Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Surgery in Edinburgh
As a team of qualified tree surgeons based in Ratho, Heartwood Tree Care serves homeowners and businesses across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, Falkirk, and Stirling. Whether you’ve never hired a tree surgeon before or just need clarity on the regulations, tools, or timing, this page answers the most common questions we receive.
With over a decade of hands-on experience, we’re here to make professional tree care straightforward, safe, and reliable.
Why choose Heartwood Tree Care?
- Based in Ratho, just outside Edinburgh
- 10+ years of experience in all aspects of tree surgery
- NPTC and LANTRA qualified tree surgeons
- Fully insured and safety compliant
- Edinburgh Trusted Trader accredited
- Achilles-approved by utility companies like SGN
- Responsive service – we aim to reply to all enquiries within 24 hours
- Domestic and commercial work covered
Tree Pruning | Tree Felling | Stump Grinding | Emergency Work
FAQs About Tree Work in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Q: Do I need permission to cut down or prune a tree?
A: If your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a Conservation Area, you’ll need consent from your local council before carrying out any work. This applies to many areas across Edinburgh.
We can advise on this during your site visit and help with applications where needed.
Useful link: Tree Preservation Orders – City of Edinburgh Council
Q: How much does tree surgery cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the size, location, and access to the tree. Typical ranges:
- Tree felling: £500 – £5,000
- Stump grinding: £100 – £500
- Emergency callouts: Custom quote provided
We offer free, no-obligation quotes after a site inspection. Get a quote here.
Q: Do you offer emergency tree removal?
A: Yes. As a Ratho-based team, we provide rapid-response emergency tree removal across Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
If a tree has fallen or poses a safety risk, visit our emergency tree work page or call us on 0131 581 8203.
Q: When’s the best time to prune trees?
A: The ideal time is late winter to early spring — when trees are dormant, which minimises stress and supports healthy regrowth.
Our team can advise on timing depending on the species and your goals. Learn more about our pruning services.
Q: What happens to the waste after tree work?
A: All waste is responsibly handled:
- Branches chipped and removed
- Larger wood sectioned or left (if requested)
- Stumps ground out (optional)
- Site left clean and safe
We recycle timber wherever possible.
- Branches chipped and removed
Q: Are you qualified and insured?
A: Yes. All work is carried out by NPTC and LANTRA certified professionals, and we hold full public liability insurance.
We are an Edinburgh Trusted Trader and Achilles accredited for commercial and utility work.
Q: Can you help with large-scale site clearance?
A: We work with developers, landowners, and utility firms. Recent projects include vegetation clearance over a gas pipeline for SGN in Dalkeith, where we handled tree and shrub removal safely and efficiently.
Q: Do you serve areas outside Ratho?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Ratho, our service area includes:
- Edinburgh (city centre and suburbs)
- East Lothian & Midlothian
- Falkirk, Stirling, and Fife
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, contact us here.
More Help & Internal Resources
A: For more specific details on our services, visit:
Still Have Questions? Speak with a Local Expert
Our team is here to provide honest, professional advice for tree work in Ratho and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, planning a garden redesign, or managing a commercial site, we’re ready to help.
📍 Based in Ratho | Serving Edinburgh & Central Scotland
👉 Call Heartwood Tree Care now
👉 Or email us at info@htctrees.co.uk