The weeping willow tree, characterized by its dramatic, sweeping canopy, is a fast-growing specimen that brings tranquil elegance to a landscape. Its signature pendulous branches and shimmering leaves make it a highly desirable ornamental tree, especially near water features. While the initial purchase price is straightforward, the total cost of ownership is highly variable. This article breaks down the elements that contribute to the final price, including the tree’s size, point of sale, installation, and long-term care.
Pricing Variables: How Size and Maturity Affect Cost
The most significant factor determining the purchase price is the tree’s maturity and how its root system is prepared for sale. The least expensive option is a bare-root seedling, a small, dormant tree shipped without soil. These 2-to-3-foot specimens typically cost between $10 and $30. They are the most economical choice, provided they are planted promptly in late winter or early spring.
Container-grown willows offer a higher survival rate and are available in various pot sizes. A small 1-gallon container willow, standing about 3 to 4 feet tall, may cost around $35. A 5-gallon container tree, generally 5 to 7 feet tall, can range from $50 to over $100. The price increases with the caliper (diameter of the trunk) and overall height, reflecting the nursery’s investment in its growth.
The most mature and costly option is a balled and burlapped (B&B) specimen. This is a larger tree dug from the ground with its root ball intact and wrapped in burlap. These specimens are often 10 to 15 feet tall and offer instant landscape impact, but they require specialized handling due to their weight. The price for a large B&B weeping willow starts at $300 and can climb to $600 or more, with some mature specimens reaching up to $1,800.
Retail Pricing Models: Where You Buy Impacts the Price
The vendor chosen significantly influences the final price and the level of service received. Big-box home improvement stores and large garden centers typically offer the lowest initial prices on 5-gallon and 7-gallon container trees. This provides an accessible, lower-cost option for the average homeowner, though selection may be limited and staff expertise is often general.
Local, commercial nurseries often have a higher price point but offer distinct advantages. These specialty retailers provide a wider selection of willow cultivars and expert horticultural advice. They often include a formal guarantee or warranty on the tree’s survival after planting. The higher price reflects the specialized care and quality control applied to the stock.
Purchasing from online or mail-order retailers is another option, particularly for bare-root or smaller container sizes. These vendors often offer competitive prices on small specimens, but the final cost must include shipping. Shipping can be substantial for larger trees. While bare-root willows are inexpensive to ship, the risk of transport damage or stress is a factor for container-grown plants.
Hidden Costs of Ownership: Delivery and Installation
The price paid for the tree is only the first step, as installation costs can be significant, especially for larger specimens. For any tree larger than a small container size, professional delivery is often mandatory due to size and weight. Delivery fees can range from $50 to over $200, depending on the distance from the nursery and the use of specialized equipment.
Hiring a professional landscaping crew or arborist adds a substantial cost, but it ensures proper planting depth and orientation for the best chance of survival. Labor costs for planting a medium-sized tree (6 to 10 feet tall) typically range from $100 to $500 per tree. For very large, mature B&B willows, installation may require heavy equipment, such as a backhoe or crane. This can push the total installation cost well over $1,000.
Minor material costs also contribute to the final installation price. These costs include soil amendments to improve drainage, mulching material to retain moisture, and staking materials to stabilize the young tree against high winds. These items are necessary for the health of the newly planted willow.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Weeping willows are known for their rapid growth rate (3 to 5 feet per year), which necessitates ongoing financial commitment for maintenance. Due to their preference for moist soil, willows require consistent, deep watering. This can result in increased water utility costs, particularly in dry climates. This high water demand is a continuous expense that must be factored into the annual budget.
The wood of a weeping willow is relatively soft and brittle, making it susceptible to limb breakage, especially in strong winds or ice storms. Professional pruning is recommended every few years to remove deadwood, thin the crown, and maintain a safe shape. A basic professional trimming session for a mature willow costs between $250 and $500. Extensive jobs on very large trees can reach $700 or more.
Weeping willows are prone to various pests and diseases, including willow leaf beetles, borers, and cankers. Managing these issues may require preventative treatments or targeted applications of fungicides or insecticides. While not an annual expense, the potential for treatment costs should be anticipated. Specialized arborist consultation may also be needed to diagnose and address tree health issues.