Cost of Planting a Tree

Trees offer a wide range of benefits, including improving a garden's appearance, providing shade, increasing privacy, and supporting wildlife. Whether you’re looking to add a new decorative feature to your garden, create a natural boundary, or add more plants to your outdoor space, a tree is a great idea for any garden.

The cost of planting a tree depends on several factors, including the tree's size and species, root system type, soil conditions, and labour costs. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the cost of planting a tree in the UK.

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How Much is Planting a Tree?

On average, the cost of planting a tree ranges from £150 to £450. However, this can increase significantly for larger or more mature trees. Also, if you are planting multiple trees, the overall cost for the job will often be higher.

The average cost of planting a tree in the UK will vary depending on:

• Size of the tree
• Tree species
• Root type (bare-root, root ball, or container-grown)
• Ground preparation needs
• Accessibility of the planting area
• Labour rates in the local area

Smaller trees or saplings are usually cheaper and quicker to install, while mature or semi-mature trees might need additional labour, specialist equipment, and transport.

Hourly rates will usually be around £20-£40 per hour. For more complex jobs, or for jobs involving multiple trees, a day rate may apply.

Tree Planting Prices

Below is a breakdown of typical planting tree prices based on the tree size and complexity of the job:

Your location can also affect the overall cost. People based in and around London can expect to pay more for labour than people based in the North or other parts of the UK.

If you are planning to plant multiple trees, you may benefit from reduced labour costs per tree, making it more affordable overall.

Supply Costs

When calculating the cost of planting a tree, you will need to consider supply costs in addition to labour costs. The tree itself is usually the largest expense among supplies. However, there are additional supplies you will need for a successful tree-planting job.

Below is a list of the typical supply costs that you may need to consider when planting a tree:

• Tree (sapling to mature): £30 - £1000+
• Tree stakes and supports: £10 - £30
• Tree ties and guards: £5 - £20
• Soil improvers or compost: £5 - £15 per bag
• Mulch: £5 - £20
• Fertiliser: £5 - £15

The price of the tree may differ greatly based on the type of species that you choose and how mature it is. Bare-root trees are the cheapest, and mature trees are more expensive, costing hundreds and maybe even thousands of pounds.

Types of Tree Root Systems

The root system of a tree can affect both the planting process and the overall cost of the job.

Below is a list of the different root systems with some information on each type:

Bare-root Trees

Bare-root trees are typically the cheapest option and are sold without soil around the roots. They are usually planted during the dormant season in autumn or winter. These are the ideal choice if you are looking for a cheap or cost-effective tree-planting option.

Root Ball Trees

Root ball trees have soil wrapped around the roots, often secured with burlap. They are larger than bare-root trees and might need more labour to install.

Container-Grown Trees

These trees are grown in pots and can generally be planted throughout most of the year. They are often more expensive but easier to handle and widely available. Choosing the right root type will depend on your budget, timing, and the level of effort required to install the tree.

Soil and Ground Preparation Costs

Ground preparation is very important and can also significantly affect the cost of planting a tree. Preparation tasks may include:

• Digging planting holes
• Soil improvement with compost or conditioners
• Removing stones or roots from the planting area
• Installing drainage in heavy soils
• Ground levelling

Poor soil conditions or compacted ground may need additional preparation, increasing the total price. Heavy clay soils, for example, may need drainage improvements to prevent flooding.

Ground preparation is essential to ensuring the tree grows successfully, so it’s not advisable to cut corners at this stage.

Additional Costs

There are several additional costs to consider when planting a tree. These additional items can increase your overall budget when calculating the job's cost.

Examples include:

Removing Existing Plants or Shrubs (£50-£150)

This involves clearing out any unwanted plants, bushes, or overgrown areas where the new tree will be planted. This step confirms there is enough space for the tree’s roots to establish properly and prevents any competition for nutrients and water.

Removing Old Tree Stumps (£50-£300)

If there is an existing tree stump in the area, then you may need to remove it or grind it down before you can plant a new tree. Stumps can obstruct the root growth and may also lead to fungal troubles if left in place.

Garden Waste Removal (£40-£100)

After the preparation work, there may be roots, soil, branches, and other bits of debris that need to be cleared away. Many contractors include waste removal in their quotes, but sometimes they charge for it as an additional service.

Tree Transportation or Delivery (£20-£100)

Taller or heavier trees will often need to be delivered directly by the nursery or supplier. The transport costs for this can vary depending on the tree's size and the distance to be travelled for delivery.

Installing Irrigation Systems (£50-£200)

Some people might choose to install a simple irrigation system to help the tree establish itself, especially during dry periods. This can include drip irrigation or watering pipes.

Protective Fencing or Guards for Young Trees (£20-£100)

Younger trees may need some types of protection from animals, strong winds, or accidental damage. Guards, stakes, or small fences help to keep the tree stable and prevent it from being harmed as it grows.

If you need to get rid of an old tree before planting a new one, this can greatly increase the overall costs. However, choosing to replace an outdated or damaged tree can greatly improve the appearance of your garden as well as its safety and overall operation in the long term. These additional tasks can increase the overall budget depending on the project's complexity.

Labour Costs and Timescales

You might be curious about learning the labour costs alone without the cost of supplies, particularly if you are planning on purchasing all the supplies yourself beforehand. The labour costs can vary depending on several factors.

