Tree planting cost guide

Thinking of planting a new tree in your garden, or perhaps an orchard or a small forest? Keep reading to find out the average cost of tree planting in the UK.

To help you plan the budget for your garden project, below we look at the average tree planting cost in the UK.

The cost to hire a gardener to plant your trees

On average, a gardener charges a day rate of around £175 or£15 - £45 per hour.

A landscape gardener will charge, on average, £230 per day.

For more information on gardener labour costs, check out our guide to gardener prices.

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How much do tree planting services cost?

This service should cost around £25 per hour.

Some arborists and landscapers offer a tree planting service. These will factor in costs such as trees, planting material, soil, transport and labour.

The overall cost of using a tree planting service will depend on the size of your garden and the complexity of the job.

How much does planting a sapling tree cost?

The average cost of planting a sapling in your garden is between £22 and £55. You will need to wait a long time for the tree to mature into its full size.

Can’t wait that long? Choose a faster-growing species like bamboo. The typical bamboo plant price is around £45.

The price of course depends on which species of tree you choose, and whether you can plant it yourself.

As you might expect, planting a sapling is much cheaper than planting a mature tree.

Tree planting cost for small trees

A small tree is a good compromise between shelling out for a mature tree and waiting decades for a sapling to develop.

The average cost for planting a small tree is around £250.

How much does it cost to plant a mature tree?

If you’d love a fully developed tree in your garden, you’ll need to bring in a professional arborist to plant it. It’s just too large a job to safely tackle yourself.

Besides, it requires skill and knowledge to correctly plant a mature tree so that it thrives.

The average tree planting cost for mature trees is anywhere up to £1,000, but it depends on the species and the difficulty of the terrain to be dug.

What does tree transplanting cost?

The cost of a tree surgeon tends to be around £120 per hour and is often subject to minimum fees.

Depending on the scenario, and type of tree, you may require the services of a tree surgeon.

This service should include the tree installation cost if moving trees from one place to another within the same location. Tree relocation, or tree transplanting, is useful if you're redesigning your garden and don't want to lose any cherished trees. Or if you want to move a tree with you when you move home.

Find out more in our guide to tree transplanting costs.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission to plant a tree in my garden?

You shouldn’t need planning consent or any other permissions to plant a tree in your own garden.

However, you will need to consider the impact of branches and roots on your neighbours and their properties, if you’re planting a tree close to the boundary.

It’s also important to be considerate when it comes to blocking out light for your neighbours.

Where’s the best place to plant a tree?

It’s important to plant your new tree a comfortable distance from the foundations of your house.

It would help if you also thought about drainage and the shade the tree will cast on other plants.

Overall, it’s best to consult expert advice on what conditions the tree needs to thrive.

What maintenance do trees require?

As they grow, trees require more care and attention. It’s a good idea to use a professional arborist for occasional pruning, irrigation care and treatment for diseases.