Purchasing and planting a large tree is a complex financial undertaking that extends far beyond the initial nursery tag price. In landscaping, a tree is classified as “large” when its trunk reaches a caliper size of three inches or more, or when evergreens achieve significant height and spread. The total investment is highly variable, influenced by the tree’s size, species, necessary transportation, and the specialized labor required for successful installation. This process involves a series of distinct costs that must be accurately broken down for effective budgeting.
Determining the Core Tree Price
The core price of the tree is the first major cost component and is primarily driven by its size, measured by trunk caliper. Caliper is the diameter of the trunk measured six inches above the ground for smaller trees, and it scales the price exponentially. A three-inch caliper deciduous tree typically costs between $350 and $500. A five-inch caliper tree can range from $800 to $1,200, while an eight-inch caliper tree often costs $1,500 to over $2,500.
Species selection introduces another significant variable, as slow-growing or rare varieties require more time and specialized care from the nursery, increasing their value. Common, fast-growing trees, such as certain maples or sycamores, are more economically priced than slow-maturing species like specific oaks or ornamental Japanese maples. The quality of the nursery stock, including consistent pruning and shaping to develop a dense canopy and straight structure, also contributes to a higher price.
The method by which the tree is grown and harvested also impacts the base cost and subsequent handling requirements. Ball and Burlap (B&B) trees are field-grown, dug with a massive soil ball, and wrapped in burlap, making them the standard for larger sizes. Container-grown trees are generally smaller in caliper size but retain a higher percentage of their root system. B&B trees lose a large portion of their fine root system during digging, increasing the potential for transplant shock. The cost of their sheer weight and subsequent logistics must be considered alongside their immediate size.
Specialized Logistics and Delivery Fees
Once the tree is purchased, the cost of moving the specimen from the nursery to the planting site is a specialized and often underestimated expense. Large B&B root balls are exceptionally heavy; a four-inch caliper tree’s root ball easily weighs 4,000 pounds, and an eight-inch caliper tree exceeds 11,000 pounds. This significant weight necessitates the use of specialized, heavy-duty trailers and commercial trucks for transport, which is far removed from standard delivery services.
Delivery fees are calculated based on the mileage from the source nursery, often priced on a per-mile basis for the heaviest loads, with fees ranging from $12 to $15 or more per mile. Specialized equipment is needed at both ends of the journey, including large forklifts or small cranes, solely for loading and unloading the immense root ball without damaging the tree. Limited access at the final site, such as narrow driveways or soft ground, can increase the complexity and cost of the required handling equipment.
The scale of these loads can trigger regulatory requirements, leading to additional fees for transport on public roads. Oversized or overweight load permits are frequently required when the truck and tree exceed legal width, height, or weight limits, which is common for large caliper trees. These single-trip permits vary by state but typically range from $60 to over $200. Extremely heavy loads may incur higher fees if they require a structural analysis of bridges along the route.
Professional Installation and Labor Costs
The physical installation of a large tree is the most variable and expensive component of the project, representing a separate cost from the tree’s purchase and transport. Planting a substantial tree requires a skilled crew of multiple workers, specialized training, and heavy machinery to safely maneuver and position the specimen. This labor is often charged at a premium rate due to the risk and expertise involved, and the installation process for a single large tree can cost thousands of dollars.
Heavy equipment is necessary to manage the immense weight of the root ball and to excavate the properly sized planting hole. Depending on the tree size, this may require a skid steer or mini-excavator, which can be rented with an operator for over $125 per hour. For trees exceeding five or six inches in caliper, a full-sized crane is often needed to lift the tree over a house or into a difficult-to-access backyard. Crane rental and operator fees start with a minimum charge of $1,100 to over $2,000 for a four-to-six-hour period.
Site preparation also adds to the labor cost, involving the careful excavation of a planting hole that is two to three times the width of the root ball but no deeper than its height. The crew must manage the disposal or redistribution of the excavated native soil and may incorporate soil amendments to improve drainage and nutrient retention. A significant value included in the installation cost is the warranty, as many professional installers offer a one-year guarantee on the tree’s survival.
Investment in Post-Planting Survival
The financial commitment does not end when the tree is placed in the ground, as an ongoing investment is necessary to ensure the specimen successfully establishes its root system. Securing the newly planted tree is one of the first requirements, often involving staking or guying kits that run between $13 and $25 per tree. These materials stabilize the root ball against wind rock, which can shear off developing fine roots, while still allowing the trunk to sway slightly to promote strength.
Consistent and targeted water delivery is important for the tree’s survival, especially during the first year as it recovers from transplant shock. Temporary irrigation setups, such as specialized watering bags that slowly release water, cost approximately $24 each and are a simple solution for a single tree. For multiple trees, setting up a temporary drip irrigation system that targets the root zone is common practice. DIY kits for several trees cost around $125 or more, while professional installation adds several hundred dollars to the project.
To encourage root growth and mitigate transplant stress, various soil amendments and root stimulants are applied during and immediately after planting. These products, such as root growth hormone or starter fertilizers enriched with beneficial fungi and bacteria, are inexpensive, costing between $5 and $10 per application. It is also wise to budget for follow-up monitoring by a certified arborist. Consultation fees range from $100 to $250 per hour to assess the tree’s health and provide guidance during its initial establishment period.