August) to protect bird habitats. Autumn and winter are often ideal, as hedges are dormant, making removal easier and less impactful on the surrounding environment.

Do I Need Permission To Remove a Hedge?

Permission isn’t usually required for hedge removal on private property. However, if the hedge is in a conservation area, serves as a boundary, or is unusually large, you may need to check with your local council. Some hedges are protected, and removing them without permission could result in fines.

Can I Remove a Hedge and Replace It With a Fence?

Yes, you can replace a hedge with a fence on your property. However, it’s wise to discuss this with neighbours if the hedge serves as a boundary. If you’re in a conservation area, check with your council to ensure no specific permissions are required for replacement.

Can I Remove a Hedge Myself or Should I Hire a Professional?

Homeowners can often remove small hedges with basic tools. However, for large or mature hedges, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure safe, effective removal, especially if stump grinding or root extraction is needed. Professionals also handle waste disposal, saving you time and effort.

How Deep Do Hedge Roots Go?

Hedge root depth varies by species and age. On average, hedge roots can extend 1 to 2 feet deep for smaller hedges, while larger, mature hedges may have roots reaching 3 feet or more. Deep-rooted hedges, such as leylandii or laurel, may require additional work for full root removal.