Labour costs will depend on:

• Size of the tree
• Complexity of the planting process
• Ground conditions
• Accessibility of the garden

Typically, you can expect to pay around £20-£40 per hour for the work, or £150- £300 per day. Typical timeframes may include:

• Small trees: around 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Medium trees: 1 to 2 hours
• Large or mature trees: up to 3 hours or more

Larger trees might require multiple workers or specialist equipment, resulting in increased labour costs.

The labour costs can also be affected by your location. Those based in and around London can expect to pay more for labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK. Hiring a professional will ensure that the tree is installed properly, reducing the risk of future issues.

Cost Factors for Planting a Tree

Several factors can affect the overall cost of planting a tree. These include:

• Tree size and species – Bigger trees generally cost more to purchase and plant because they need more labour, larger planting holes, and additional supports such as stakes. Certain species may also be more costly because of their availability, growth rate, or maintenance needs.
• Root type (bare-root, root ball, container-grown) – The type of root can affect the price of the tree and how easy it is to install. For example, bare-root trees are cheaper but seasonal, whereas root-balled and container-grown trees are heavier and may require more labour.
• Soil quality and ground conditions – Poor soil conditions may require improvement with compost or soil containers. In some cases, you may also need to install drainage systems. These can increase the overall costs.
• Accessibility of the planting area – If the planting area is difficult to access, this can make it harder to transport tools and the tree itself. This could require more manual labour or specialist equipment, increasing labour costs.
• Transport or delivery costs – The cost of delivering the tree from the supplier can vary depending on the size of the tree and the distance away you are from the supplier. Larger or semi-mature trees might require specialist transport, which can increase the overall price.
• Labour rates in the area – Labour costs can vary across the UK. Those based in and around London can expect to pay more for labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Mature trees will need larger planting holes, support systems and more labour, which can increase the price. If access to your garden is limited, additional equipment or labour may be needed, further raising the costs.

Best Time of Year to Plant a Tree

The best time to plant most trees in the UK is typically during the dormant season. This usually includes:

• Late autumn
• Winter
• Early spring

During these periods, trees can form roots before the growing season begins. Bare-root trees are usually planted during winter, while container-grown trees can often be planted year-round if weather and soil conditions are suitable.

Building Regulations for Planting a Tree

In most cases, planting a tree generally does not need planning permission. However, there are certain restrictions that may apply in some situations. Some examples include the following:

• Trees planted close to property boundaries
• Trees planted near underground utilities or drainage systems
• Listed properties or conservation areas

It is also important to choose suitable tree species that will not cause structural issues as they mature.

Types of Trees for Gardens

Below is a list of the different types of trees that you can choose for your garden:

Ornamental Trees

Decorative trees such as cherry blossom or maple are appreciated for their attractive foliage and flowers.

Cost: £50 - £300

Pros

• ✔ Attractive flowers and foliage
• ✔ Greatly improve the garden's appearance

Cons

• ✖ Limited practical use
• ✖ May require some maintenance

These types of trees are best for decorative gardens.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees such as apple, pear, and plum provide edible produce and are common in gardens.

Cost: £40 - £200

Pros

• ✔ They produce edible fruits
• ✔ Great for eco-conscious living

Cons

• ✖ Need maintenance and pruning

These trees are great if you are looking to create a more productive garden.

Native Trees

Native species such as oak, birch, or rowan are often planted to support wildlife.

Cost: £30 - £150

Pros

• ✔ Support wildlife
• ✔Hardy and low maintenance

Cons

• ✖ Some types may grow very large

These trees are the perfect option for a more eco-friendly garden.

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees provide year-round foliage and are sometimes used for screening or privacy.

Cost: £50 - £250

Pros

• ✔ Foliage all year round
• ✔ Good for privacy

Cons

• ✖ Can block out sunlight

These types of trees are ideal for screening and boundaries.

Alternative Types of Garden Planting

If planting a tree is not suitable for your garden, you may wish to consider some other options. Take a look at the list below for alternatives to planting trees.

Examples include:

• Large shrubs: £20 - £100
• Hedging plants: £5 - £30 per plant
• Decorative garden plants: £10 - £50
• Climbing plants on trellises: £15 - £60

These options are often cheaper, easier to maintain, and quicker to establish.

Hedging plants and shrubs are great for privacy and borders. Decorative garden plants are great for improving your garden's appearance and attracting wildlife and insects. Climbing plants are also great for improving aesthetics and adding more life to your garden.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Tree Planting

Below is a list of things to keep in mind when you are choosing a contractor to complete the tree planting work for you:

• Check qualifications and insurance
• Ask for references or reviews
• Get multiple quotes
• Confirm experience with tree planting
• Ensure they follow safety regulations
• Check their experience with similar jobs
• Get a written quote

This helps to ensure that you receive quality work at a fair price.

Removing Existing Trees Before Planting

In some cases, you might need to remove or replace an existing tree before planting a new one.

Removal costs may depend on:

• Size of the existing tree
• Accessibility of the garden
• Waste removal
• Stump removal or grinding

Replacing an old or damaged tree may improve the garden's appearance and prevent root-related issues.

Typically, you can expect to pay around £50 - £150 for removing a small tree, £150 - £500 for removing a medium tree, and £500 - £1500+ for removing a larger tree.

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