The price of an olive tree is highly variable, making a single, fixed cost impossible to determine. The Olea europaea is popular both as an ornamental landscape feature and for its fruit-bearing capacity. Its value is based on its age, size, and specific characteristics. For the prospective buyer, the cost reflects the decades of cultivation and the immediate aesthetic impact the tree will provide. Understanding the factors that drive these prices is the first step toward estimating the total investment.
Primary Factors Determining Price
The primary factor driving an olive tree’s cost is its age and corresponding size. A young sapling requires minimal resources to cultivate, while a mature tree represents a significant investment of time, space, and care from the nursery. For example, a one-year-old tree might cost \(20–\)50. In contrast, a 20-year-old specimen can command \(500–\)1,000 due to its established size and immediate visual appeal.
The specific cultivar, or variety, also influences the price. Varieties prized for high-quality oil, such as the Italian ‘Frantoio,’ or those known for their attractive growth habit, like the ‘Sevillano,’ may cost more than common commercial types. Specialty varieties selected for pest or disease resistance, like the ‘Koroneiki,’ also carry a premium, reflecting the added value of reliability and ease of maintenance.
The provenance and condition of the tree play a role in its valuation. Trees are typically sold as container-grown, balled-and-burlapped, or as field-grown specimens; container size directly correlates to price. Prices also fluctuate based on the regional market. Trees are less expensive in areas where they are commonly grown and locally sourced, such as California or the Mediterranean region, compared to being imported into a non-native climate.
Price Ranges Based on Tree Size and Maturity
Olive tree prices are most easily categorized by the size of the container, which is a proxy for the tree’s maturity. The most affordable options are young saplings sold in small containers, typically 1 to 5 gallons, ranging from $20 to $80. These young trees are usually one to five years old and are the most suitable choice for buyers willing to wait for the tree to mature and begin fruiting.
Medium-sized trees, commonly found in 15- to 25-gallon containers, represent a moderate investment and usually stand several feet tall. Prices for this size range widely, typically falling between $150 and $400, depending on the specific variety and the nursery’s location. A 15-gallon ‘Arbequina’ variety, for instance, might be priced around $230, providing immediate presence in a landscape.
The highest prices are reserved for mature and specimen trees, often sold in 36-inch to 60-inch boxes or as ancient, field-grown transplants. A 24-inch boxed tree might cost around $250, while a 36-inch box can jump to $750, and a 48-inch box can reach $2,500. Large, multi-trunk trees aged 50 years or older are considered specimen trees and can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 or more, with some ancient trees exceeding $20,000.
Total Cost Considerations Beyond the Purchase Price
The initial price paid for the olive tree is only one component of the total investment, as several ancillary costs must be factored in. Delivery and shipping expenses can significantly increase the final bill, particularly for large, heavy specimens. Specialized transportation is often required for mature trees, with charges based on the distance from the nursery, often costing hundreds or thousands of dollars for long-distance transport.
Professional installation labor is necessary for any tree larger than a small container size, especially for boxed specimen trees that can weigh several thousand pounds. The cost of planting labor for a single large tree can exceed $100 to $400. Heavy equipment like boom trucks or small cranes may be required to safely set the root ball into the ground. Specialized nurseries often offer full-service installation packages that cover this complex process.
Successful establishment requires investment in necessary planting materials and initial maintenance. Soil testing and preparation, including specialized soil amendments and fertilizers, can add hundreds of dollars to the project. An effective irrigation setup, such as a drip system, is necessary during the first year of establishment to ensure the tree’s survival.