Magnolia trees, known for their large, fragrant flowers and glossy foliage, are a highly desirable feature in many landscapes across the United States. Whether as a towering evergreen specimen or a compact deciduous shrub, they are popular for homeowners planning a garden upgrade. The cost of acquiring one of these trees is not static, however, varying significantly based on a few distinct factors. Understanding the differences in size, species, and vendor can help a buyer accurately budget for this landscaping investment.
Variables Determining the Tree’s Price
The most significant factor influencing a magnolia’s price is its size, which relates directly to its age and root system packaging. A small, one-gallon container tree, often a young sapling one to two feet tall, typically costs between $30 and $70. These smaller trees are the most economical entry point, but they require several years of growth to achieve a substantial landscape presence.
A seven-gallon container-grown magnolia, usually standing three to six feet tall, ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the variety. This price reflects the increased material and time invested in its growth. The highest expense involves purchasing a large, mature specimen prepared as a Balled and Burlapped (B&B) tree, which is dug from the field with its intact root ball wrapped in burlap.
A B&B tree with a trunk caliper of two to three inches, standing eight to twelve feet tall, can easily cost between $800 and $1,200 or more. This substantial price reflects the labor, equipment, and years of nursery care required to produce a tree that provides immediate impact in the landscape. Beyond size, the chosen species also affects cost; popular deciduous varieties are often less expensive than evergreen counterparts, such as the Southern Magnolia, which commands a higher price due to its slower growth rate and year-round foliage. Rarer, specialty cultivars, like yellow-flowering hybrids, also start at a higher price point due to limited availability.
How Purchase Location Affects Cost
The retail channel through which a magnolia is purchased significantly affects the final cost. Large national retail chains or big-box stores generally offer the lowest initial prices for container-grown magnolias, often stocking common varieties in two-to-seven-gallon sizes. These stores benefit from bulk purchasing, allowing them to sell smaller trees at competitive rates, but they provide a limited selection and less specialized horticultural advice.
Specialized local nurseries and garden centers often have a wider selection of unique or regional cultivars and offer trees better acclimated to the local climate. While the price for an equivalent container size may be higher, their inventory is generally healthier and comes with expert guidance and potential guarantees. This support can be invaluable for ensuring the tree’s long-term survival, offsetting the increased purchase price.
Online nurseries provide the greatest variety, often featuring hundreds of different magnolia cultivars unavailable locally. Their pricing is competitive, but the convenience of home delivery must be weighed against associated shipping fees. Shipping costs for a potted tree can range from $25 to $55, depending on the size and destination, although some online vendors offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount. For very large trees, the logistics and cost of freight shipping make online ordering impractical.
Budgeting for Installation and Ancillary Costs
The sticker price of the tree is only part of the final project cost, as installation and necessary supplies must also be factored into the budget.
Professional Installation Costs
Professional planting services for a single small-to-medium-sized magnolia typically range from $150 to $800, depending on the tree’s size and site conditions. For large B&B specimens, installation costs can escalate to between $600 and $1,500. This often requires specialized equipment and multiple crew members to manage the heavy root ball.
Delivery and Transport
Delivery fees are a separate expense, especially for large B&B trees that cannot be transported in a standard vehicle. Transporting a large specimen may involve a specialized truck and spade, with costs that can exceed $2,000 to $3,000, plus a per-mile charge for long-distance hauls.
Ancillary Materials
Establishing the tree requires ancillary materials to ensure healthy growth. A tree staking kit, used to stabilize the root ball in the first year, generally costs between $10 and $25. Necessary soil amendments and fertilizers also contribute to the final expense. Products such as root stimulant and specialized fertilizer, which promote root establishment and proper nutrient uptake, are typically sold in bags costing between $5 and $19. These secondary costs collectively represent a significant portion of the total project budget.