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Tree felling in Rondebosch costs R1,500 to R3,000 for a tree up to 5 m tall with a trunk up to 30 cm across, and R6,000 to R12,000 for one of 10 to 15 m; anything over 15 m is quoted on site. Expert Tree Felling works from 33 Exeter Place, Wynberg, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and every quote is free.
Tree felling services in Rondebosch
- Tree felling and removal: whole trees taken down, with the branches, logs and debris removed if you want them gone.
- Stump removal: the stump taken out and the hole filled, so the ground can be replanted.
- Hedge and tree trimming: hedges cut back and trees pruned, charged by the hour; palms are priced per tree.
- Site clearing: trees, vegetation and debris cleared from a plot ahead of building or landscaping work.
- Urgent call-outs: storm-damaged trees attended within office hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, and priced on inspection.
Tree felling prices in Rondebosch
Felling prices depend on the tree’s height and trunk diameter. These ranges come from our Cape Town tree felling price guide:
| Tree height | Trunk diameter | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 m | Up to 30 cm | R1,500 to R3,000 |
| 5 m to 10 m | 30 cm to 60 cm | R3,000 to R6,000 |
| 10 m to 15 m | 60 cm to 90 cm | R6,000 to R12,000 |
| Over 15 m | Over 90 cm | Quoted on site |
- Stump removal and hole filling: R900 to R4,500, depending on the stump’s size.
- Difficult location or access: add 50% or more.
- Hedge and tree trimming: R150 to R250 per hour.
- Palm trimming: R200 to R300 per palm.
- Removing branches, logs and debris adds to the cost.
Rules for trees in Rondebosch
Street trees and City parks
Trees on the verge are City property, and the City’s Streets By-law forbids anyone but an authorised official to cut one down or remove it without the City’s written permission. The Public Parks By-law requires written permission to prune or fell a tree in City parks such as Keurboom Park and Mayfield Park, both on the Recreation and Parks Department’s mowing list. You may cut back the parts of a City tree, roots included, that overhang your boundary; the City’s Urban Forest Policy advises speaking to Recreation and Parks first.
Heritage overlay zones
The City’s overlay zone maps show declared Heritage Protection Overlay Zones in and around Rondebosch, including Upper Rondebosch and Belmont Road. Inside one, permanently removing a tree, a boundary hedge or mature plantings needs the City’s approval, unless the work is exempt or the City is satisfied that the tree is infested and a risk to other trees (Development Management Scheme, item 162).
Protected species
Yellowwoods, the white milkwood, the silver tree and the stinkwood are on the national protected list, and felling one needs a DFFE licence under the National Forests Act. Our guide to the legal requirements for tree felling in Cape Town explains the licence and the penalties.
Polyphagous shot hole borer
In May 2024 the City listed Rondebosch among the suburbs where trees infested with the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) had been found. Signs include holes about 2 mm across in the bark, gum oozing from them, branch dieback and dark stains. The City’s instruction is that an infested tree is chipped on site and not removed from the property, and that tools are cleaned after cutting. Suspected cases go to the City’s Invasive Species Unit.
Questions about tree work in Rondebosch
Can I cut back a City tree that hangs over my wall?
Yes. The City’s Urban Forest Policy lets any resident trim the parts of a City-owned tree, roots included, that overhang their boundary. It advises consulting the Recreation and Parks Department first, and requires it for the City’s special categories of tree.
Is stump removal included in the felling price?
No. Stump removal and filling the hole adds R900 to R4,500 to the felling price, depending on the size of the stump.
Can a tree with shot hole borer be carted away?
No. The City says infested trees must be chipped on site and may not be removed from the property, because moving the wood spreads the beetle. It lists sealing the chips in bags in direct sunlight for at least six weeks, or composting them, as ways to kill the beetle.
Get a free tree felling quote in Rondebosch
Send the details of your tree through our online quote form or call 087 250 0204, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Expert Tree Felling, 33 Exeter Place, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7708. For other suburbs, see our Cape Town tree felling services.