Shrubs are a common and effective landscaping element, providing structure, color, and privacy to a property. Estimating the cost of a shrub project can be difficult because prices are highly variable, ranging from a few dollars to hundreds per plant. A successful landscape budget requires accounting for costs associated with the plant’s characteristics, the retailer, and the installation labor to avoid unexpected expenses.
How Plant Characteristics Determine the Cost
The price of an individual shrub is largely determined by its size and maturity, often gauged by the container it is grown in. Smaller starter shrubs, typically sold in one-gallon containers, may cost between $10 and $30 each. Moving up to a five-gallon container, which represents a more mature plant, generally raises the cost to the $40 to $80 range. The most expensive specimens are balled-and-burlapped (B&B) plants, which are dug directly from the field with a large root ball wrapped in burlap.
Balled-and-burlapped shrubs are costly because their size and the intensive labor required to dig and prepare them for transport can push prices to $100 or more per specimen. This price reflects the time invested in growing the plant to a mature size, which can be several years. The species itself influences the price, with common, fast-growing varieties being less expensive than specialized or rare cultivars. Plants that are non-native or have slow growth rates often command a higher price tag due to their scarcity and the increased time a nursery must dedicate to cultivation.
The method of preparation also affects the price, such as with bare-root shrubs, which are often the least expensive because they are dormant and shipped without soil. B&B preparation involves severing up to 60% of the root system when the plant is dug from the field. This increased risk of transplant shock, combined with the sheer weight and labor involved, contributes to the premium pricing of B&B specimens.
Price Variation Based on Where You Buy
The retail source for shrubs introduces another layer of price variation, reflecting differences in overhead, selection, and customer service. Big box stores and home centers usually offer the lowest initial prices, particularly for common species and smaller stock sizes. Their business model relies on high-volume sales of standardized products, meaning their inventory often lacks rare or specialized cultivars.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers typically charge higher prices due to the greater expertise and quality control they offer. These businesses often stock a wider selection of unique or regionally adapted plants, which benefits long-term plant health. Staff at these centers can also provide specialized advice on soil preparation and plant care specific to the local climate, justifying the higher cost.
Online and mail-order nurseries provide competitive pricing, especially for smaller or bare-root plants, but this option requires careful consideration of shipping costs. Shipping can be substantial for larger or heavier containerized plants, potentially offsetting any initial savings. While online sources offer access to highly specialized or rare varieties, the buyer must account for the plant’s stress during transit and the potential for greater risk of transplant failure.
Calculating the Total Cost of Installation
The total project cost extends significantly beyond the shrub’s purchase price to include the necessary labor and supplementary materials for installation. Professional installation is often quoted per plant, with fees typically ranging from $25 to $70 per shrub, depending on the size and site difficulty. Alternatively, landscapers may charge an hourly labor rate, which can fall between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the crew size and local market conditions.
For a do-it-yourself installation, material costs include necessary soil amendments and supplements for successful establishment. Soil amendments like compost, needed to improve drainage or nutrient content, can cost around $30 to $80 per cubic yard. Other necessary materials include mulch for moisture retention, fertilizer to aid root growth, and potentially root stimulators, adding to the overall material budget.
Ancillary fees can also inflate the final project cost. Delivery fees for large orders or heavy B&B specimens can be substantial, sometimes based on a flat rate or the total distance traveled. Some nurseries or installers offer a warranty on their plants and labor, which provides protection against plant death but may be included as a small percentage of the total installation cost.