Products & Services • Supply a wide range of premium timber products including softwood, hardwood, and treated timber • Custom cutting and sizing services t...
UK tree surgeons offer timber products and services beyond just felling — converted firewood, woodchip mulch, structural timber, sawn boards, and craft timber pieces. Pricing varies enormously by species, condition, and processing: £60–£300 per cubic metre for typical firewood; £200–£800 for sawn structural pieces; £500–£3,000+ for craft-quality slabs from rare species.
Most homeowners encounter this when a tree on their property is felled — the tree surgeon may offer to leave timber as logs (firewood), woodchip the brash (mulch), or take quality boles to a local sawmill for sawing. The economic logic is often that good-quality timber has resale value that offsets felling costs.
Common UK timber products from tree surgery
| Product | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Seasoned firewood (per m³) | £100–£250 |
| Hardwood firewood (oak, ash, beech) | £150–£350 per m³ |
| Woodchip mulch (per m³) | £20–£60 (often free) |
| Sawn boards / planks (per m³) | £200–£800 |
| Live-edge slabs (single piece) | £300–£3,000+ |
| Craft timber (turning blanks) | £20–£200 per piece |
| Tree surgeon's basic firewood | £60–£150 per m³ unseasoned |
| Storm-felled timber rescue | £100–£500 per tree |
What's typically offered after a tree is felled
- Logs left on site — for the homeowner to use as firewood. Saves the tree surgeon disposal cost.
- Logs taken away — to be sold by the tree surgeon.
- Woodchip on driveway — for mulching gardens or as ground cover.
- Sawmilling — for valuable timber (oak, walnut, ash), some tree surgeons coordinate with local sawmills.
- Waste disposal — branches and unusable wood disposed of at green waste facility.
Things people often miss
- Seasoning matters for firewood — newly felled wood needs 12-24 months drying before burning. "Wet wood" creates creosote in chimneys.
- Hardwood vs softwood for fire — hardwoods (oak, ash, beech) burn longer and hotter, more economical. Softwoods (pine, fir) light easily but burn fast, more soot.
- Storm-felled timber — particularly valuable to woodworkers / sawmillers. Don't dispose without checking value.
- Tree Preservation Orders — some trees are protected; works require council consent. Tree surgeon should check first.
- Wildlife in trees — birds, bats, squirrels. Ecological survey may be needed for protected species before felling.
- Insurance — homeowner / tree surgeon liability for damage during felling. Confirm tree surgeon has £5m+ public liability.
- Disposal of brash — small branches and twigs typically chipped on site. Don't compost in normal compost — too tough and woody.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fell a tree?
Small tree (under 6m, no obstacles): £200-£500. Medium tree (6-15m): £400-£1,000. Large mature tree (15m+, near house): £800-£3,000+. Includes felling, processing into logs / chips, and disposal.
Can I keep the wood?
Yes, almost always. Most tree surgeons leave logs on site if requested. Saves them disposal cost and gives you firewood. Ensure logs are stored to season properly (12+ months for hardwoods, off the ground, covered top, ventilated sides).
What's the most valuable wood for craft / sawmilling?
UK premium hardwoods: oak (most common), walnut (premium), elm (rare since Dutch elm disease), ash (rising in value). Quality slab pieces: £500-£3,000+ depending on size and figuring.
Should the tree surgeon take the wood away?
If you don't have wood storage or use for firewood, yes. Sometimes negotiable — wood might offset the felling cost if quality. For firewood, keeping it on site usually saves money.
How long does firewood take to season?
Hardwoods (oak, ash, beech): 18-24 months. Softwoods (pine, fir, larch): 9-12 months. Test with a moisture meter (under 20% for safe burning).
What about tree stumps?
Stumps separate to felling. Stump grinding £100-£300 per stump depending on size. Alternative: leave to rot naturally (5-10 years). Stumps in lawns can become trip hazards.
Want a local pro to handle this? A qualified tree surgeon (NPTC / CITB / ARB Approved Contractor) handles felling and processing. For valuable timber, ask about coordinating with a local sawmill. The Forestry Commission and Arboricultural Association maintain directories of qualified specialists.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
