Top 10 Best Landscaping Companies in Shetland Islands

Landscaping on the Edge of the North Atlantic

Creating a garden in the Shetland Islands is a true test of creativity. The islands are almost treeless, winds regularly exceed gale force, and salt spray can scorch leaves far inland. Yet Shetland gardeners have proved what is possible, with sheltered plots bursting with colour during the long light of the simmer dim, the endless summer twilight around midsummer.

Lea Gardens in Tresta is perhaps the best-known example, a plantsman's garden with an extraordinary collection of species grown in challenging conditions. It shows that with thoughtful shelter, soil improvement and plant selection, Shetland gardens can thrive. Professional landscapers bring the skills and equipment needed to make that vision a reality on a larger scale.

Our Selection Criteria

We focused on design creativity, knowledge of exposed coastal planting, hard landscaping quality, drainage expertise and reliability. We also considered environmental sensitivity, given Shetland's precious peatland and machair habitats.

The Top 10 Landscaping Companies and Specialists

1. Garriock Bros

With experience in civil works and groundworks, Garriock Bros is suited to large-scale landscaping tasks such as site levelling, drainage, access roads and car parks, which form the foundation of any landscaping project.

2. Shetland Amenity Trust

Shetland Amenity Trust has long championed the islands' natural and built heritage, including tree planting and woodland projects that have demonstrated how shelter belts can be established. Its expertise is a valuable reference for anyone planning planting schemes.

3. Garden Design Specialists

Garden designers create layouts that use walls, hedges and planting to break the wind and frame sea views. They advise on hardy plants such as hebes, escallonia, rugosa roses, fuchsias and native grasses.

4. Drystone Walling Craftspeople

Drystone dykes are part of Shetland's landscape. Skilled wallers build and repair walls that provide shelter, define boundaries and support wildlife habitats.

5. Hard Landscaping Contractors

Patios, paths, driveways and retaining walls require durable materials and good drainage. Hard landscaping contractors use local stone and quality paving to withstand wet conditions.

6. Drainage and Groundworks Specialists

Heavy rainfall and peaty soils make drainage essential. Specialists install French drains, soakaways and land drainage to keep gardens usable year-round.

7. Polytunnel and Greenhouse Installers

Polytunnels are a common sight across Shetland, extending the growing season for vegetables and fruit. Installers anchor structures securely against strong winds.

8. Shelter Belt and Tree Planting Specialists

Establishing trees in Shetland requires careful species selection and protection. Specialists plant shelter belts of willow, alder and sycamore to create microclimates for gardens.

9. Grounds Maintenance Teams

Regular grass cutting, hedge trimming and seasonal tidying keep gardens, holiday lets and commercial grounds looking their best.

10. Wildlife-Friendly Garden Creators

Specialists in wildlife gardening create ponds, wildflower areas and native planting that support bees, birds and insects, complementing Shetland's rich natural environment.

Landscaping Trends in Shetland

Food growing is a major trend. More households are installing raised beds and polytunnels to grow their own vegetables, inspired by local food movements and the desire for fresh produce despite the islands' distance from mainland suppliers.

Sustainable landscaping is also on the rise. Homeowners increasingly choose permeable paving, rainwater harvesting and native planting, reducing maintenance and supporting biodiversity. Outdoor living spaces with sheltered seating and fire pits make the most of long summer evenings.

Tips for a Successful Landscaping Project

• Prioritise shelter before planting delicate species.
• Improve soil with organic matter and seaweed, a traditional Shetland fertiliser.
• Plan drainage carefully on wet or sloping sites.
• Choose plants proven to cope with salt and wind.
• Respect peatland and protected habitats when planning works.

Plants That Thrive in Shetland Gardens

Successful Shetland gardens rely on tough, salt-tolerant plants. Hebes, escallonia, olearia and griselinia make excellent hedging and shelter. Rugosa roses and fuchsias provide colour and cope well with exposure. Native species such as thrift, sea campion and red campion suit coastal plots and support pollinators. In sheltered areas, many perennials flourish, benefiting from the long summer daylight. For vegetables, kale, potatoes, onions and root crops grow well outdoors, while polytunnels allow tomatoes, salads and soft fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can trees really grow in Shetland?

Yes, with shelter and the right species. Successful woodland and shelter belt plantings across the islands show that willow, alder, sycamore and some conifers can establish well when protected while young.

When is the best time for landscaping work?

Hard landscaping is best done in late spring and summer when ground conditions are drier. Planting is often most successful in spring or early autumn.

Respecting Shetland's Natural Environment

Shetland's landscapes are home to rare plants, ground-nesting birds and fragile habitats. Responsible landscapers avoid disturbing nesting birds during the breeding season, minimise peat removal and favour native or non-invasive plants. Using local stone and reclaimed materials reduces freight and helps new gardens blend naturally with their surroundings.

Conclusion

Shetland's landscaping professionals transform windswept plots into sheltered, productive and beautiful spaces. With the right expertise, island gardens can flourish, offering colour, food and a place to enjoy some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain.