Tree Surgeon Near Me Edinburgh: Finding a Trusted Arborist in Scotland's Capital 2026
Chris
Tree Surgeon Near Me Edinburgh: Finding a Trusted Arborist in Scotland's Capital 2026
How Scottish Tree Law Differs from England and Wales
This is the most important starting point for any Edinburgh homeowner planning tree work. Scotland has its own planning legislation — and while the principles of tree protection are similar to those in England and Wales, there are meaningful differences in the detail.
Tree Preservation Orders in Scotland
In Scotland, Tree Preservation Orders are made under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation and Trees in Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2010. The process is broadly similar to England and Wales — councils designate protected trees and consent is required for significant work — but the specific regulations differ and Scottish planning authority decisions are made under Scottish planning policy rather than English guidance. The City of Edinburgh Council manages its own TPO register and applies TPOs actively, particularly in Conservation Areas and areas of high townscape value.
Conservation Areas in Scotland
The Section 211 notification system that applies in England and Wales has a Scottish equivalent. In Scotland, before carrying out work on a tree in a Conservation Area with a trunk diameter over 75mm, you must give the planning authority six weeks' written notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. The council can respond by making a TPO on the tree within that period.
Scottish Forestry and Felling Licences
In Scotland, felling trees — including trees in private gardens — may require a felling licence from Scottish Forestry (formerly the Forestry Commission Scotland) for trees above a certain size, in addition to any TPO consent required from the local planning authority. This is a distinction that does not apply in England and Wales, where felling in private gardens generally does not require a forestry licence. A qualified Edinburgh tree surgeon will be aware of this requirement and will advise you if a felling licence is needed for your specific work. ⚠️ Always ask your arborist whether a Scottish Forestry felling licence is required before any significant tree removal in Edinburgh. Felling without the required licence is a criminal offence in Scotland.
Tree Surgery in Edinburgh: The Local Context
The New Town and World Heritage Setting
Edinburgh's New Town — the Georgian masterpiece that makes up the northern half of the city centre — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets and gardens of the New Town have significant mature tree coverage, and any tree work in this area is subject to the most stringent planning scrutiny. The City of Edinburgh Council's conservation team is closely involved in assessing any work that might affect the character of the World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh's Victorian Suburbs
The Victorian suburbs that stretch south and west from the Old Town — Morningside, Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Grange, Corstorphine, Murrayfield — have exceptional mature tree coverage. Large garden trees, street tree planting and communal garden squares characterise these areas, and they contain some of the highest TPO densities in the city.
Tenement Gardens and Shared Spaces
Much of Edinburgh's residential housing is tenement flats with shared back courts and communal gardens. Tree work in these shared spaces requires the agreement of all relevant owners — typically managed through the factors (property managers) who administer the shared areas. If you are in a tenement property, confirm ownership and responsibility for any trees before instructing work.
How Much Does a Tree Surgeon Cost in Edinburgh 2026?
Edinburgh prices are broadly in line with the national UK average, though the premium suburbs and tight working conditions of the inner city push some jobs above the average.
| Type of Work | Typical Cost Range Edinburgh 2026 |
|---|---|
| Small tree removal (up to 5m) | £160 – £420 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10m) | £380 – £900 |
| Large tree removal (10–20m) | £850 – £2,500 |
| Crown reduction (medium tree) | £220 – £580 |
| Crown thinning (medium tree) | £180 – £470 |
| Deadwooding (medium tree) | £150 – £370 |
| Stump grinding (medium stump) | £90 – £230 |
| Hedge cutting (per metre, both sides) | £4 – £10 |
| Emergency call-out | £220 – £550 |
Price Variation Across Edinburgh
| Area | Price Relative to Edinburgh Average |
|---|---|
| New Town, Stockbridge, Canonmills | 15–25% above average |
| Morningside, Grange, Marchmont | 10–20% above average |
| Murrayfield, Corstorphine, Ravelston | 10–20% above average |
| Leith, Portobello | At average |
| Liberton, Gilmerton, Craigmillar | At or slightly below average |
| Outer suburbs (Balerno, Currie, Queensferry) | At average |
Tree Preservation Orders in Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council applies TPOs proactively across the city, with particular concentration in Conservation Areas and the premium suburban areas. Edinburgh's planning team is well-resourced by Scottish local authority standards, and enforcement of tree protection legislation is active.
How to Check for TPOs in Edinburgh
- City of Edinburgh Council Planning Portal — searchable by address at edinburgh.gov.uk/planning
- ePlanning Scotland — the national planning portal at eplanning.scot
- Contact Edinburgh's Planning Information Centre — they can confirm TPO status for specific trees
- Ask your arborist — experienced Edinburgh tree surgeons will check TPO status as part of their site assessment
Applying for TPO Consent in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's tree officers assess TPO applications under Scottish planning policy. Applications for management work on healthy protected trees — crown reduction, deadwooding, crown lifting — are generally processed efficiently where there is clear justification. Removal applications are scrutinised carefully, and the Council's presumption is in favour of retaining significant trees. Engaging a qualified Edinburgh arborist to prepare and submit TPO applications is strongly recommended. The Council responds better to professionally prepared submissions from qualified practitioners than to self-prepared applications.
