Cost of Planting a Tree

Tree planting costs vary based on the tree’s size, species, root type, ground conditions, and local labour rates. Larger trees and more complex planting jobs typically involve more preparation, labour, and materials.

A typical tree planting job involves preparing the ground, digging the hole, positioning the tree, and securing it with stakes or supports. Bigger or more difficult jobs may also need soil improvement, drainage, or the removal of an existing tree, which all add to what you’ll pay.

This guide explains tree planting costs in the UK, including labour costs, supply costs, job timescales, and the key factors that affect the overall cost.

How Much is Planting a Tree?

On average, the cost of planting a tree ranges from £150 - £450 per tree. This can increase significantly for larger or more mature trees, and planting several trees at once will push the overall cost up. Most tree planting services quote per tree, although a day rate is common for bigger jobs.

Smaller trees and saplings are usually cheaper and quicker to install. Mature or semi-mature trees often need extra labour, specialist equipment, and transport, which is reflected in the price.

Tree Planting Prices

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

Labour Costs and Timescales

Tree planting labour typically costs £20 - £40 per hour, or a day rate of £150 - £300 for larger jobs. Gardeners, landscapers, and tree surgeons all offer tree planting services, and it’s worth pricing the labour on its own if you plan to buy the supplies yourself.

The table below shows the typical labour cost and time involved for different sizes of tree:

Larger trees may need more than one worker or specialist equipment, which adds to the labour cost. Hiring a professional helps make sure the tree is planted properly, reducing the risk of problems later on.

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Supply Costs

When working out the cost of planting a tree, you also need to factor in the cost of supplies and materials alongside labour. The tree itself is usually the biggest expense, but there are a few other materials needed for a successful planting job.

Below are the typical supply costs to consider when planting a tree:

The price of the tree itself can vary widely depending on the species you choose and how mature it is. Bare-root trees are the cheapest, while mature trees can cost hundreds or 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 site
• 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 can add to your overall budget, depending on the condition of your garden and the size of the job.

Removing Existing Plants or Shrubs

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

Removing Old Tree Stumps

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

Garden Waste Removal

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

Tree Transportation or Delivery

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

Installing Irrigation Systems

Some people 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

Younger trees may need 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.

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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 may need improving with compost or conditioners, and in some cases you may need to install drainage. Both can increase the overall cost.
• Accessibility of the planting area – If the planting area is difficult to access, it can be harder to transport tools and the tree itself. This may require more manual labour or specialist equipment, increasing labour costs.
• Transport or delivery costs – The cost of delivering the tree from the supplier varies depending on its size and how far you are from the supplier. Larger or semi-mature trees might need specialist transport, which adds to the price.
• Labour rates in your area – Labour costs vary by region across the UK. People based in and around London can expect to pay more than those in the North or other parts of the country.
• Number of trees – Planting several trees at once often reduces the labour cost per tree, which can make the job more affordable overall.

Mature trees need larger planting holes, support systems, and more labour, all of which raise the price. If access to your garden is limited, additional equipment or labour may be needed, increasing the cost further.

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 tend to thrive in UK conditions and 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, and they pair well with garden fencing if you want a defined boundary. Decorative garden plants improve your garden's appearance and attract wildlife and insects, while climbing plants add aesthetic appeal and bring more life to your outdoor space.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Tree Planting

Below are the key things to check when choosing a contractor to plant your tree:

• Are they qualified and insured? A reputable gardener or tree surgeon should hold relevant horticultural qualifications and public liability insurance. This protects you if anything is damaged during the work.
• Do they have experience with the size of tree you want? Planting a mature or semi-mature tree is very different from planting a sapling, so check your tree planting service has handled similar jobs before.
• Can they handle ground preparation and access? Ask whether the gardener will dig the planting hole, improve the soil, and manage any access issues, or whether these are charged separately.
• Is waste removal included? Clarify whether clearing soil, roots, and old plants is part of the quote or an additional cost.
• Will they advise on tree placement? A good contractor should flag any issues with planting too close to buildings, fences, or drains before the work starts.
• Have you checked their reviews and references? Look at feedback from other homeowners and ask for examples of previous tree planting work.
• Have you got it in writing? Get a written quote that sets out the supplies, labour, and any aftercare, and compare a few quotes before deciding.

Working through these points helps make sure you get 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.

As a rough guide, you can expect tree removal costs to average around £50 - £150 to remove a small tree, £150 - £500 for a medium tree, and £500 - £1,500 or more for a larger tree.

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