Dogwood trees, beloved for their spectacular spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage, are a popular choice for homeowners seeking an ornamental addition to their landscape. The total investment for a dogwood varies considerably, driven by the method of sale, the specific species selected, the tree’s maturity, and the auxiliary expenses associated with successful planting. Understanding these variables is the first step in budgeting for this flowering tree.
Understanding Dogwood Price Structures
The base price of a dogwood is determined by how the tree is cultivated and sold, which affects labor, shipping, and the ease of planting. The most economical option is the bare root dogwood, which is a small, dormant sapling with all soil washed away from the roots. These are the cheapest because they require minimal nursery labor and are light to ship, often costing half the price of a container-grown tree. Bare root stock is only available during the dormant season and requires immediate planting.
A middle-ground option is the container-grown dogwood, sold in a plastic pot with its root ball intact. These trees offer a better balance of price and convenience, as they can be planted almost any time of year and are easy to transport. Container trees represent a moderate investment and are generally available in sizes from small saplings to young, established trees.
The most substantial initial investment is the balled-and-burlapped (B&B) specimen. These are typically the largest and most mature trees available, providing instant landscape impact. The high cost reflects the labor of digging, the weight of the soil, and the specialized equipment needed for handling and planting these large specimens.
How Species and Maturity Impact Cost
Beyond the three main sales structures, the specific type of dogwood and its physical size also cause significant price fluctuation. The widely popular Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is often more susceptible to diseases like dogwood anthracnose, which has led to the development of more resilient cultivars. For instance, the naturally disease-resistant Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), which originates in Asia and flowers about a month later, often commands a slightly higher base price due to its hardier nature. Specialized cultivars of either species, such as ‘Cherokee Princess’ or ‘Scarlet Fire,’ can push the price point up further because of their unique color or rarity in the market.
The age and height of a dogwood tree are perhaps the most dramatic drivers of cost, regardless of whether it is bare root or B&B. A small sapling, typically three to six feet tall, might cost between $50 and $150 at a retail nursery. Conversely, a semi-mature specimen ranging from ten to twenty feet tall can cost between $250 and $800 just for the tree itself, excluding any installation labor. The increased price directly correlates with the years of cultivation, care, and nursery space required to grow the tree to a larger size.
Associated Costs Beyond Purchase Price
The purchase price of the dogwood is only one component of the total project budget, as several auxiliary costs must be considered for successful establishment. For larger B&B specimens, the cost of professional installation is often necessary and can be substantial, as these trees can weigh hundreds of pounds. Hiring a tree service for a semi-mature tree generally ranges from $540 to $645, though planting a very large, 20-foot tree can cost several thousand dollars due to the heavy machinery required.
Labor costs are calculated based on the size of the tree and the complexity of the site, with professional hourly rates typically falling between $50 and $150. Additionally, the tree may require soil testing and amendments to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability, which can add between $150 and $500 to the budget. Materials like high-quality mulch, slow-release fertilizer, and staking supplies may also be required for the first few growing seasons.
Finally, the logistics of transportation can significantly impact the total investment, especially for large trees purchased from a distant nursery. The sheer weight and bulk of B&B specimens necessitate specialized delivery, and for the largest sizes, the transportation cost can occasionally rival or even exceed the initial purchase price of the tree. A comprehensive budget must account for these installation, material, and delivery expenses to ensure the dogwood thrives in its new location.