Landscaping

Tree planting and transplanting across Melbourne.

Species-matched new planting and safe relocation of established trees. From single feature trees to full planting plans, designed for Melbourne soils and aspects.

Illustration of a root-balled feature tree being lowered into a prepared planting hole
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What we do

New planting and established tree relocation.

New planting at Hilly's begins with species selection. The right tree for the site is the one that suits the soil (clay, sandy loam, decomposed granite), the aspect (full sun, part shade, full shade), the available root volume, and the long-term canopy you want in 20 years. We work across natives (eucalypts, banksias, grevilleas, lillipillies), exotic feature trees (Japanese maple, magnolia, ornamental pear, crepe myrtle), and productive trees (citrus, olive, stone fruit).

Stock is sourced from established Melbourne nurseries at the right size for the site. Most planting is in advanced tubestock to 200 litre bag. For mature feature trees, we coordinate supply and craning. Planting follows standard horticultural practice: appropriate hole size, root flare at finished grade, no nitrogen at planting, mulched to the drip line with the trunk kept clear.

Transplanting of established trees is a separate, AQF-qualified piece of work. We assess transplant viability based on species, age, root condition, soil type at both locations, and the time of year. Where transplant is viable, we root-prune in advance, dig the root ball, move and replant with appropriate support and establishment irrigation.

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What's in a planting package

Species selection

Right tree for the site, written rationale with mature size, water needs, root behaviour, and timeframe to canopy.

Site preparation

Soil test if required, hole excavation, drainage check, root barrier install where the tree is near structures or paving.

Planting + staking

Root flare at finished grade, backfill with native soil, mulched correctly, staked only where exposure requires it.

Establishment plan

Written watering schedule for the first 18 months, follow-up site visit at month 6 and 12 to confirm establishment.

What it costs

Per tree, by size and access.

Single-tree planting and multi-tree plans are both common. Pricing covers supply, site prep, planting, and the establishment plan.

These are Hilly's indicative ranges, not industry averages or a property-specific quote. Access, condition, equipment, approvals, disposal and the final scope can change the price.

Single advanced tree
$450 to $1,200

One feature tree, 100 to 200 litre bag, planted with stake and mulch.

  • Tree supplied
  • Hole prep + plant
  • 12-month establishment plan
Multi-tree plan
$2,000 to $8,000

Multiple trees planted in a coordinated plan. Common for new builds or full-yard renovations.

  • Species selection plan
  • All trees supplied
  • Establishment + 6-month check
Mature tree transplant
$4,000 to $25,000+

Relocation of an established tree. Root-pruned in advance, craned where required.

  • AQF viability assessment
  • Root-pruning + lifting
  • Re-establishment program

Mature feature tree supply (300L+) and crane work are quoted as separate line items where required.

How we work

The standard process.

Step 01

Site visit

We walk the site, check soil and aspect, talk through what you want the tree to do (shade, screen, feature, productivity), and the long-term canopy you have in mind.

Step 02

Species shortlist

Two to four species options, with mature size, water needs, and timing. Photographs of each at maturity.

Step 03

Planting day

Tree delivered, hole prepared, planted at the correct depth, staked if needed, mulched to the drip line. Site cleaned.

Step 04

Establishment check-ins

Written watering schedule on the day, follow-up site visit at six months and twelve months to confirm the tree is established.

What the work looks like

Illustrative images of the technique. Photographs of completed Hilly's jobs are in the project gallery.

Illustration of a young feature tree being planted in a mulched bed
Illustration of a young feature tree being planted in a mulched bed
Site preparation work prior to planting
Site preparation work prior to planting
Suburbs we cover

Regular work across Melbourne's east, south east, bayside and north.

Malvern EastCaulfieldCarnegieGlen IrisChadstoneMalvernPrahranHughesdaleOakleighBentleighElwoodEndeavour HillsBrightonHawthornCamberwellMount WaverleyAshburtonMurrumbeenaWheelers HillSurrey Hills
FAQs

The questions we get most.

Autumn (March to May) is ideal for most species. Soil is still warm, rainfall is increasing, and the tree has six months of cool weather to establish roots before the first summer. Late winter through early spring (August to September) is the second-best window. Avoid mid-summer planting for advanced trees unless irrigation is reliable.

Single advanced tree (100 to 200L) planted: $450 to $1,200 including tree supply, planting, mulching and the 12-month establishment plan. Multi-tree planting plans: $2,000 to $8,000. Mature transplant: $4,000 to $25,000+.

Sometimes. Transplant viability depends on species, age, current root condition, soil type at the new location, and time of year. We assess all of these before quoting. Some species transplant well (most natives, many fruit trees), others almost never (most eucalypts over 5m, taprooted oaks). We'll tell you which yours is.

Both options work. Standard package includes tree supply from established Melbourne nurseries (we know the good ones and we get trade pricing). If you've already sourced a tree or have a specific feature tree in mind, we can plant from your supply.

Not always. We only stake where the planting location is exposed, the tree has a tall slender form, or the species is prone to wind-rocking during establishment. Over-staking actually weakens trunk taper, so we use it sparingly and remove stakes after 12 to 18 months.
Request a quote

Book a site visit.

Send the address, photographs and the work you are considering. We will confirm whether a site visit is needed and provide the scope and price in writing.

0468 077 782Email Hilly's TreesMon to Sat, 24/7 emergency
AQF Level 5 consulting reports$20M public liability

Or call 0468 077 782, Mon to Sat. 24/7 for emergencies.

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