Tree Planting in Ratho, and the Surrounding Areas of Edinburgh
Professional, long-lasting tree planting starts with a deep understanding of your soil, environment, and goals. At Heartwood Tree Care, we offer a comprehensive tree planting service in Edinburgh, Ratho, and the surrounding Lothians for both domestic and commercial clients.
Whether you’re replacing a felled tree, establishing a privacy screen, or restoring a garden space, we provide species selection, ground preparation, and expert planting for strong, healthy growth.
At Heartwood Tree Care, we provide expert tree pruning services in Ratho and Edinburgh, ensuring the health, safety, and aesthetics of your trees. Our certified arborists specialise in crown reduction, crown lifting, and crown thinning, tailored to meet the unique needs of each tree and property.
Why Choose Heartwood Tree Care for Tree Planting?
- Over 10 years of arboricultural experience in Scotland’s climate
- Accredited by Achilles and listed as an Edinburgh Trusted Trader
- Tree and hedge planting tailored to soil conditions and landscape goals
- Supply and planting of native, ornamental, or screening species
- Ground cleared, prepared and composted for optimum root establishment
- Full aftercare guidance included for all planting jobs
- Trusted by homeowners, utility companies and commercial clients
What Our Tree Planting Services Include

Site Assessment
We begin with a detailed review of your space, including soil type, drainage, light levels, root competition, and exposure to prevailing winds. This ensures we select species that will thrive in your specific environment.
Species Selection
We advise on tree species based on your priorities, such as fast growth, privacy, seasonal colour, biodiversity support, or low maintenance. We prioritise Scottish-native and UK-hardy species for ecological benefits and climate suitability.
Professional Ground Preparation
Proper planting starts beneath the surface. We excavate and prepare the planting hole to the correct width and depth, incorporating organic matter, drainage layers if required, and ensuring no root circling or waterlogging occurs.
Precision Tree or Hedge Planting
Trees are planted with consideration to final height, spread, and surrounding structures. Each is staked, mulched, and watered in, ensuring the best start and structural support. We use industry-recognised methods to ensure correct planting depth and alignment.
Aftercare Planning
You’ll receive aftercare guidance tailored to your species, including watering schedules, mulch maintenance, pest observation, and structural pruning recommendations.
Types of Planting Projects We Deliver

Garden Tree Planting
We work with homeowners who want to enhance their outdoor space with beautiful, purposeful trees. Whether you need a blossom tree, shade canopy, or focal point, we guide you from idea to establishment.
Hedge and Boundary Planting
Planting a hedge can provide natural screening, reduce wind exposure, and enhance biodiversity. We plant both evergreen and deciduous species with the correct spacing and alignment for long-term effectiveness. Visit our hedge planting and maintenance page to learn more.
Tree Replacement and Rewilding
Replacing previously felled or storm-damaged trees is an important step for many of our clients. We also assist with small-scale rewilding projects to enhance local ecology with species such as hawthorn, rowan, or silver birch.
Commercial Tree Planting
From boundary lines to planning permission requirements, we support commercial planting projects with scaled planning, sourcing, and ongoing maintenance. We’ve worked with utility companies like SGN and Scottish Power for compliant vegetation and site clearance, followed by controlled replanting.
Tree Planting Considerations

- Wind exposure in elevated areas
- Drainage complications due to compacted or clay-heavy soil
- Root barriers and proximity to hardscaping or buildings
- Conservation area and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) restrictions
We also provide stump removal services before planting. Learn more on our Stump Grinding page:
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in the Edinburgh area?
The ideal seasons for tree planting in Scotland are autumn (October–December) and early spring (February – April). These periods offer optimal soil moisture and cooler temperatures, helping the tree establish roots without drought stress.
You can read our related blog on the best time to prune trees, which includes useful seasonal insights for tree care:
Cost of Tree Planting in Edinburgh & Ratho
Costs vary depending on the size, species, number of trees, and site access. For typical residential planting, pricing may range from £150 to £500 per tree, including supply, ground preparation, and staking. Larger or commercial planting schemes are quoted individually following a site assessment.
Areas We Cover
Our team is based in Ratho and regularly delivers tree and hedge planting services across:
- Edinburgh – including Corstorphine, Stockbridge, Portobello, Leith, Morningside, Balerno, Cramond, and Murrayfield
- East Lothian – Haddington, Musselburgh, Tranent
- Mid Lothian – Loanhead, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg
- Falkirk and Stirling
Explore our Service Areas for more details:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you supply the trees as well as plant them?
Yes, we supply and plant trees and hedges, including native, ornamental, and screening species.
Do I need permission to plant trees in my garden?
Not usually. But if the tree is in a conservation area or protected by a TPO, you may need council approval.
Will you remove an old tree or stump before planting?
Yes. We offer full stump grinding and clearance before replanting.
When is the best time to plant trees in Scotland?
Autumn and early spring are ideal, when the ground is moist, and temperatures are cool.
Do you provide aftercare advice?
Yes, we include care guidance on watering, mulching, and early pruning after planting.
Can you help with commercial or planning-related planting?
Yes, we handle planting for planning conditions, developments, and commercial sites.
Get a Free Quote for Tree or Hedge Planting
Whether you’re enhancing a garden, fulfilling a planning condition, or restoring a plot, our team will ensure your trees are planted to thrive.
Speak With An Expert →
Call us on 0131 581 8203
Email us here info@htctrees.co.uk
Contact us here
Or fill out our online form below








We also stay aligned with national guidance on responsible planting, as outlined in the UK Government’s overview on tree planting and woodland creation→