Conservation Areas in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has an extensive network of Conservation Areas covering much of the city's historic built environment. Key areas with significant tree coverage include:
- New Town and Broughton — the UNESCO World Heritage core, with the highest level of heritage protection
- Morningside — extensive Victorian suburb with mature garden trees and active Conservation Area
- Marchmont and Sciennes — dense Victorian residential area with significant tree coverage
- The Grange — one of Edinburgh's most prestigious Conservation Areas, with exceptional mature garden trees
- Dean Village and Bell's Brae — historic village character within the city, with significant landscape trees
- Cramond — historic seaside village with Conservation Area designation
- Swanston — historic farm and village on the Pentland Hills edge
For tree work in any Edinburgh Conservation Area, you must submit a Section 172 notice to the City of Edinburgh Council at least six weeks before carrying out significant work on any qualifying tree. A qualified local arborist can help prepare and manage this process.
Finding a Qualified Tree Surgeon in Edinburgh
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors
The AA Approved Contractor directory at trees.org.uk covers Scotland, and Edinburgh and the Lothians have a reasonable number of AA Approved Contractors. Filter by postcode to find contractors operating in your specific area.
Scottish-Specific Qualifications
In addition to the NPTC/City & Guilds qualifications relevant across the UK, look for contractors with knowledge of Scottish planning legislation and Scottish Forestry licensing requirements. An Edinburgh arborist who is unfamiliar with the Scottish felling licence system or the Section 172 process is operating below the standard you should expect.
What to Check Before Hiring
- AA Approved Contractor status — independently verified
- Knowledge of Scottish planning law — TPO consent under Scottish regulations and Scottish Forestry felling licence requirements
- Public liability insurance — minimum £5 million; ask to see the certificate
- NPTC/City & Guilds qualifications — relevant chainsaw and climbing certificates
- Experience with tenement and shared garden situations if applicable
- Written quote and specification — the work, the method, and disposal of arisings
Tree Surgery Beyond Edinburgh: The Lothians and Scottish Borders
East Lothian
East Lothian to the east of Edinburgh has a mix of coastal, agricultural and suburban landscapes. East Lothian Council manages its own TPO register. The towns of Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar have Conservation Area designations. Many Edinburgh-based tree surgeons operate across East Lothian.
West Lothian and Midlothian
West Lothian and Midlothian surround Edinburgh to the west and south respectively. Both councils have their own planning frameworks. Working conditions in these areas are generally less complex than in Edinburgh's inner suburbs, and prices reflect this. Many Edinburgh tree companies cover both of these neighbouring authorities.
Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders to the south of Edinburgh has a very different character — rural, agricultural, with significant areas of ancient woodland and commercial forestry. Tree work in the Borders requires awareness of Scottish Forestry's role in managing woodland felling, and the specific requirements of the Borders' landscape designations.
Questions to Ask an Edinburgh Tree Surgeon Before Hiring
- ✅ Are you familiar with Scottish TPO regulations and the City of Edinburgh Council's planning team?
- ✅ Is a Scottish Forestry felling licence required for my specific work?
- ✅ Have you confirmed TPO status for the trees I need work on?
- ✅ Is my property in a Conservation Area requiring a Section 172 notice?
- ✅ Are you an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor?
- ✅ Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
- ✅ If I am in a tenement or shared property, can you advise on ownership and consent requirements?
- ✅ Will you provide a written specification before starting work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tree law in Scotland the same as in England?
No — Scotland has its own planning legislation that governs tree protection. The principles are broadly similar but the specific regulations, processes and enforcement mechanisms differ. Scottish Forestry's role in felling licences — which does not have a direct equivalent in English residential tree work — is a significant difference that Edinburgh homeowners need to be aware of.
Do I need a felling licence for a tree in my Edinburgh garden?
Possibly — this depends on the size and number of trees and the specific circumstances. Scottish Forestry's felling licence requirements apply to trees in private gardens in Scotland, unlike in England where garden tree felling is generally exempt from forestry licensing. Always ask a qualified Edinburgh arborist whether a licence is required before proceeding with any significant removal.
How long does it take to get TPO consent from Edinburgh City Council?
The City of Edinburgh Council aims to process TPO consent applications within eight weeks. Well-prepared applications with clear arboricultural justification tend to be processed more efficiently. Allow at least eight to twelve weeks from submission to decision when planning tree work on TPO-protected trees.
How do I find out if my Edinburgh garden is in a Conservation Area?
Search the City of Edinburgh Council's planning portal by address, or contact their Planning Information Centre. The Council's online mapping tool shows Conservation Area boundaries across the city.
Is ash dieback a significant issue in Edinburgh?
Yes — ash dieback has affected a substantial proportion of Edinburgh's ash trees, particularly in woodland and park settings. Many Edinburgh tree surgeons have significant experience of ash dieback assessment and felling. If you have ash trees, prioritise getting them assessed — trees caught early are significantly safer and more straightforward to manage than those in advanced decline.
Conclusion
Edinburgh's tree surgery market operates within one of the most legally complex environments in the UK — combining Scotland's distinct planning legislation, active TPO designation, extensive Conservation Area coverage, Scottish Forestry licensing requirements, and the additional heritage responsibilities of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting the legal groundwork right before any work begins is more important here than almost anywhere else in the country. Find an AA Approved Contractor who is genuinely familiar with Scottish planning law and the City of Edinburgh Council's tree team. Ask specifically about Scottish Forestry felling licences and Section 172 notifications. Get written quotes that include a clear specification of the work, the method and waste disposal. Edinburgh's trees are exceptional — they deserve the best professional care available.
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