A 20-foot maple tree is a substantial, mature specimen that instantly transforms a landscape. This size signifies a tree cultivated for many years, requiring specialized handling and transport far beyond a typical garden center purchase. The final cost of acquiring and planting a tree of this stature is highly variable because it involves multiple components beyond the initial price of the tree itself. These components include specialized logistics and professional labor. Understanding the various factors contributing to the overall expense is necessary to accurately budget for this significant investment.
Base Price Range for a 20-Foot Maple Tree
The base price for a 20-foot maple tree, covering only the nursery stock, typically ranges from $600 to $2,800. This wide range reflects the tree’s quality, the specific species, and whether the consumer is buying at a discounted wholesale rate or full retail price. A 20-foot shade tree often corresponds to a trunk caliper—the diameter measured six inches above the ground—of approximately 3 to 5 inches. The retail price for a high-quality specimen in this caliper range is generally higher, sometimes reaching $400 per caliper inch.
The preparation method used by the nursery is the primary driver of this base cost. Field-grown trees prepared as Balled and Burlapped (B&B) stock are a common option at this size. These trees are dug from the ground with an intact root ball encased in burlap, representing a significant portion of the cost due to the machinery and labor involved in this harvest process. The low end of the price spectrum might represent a faster-growing variety or a tree purchased through a landscape contractor with wholesale access.
How Maple Species and Stock Type Affect Pricing
The species of maple significantly impacts the price based on the time required for nursery cultivation. Faster-growing varieties, such as Red Maple cultivars, reach 20 feet quicker, reducing the nursery’s investment and resulting in a lower price point. Slower-growing species, like Sugar Maples, command a higher price due to the extended commitment of land, water, and labor necessary to reach that size.
The tree’s stock type is another major cost factor, primarily Balled and Burlapped (B&B) or containerized. B&B stock is field-grown, meaning the tree and its massive root ball must be physically dug up using specialized machinery. A tree of this size requires a large root ball to ensure a successful transplant, which adds to the material cost of the burlap, wire basket, and soil.
Containerized Stock
A containerized 20-foot tree, typically grown in a 100-gallon or larger pot, is often more expensive. This is due to the continuous labor and irrigation required to maintain it above ground for many years. The extended nursery costs for containerized trees often outweigh the initial digging expense of B&B stock, making them a premium option.
Essential Costs Beyond the Tree
The costs of moving a 20-foot maple from the nursery to the planting site often equal or exceed the initial purchase price. A B&B root ball for a 4- to 5-inch caliper tree weighs between 2,600 and 3,900 pounds, requiring specialized logistics. This immense weight necessitates heavy equipment for handling and planting, such as a truck-mounted tree spade, skid steers, or a small crane, all of which add to the delivery and installation expenses.
Specialized transportation on a flatbed truck is required for a tree of this size, and the delivery fee depends heavily on the distance from the nursery and site accessibility. Installation costs, covering the skilled labor crew, range from $150 to over $1,200, depending on site complexity. Professional planting crews, often charging $60 to $120 per hour per worker, are necessary to ensure the tree is correctly positioned and planted to minimize transplant shock.
This investment usually includes a warranty from the nursery or landscaper. This warranty typically covers the tree for one year, providing a replacement if the specimen fails to establish. The value of this warranty can be factored in as an additional cost of up to $350. The comprehensive cost for a 20-foot maple, including the tree, delivery, and professional installation with a warranty, typically results in a total project price between $2,000 and $5,000.