How much does tree lopping cost?
Tree lopping or pruning on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane typically costs $200 to $1,200 per tree, depending on size, access and how much comes off. Hedge trimming runs about $5 to $25 a metre, and arborists typically charge $70 to $180 an hour. Protected trees may need council approval first.
Updated October 2026 by 
Steven Piper
What does tree lopping cost?
Typical prices in South East Queensland, including GST:
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pruning or lopping, per tree | $200 to $1,200 |
| Hedge trimming, hedges up to 2.5 m | $5 to $25 per metre |
| Arborist hourly rate | $70 to $180 per hour |
| Arborist report, if council needs one | From about $300 |
A light trim of a small tree sits at the bottom of the range. Crown reduction on a large gum near the house, with climbing gear and green waste removal, sits at the top.
Is lopping the same as pruning?
Most people say lopping when they mean any tree trimming. To an arborist, lopping means cutting branches back to stubs between natural branch points. Arborists generally discourage it, because the tree regrows weak shoots that can break off later.
Pruning to AS 4373, the Australian Standard for pruning amenity trees, cuts at natural branch points instead. When you get quotes, ask for pruning to AS 4373 so you know the work will be done to the standard.
What changes the price of tree pruning?
Tree services look at:
- Size and how much comes off. Removing deadwood is quicker than reducing the whole crown.
- Access. A tree that needs a climber costs more than one reachable from a ladder or elevated work platform.
- What's underneath. Branches over a roof, pool or fence are lowered on ropes.
- Powerlines. Branches near the line to the house or street need extra care. Keep well away from any branch touching a line.
- Green waste. Chipping and taking the branches away is often extra.
- Several trees. Doing a few trees on one visit usually costs less per tree than separate callouts.
Do you need council approval to prune a tree?
Sometimes. In Brisbane, you can usually prune a protected tree without a permit if no more than 20% of the live foliage comes off in 12 months, spread evenly and pruned to AS 4373. That doesn't apply to Significant Landscape Trees.
On the Gold Coast, pruning counts as damaging assessable vegetation, so it needs approval unless an exemption applies. Assessable vegetation includes trees more than 4 m tall or with a trunk more than 40 cm around at 1.3 m.
See the Brisbane and Gold Coast tree rules for the details.
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Questions people ask
How much does it cost to trim a tree?
Trimming a single tree typically costs $200 to $1,200 on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, including GST. A light trim of a small tree is at the low end. A large tree near the house that needs a climber and green waste removal is at the high end.
Is pruning cheaper than removing a tree?
Usually, for the same tree. Pruning typically costs $200 to $1,200, while removing a medium tree of 5 to 10 m typically costs $800 to $2,500. See our Brisbane and Gold Coast tree removal cost guides.
How often should trees be pruned?
It depends on the species and what you want. Many garden trees only need attention every few years. Fast growers near the house or powerlines may need it more often. An arborist can advise when they quote.
Do I need an arborist to prune a tree?
For anything beyond a light trim, it's worth using a qualified arborist, at least AQF Level 3. Ask for pruning to AS 4373 and a certificate of currency for public liability insurance.
Sources
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Brisbane (October 2026)
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Gold Coast (October 2026)
- Brisbane City Council: apply for a permit to work on protected vegetation
- City of Gold Coast: tree and vegetation removal on private land
General information only, not legal advice. Council rules change, so confirm with your council before work starts.