Redbud trees, native to North America and belonging to the Cercis genus, are known for their early spring magenta-pink blossoms and heart-shaped foliage. The cost of acquiring a Redbud is not fixed, but instead varies widely depending on the tree’s maturity, specific variety, and how it has been grown and prepared for sale. Understanding the differences in nursery stock—from tiny bare-root saplings to large, established specimens—is essential for accurate budgeting.
Pricing Based on Tree Form and Size
The most significant factor determining a Redbud’s price is its size and the method used to grow and package its root system. Trees are typically sold in three primary forms, each representing a different stage of maturity and cost bracket. Bare-root stock is the most economical option, consisting of dormant saplings, often 18 to 24 inches tall, with no soil around the roots. These young trees cost $4 to $8 each when purchased in large quantities, or $20 to $40 for individual mail-order saplings.
Container-grown trees, sold in plastic pots, are the most common form found at retail nurseries and garden centers. A smaller 5-gallon container Redbud, usually 4 to 6 feet tall, typically costs $60 to $120. Scaling up to a larger 15-gallon container, which might contain a tree 6 to 8 feet tall, increases the price to approximately $150 to $300 due to added cultivation time and transport weight.
The most expensive option is the balled and burlapped (B&B) tree, which is dug directly from a nursery field with a large soil ball wrapped in burlap. These specimens are much larger and more mature, often 1.5 to 2.5 inches in caliper (trunk diameter) and 8 to 10 feet in height, designed to create an immediate landscape impact. The sheer size and labor involved mean they can easily cost between $300 and $600 or more, with some large, boxed specimens reaching prices of $800 to over $1,000.
How Cultivar and Variety Affect Price
Beyond the physical size, the specific cultivar, or cultivated variety, of Redbud significantly influences the final price. The standard Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) serves as the baseline price for each size category. Specialized cultivars, bred for unique ornamental traits, command a premium due to the research, patenting, and grafting labor involved in their production.
Cultivars known for non-standard features often cost 20% to 50% more than the species-standard tree of the same size. For instance, varieties prized for their dramatic foliage color, such as ‘Forest Pansy’ with its deep purple leaves or ‘Hearts of Gold’ with its bright yellow foliage, are priced higher. A 5-gallon ‘Forest Pansy’ might cost $100 to $130, while a standard Eastern Redbud of the same size might be $80 to $100.
Trees with unusual growth habits, such as the weeping form ‘Ruby Falls’ or ‘Lavender Twist,’ also fall into the premium category. They require grafting onto a standard rootstock to achieve their unique structure. These patented or trademarked varieties involve higher nursery costs and often sell for $130 to $200 for a 5- to 7-gallon container.
Total Budgeting Beyond the Tree Purchase
While the sticker price is the main expense, a comprehensive budget must account for several ancillary costs that arise after the purchase. For larger container or B&B Redbuds, delivery fees are a near-certain expense. These charges can range from a flat minimum fee of $35 to $50, or be calculated based on mileage, often $3 to $5 per mile one way from the nursery.
Professional installation services are another major consideration, particularly for B&B trees, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and require specialized equipment. Hiring a professional to plant a medium-sized tree can add $150 to $350 to the total cost, or sometimes be bundled into an all-inclusive price starting around $775 to $800, which covers the tree, delivery, and labor. This service ensures the tree is planted correctly, which is a significant factor in long-term survival.
Additional material costs, though small individually, accumulate quickly and should be factored into the final budget. These include:
- Bags of high-quality topsoil or compost for amending the planting hole.
- A few cubic yards of mulch to help retain soil moisture around the new tree.
- Tree stakes.
- Specialized watering bags for the first year.
Budgeting an extra $50 to $100 for these supplies is a practical step to ensure the Redbud has the best chance for successful establishment.