The Leyland Cypress is a popular, fast-growing evergreen tree often chosen by homeowners seeking a dense privacy screen. Determining the final cost of acquiring and planting this tree is complex, as the price varies widely based on the tree’s size, form, purchase location, and whether professional services are used. Shoppers must consider the initial purchase price alongside the secondary costs of delivery and installation to establish a true project budget.
Price by Tree Size and Form
The size and form of the Leyland Cypress directly determine its unit price, with larger specimens commanding higher prices. Smaller trees sold in 1-gallon or 3-gallon pots stand two to four feet tall and typically cost $20 to $55 each. This is the most budget-friendly option for those willing to wait for maturity.
Medium container stock (5-gallon to 7-gallon) stands five to eight feet high and is priced between $40 and $130 per tree. Larger container stock (15-gallon or 25-gallon) can reach seven to ten feet tall and generally cost $75 to $200. These larger sizes represent a substantial investment for immediate privacy.
The largest and most expensive form is the Ball and Burlap (B&B) tree. These field-grown trees are harvested with their root ball wrapped in burlap and a wire basket. B&B Leyland Cypresses are typically eight feet tall or more and are priced from $150 up to $350 or more. They are more costly because they require specialized equipment and labor for harvesting, but they provide the greatest height and density upon planting.
Impact of Purchase Source on Price
The type of vendor chosen significantly affects the price of a comparably sized Leyland Cypress. Big box retailers and large online nurseries often offer the lowest initial prices for small and medium container stock, especially during sales. However, selection may be limited, and the trees may have received less specialized care, potentially impacting their long-term health.
Local nurseries and garden centers generally feature higher prices, but this premium reflects better quality control and a wider selection of sizes. Buying locally usually includes access to expert advice on planting techniques and local growing conditions, which can increase the tree’s survival rate.
For very large projects, wholesale nurseries or growers provide the lowest per-unit price. They frequently require a high minimum purchase or a professional tax identification number. This option is best suited for professional landscapers or homeowners buying in bulk for extensive privacy screens.
Cost of Delivery and Installation
The final price of a Leyland Cypress project includes the secondary costs of getting the trees to the planting site and into the ground. Delivery fees from a local nursery are often based on a flat rate or mileage, with a minimum drop fee starting around $75. For large orders of B&B trees, which require flatbed trucks and specialized unloading equipment, the delivery cost can escalate substantially, sometimes reaching several thousand dollars for long-distance freight.
Professional installation labor is a separate and considerable expense, with pricing varying based on the tree’s size. Landscaping companies charge a per-tree labor rate that increases with the container size. This ranges from $50 to $60 for a 7-gallon tree up to $100 to $200 or more for a 15-gallon tree. Factors like poor site accessibility, rocky soil, or the need to remove obstructions can increase the total labor cost, often resulting in an hourly rate of $50 to $100 for the crew.