The cost of a small tree is a variable figure determined by horticultural factors and transactional services. Understanding the true price requires looking beyond the initial tag and considering the tree’s size, cultivation method, and included services. The final expense can range from a few dollars for a dormant sapling to several hundred dollars for an established specimen.
Understanding Tree Size and Initial Price Ranges
In the retail nursery context, a “small tree” generally falls into container sizes between one and fifteen gallons. The size of the container is the most immediate factor influencing the baseline cost a buyer will encounter. The smallest, often 1-gallon pots or young saplings, typically represent the lowest financial outlay, sometimes priced between $10 and $30.
Moving up in size, a common 5-gallon container tree, which offers a more immediate presence in the landscape, usually costs between $50 and $100. This increase reflects the extra years of nursery care and resources required to grow the tree to that stage. Trees in 15-gallon containers, often reaching heights of six to twelve feet, provide a balance between impact and affordability, frequently costing $100 to $175, depending on the species.
Intrinsic Factors Driving the Price of Small Trees
The method used to grow and package the tree directly correlates with the final retail price due to differences in labor and survivability. Bare root trees, which are dug up and sold dormant without soil, are the most economical option, sometimes costing as little as $12 to $70. They require less handling, weight, and transport cost, but must be planted during a restrictive dormant season, typically late fall or early spring.
Container-grown trees, sold in plastic pots with their entire root system intact, are generally the mid-range price point and offer the convenience of being planted almost year-round. The most expensive option is the Balled and Burlap (B&B) tree, which is field-grown and dug up with a large soil ball wrapped in burlap. The B&B method demands significant labor and heavy machinery to move the substantial weight of the soil, which is reflected in a higher price tag.
Beyond the packaging method, the tree’s species and age also determine its intrinsic value. Slow-growing trees or rare cultivars require more years of nursery maintenance and occupy space longer, making them more expensive than common, fast-growing varieties.
The trunk diameter, or caliper, is a key metric, with price increasing exponentially as the caliper grows. A larger trunk signifies more maturity and nursery investment. For instance, a small 1.5-inch caliper tree can weigh around 250 pounds, illustrating the added cost of handling and care.
Cost Variations Based on Vendor and Services
The purchase location significantly influences the final transaction cost, separate from the tree’s intrinsic value. Large retail chains often offer the lowest prices on common species but may provide a limited selection or less expertise. Local garden centers and dedicated nurseries frequently charge more but often include a one-year guarantee or warranty. Wholesale nurseries offer the lowest per-tree cost, but typically require a bulk purchase or a professional license, making them less accessible to the average homeowner.
When a tree is too large to transport personally, additional services introduce significant costs. Professional delivery fees can range from $100 to $175, with extra charges for distances outside a standard radius.
The cost of professional installation can often double or even triple the initial purchase price of the tree itself. For small trees, installation labor can add between $70 and $250 to the total cost. This service includes proper planting depth, soil amendments, and staking, which can greatly improve the tree’s long-term survival and is often required to activate the nursery warranty.