Cherry trees are a popular choice for residential landscaping, whether sought for their vibrant spring blossoms or their edible fruit. Determining the purchase price is complex, as the cost depends heavily on the tree’s current size, preparation method, and genetic purpose. The initial investment is only one part of the financial picture, as long-term maintenance needs also factor into the total cost of ownership.
Pricing Based on Tree Maturity and Format
The most immediate factor influencing a cherry tree’s price is its maturity and how it is sold by the nursery. The least expensive option is the bare-root seedling, a young, dormant tree sold without soil, with prices typically ranging from $20 to $50. While this is the lowest initial cost, bare-root trees require careful handling, establish slowly, and present a higher risk of transplant failure.
Container or potted trees are a middle-tier option, sold actively growing in soil and priced based on container size, often measured in gallons. A one-gallon pot may cost around $50, while a more established five-gallon tree ranges from $80 to $150, offering a higher survival rate and quicker visual impact. Larger specimens, sold as balled and burlapped (B&B), represent the highest investment. These are mature trees harvested with an intact root ball wrapped in burlap, requiring professional transport and installation, with prices starting at $400 and increasing based on trunk caliper size.
Cost Differences Between Fruiting and Ornamental Varieties
Beyond size and packaging, the tree’s genetic type—fruiting or ornamental—establishes a baseline cost due to differing propagation complexities. Fruiting varieties, such as ‘Bing’ sweet cherry or ‘Montmorency’ tart cherry, generally have a higher initial price tag than basic flowering types of the same size. This increased cost is largely due to the specialized technique of grafting, where a desired cultivar is joined to a specific rootstock to control size or disease resistance.
Grafting requires more skilled labor and time investment from the nursery to produce a tree guaranteed to yield a particular type of fruit. Ornamental varieties like the ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Yoshino’ flowering cherry are cultivated solely for aesthetic qualities, and their propagation methods are often less complex. Although ornamental trees may sometimes be priced higher due to popularity and size, the fundamental cost of fruiting cultivars is elevated by the need for a specific, successful graft. The market source also affects price, as specialized local nurseries often charge more than generic big-box store offerings.
Long-Term Financial Commitment
The total cost of a cherry tree extends well beyond the purchase price, encompassing several recurring annual maintenance expenses. Both fruiting and ornamental trees require regular inputs, including specialized fertilizers formulated for trees, which can cost between $15 and $30 per application. Fruiting trees, in particular, demand annual soil amendments and specific nutrient supplements to support heavy fruit production.
Pest and disease management presents another recurring expense, as cherry trees are susceptible to issues like cherry leaf spot or various insect pests. Purchasing fungicides, such as copper-based sprays, and insecticides for home use can cost around $19 to $25 per bottle, requiring multiple applications throughout the growing season. Pruning is a regular need to maintain tree health and shape, with professional arborist services for a small to medium-sized cherry tree typically costing between $100 and $400 per visit.