A mature, 20-foot oak tree represents an investment in instant landscape, with final costs often ranging from $1,500 to over $10,000, including the tree and installation. The price depends less on height and more on horticultural specifications, logistical complexities, and regional economic factors. The majority of the expense is tied not to the tree’s initial purchase price but to the specialized equipment and labor required to move and plant such a large, heavy object successfully.
Factors Determining the Tree’s Material Price
The base cost of a 20-foot oak specimen is primarily determined by its species and its trunk diameter, known as caliper. Nursery pricing relies heavily on the caliper measurement, taken six inches above the ground, as it is a more reliable indicator of the tree’s age and biomass than height. A 20-foot oak typically falls into a caliper range of 4 to 8 inches, which directly correlates with the wholesale material price.
Different oak species carry different price tags based on their growth rate, demand, and difficulty of cultivation. A fast-growing variety like a Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) may be less expensive than a slower-growing, highly desirable species such as a White Oak (Quercus alba). Slower growth requires a longer commitment of time and resources from the nursery, which increases the tree’s market value and sets the initial price point.
The way the tree is prepared for transport also significantly impacts the material cost. Large, mature oaks are commonly sold as Balled and Burlapped (B&B) stock, meaning the root system is dug up with a massive soil ball and wrapped in burlap. This process requires significant nursery labor and specialized digging equipment to ensure the root ball remains intact and the tree survives the transplant. While container-grown trees are less expensive, B&B preparation is necessary for most 20-foot specimens to secure the soil volume needed to support the root system.
Specialized Equipment and Installation Costs
For a tree reaching 20 feet in height, the cost of specialized installation often eclipses the purchase price of the tree itself. A mature oak with a 6-inch caliper can have a B&B root ball weighing between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds. This immense weight means standard landscaping crews cannot manage the tree, requiring heavy machinery for every step of the process, from loading at the nursery to setting it in the final planting hole.
The primary tool for planting a tree of this size is a large hydraulic tree spade, which can cost hundreds of dollars per hour to operate. This machine digs a clean, precisely sized hole and simultaneously extracts the tree with its root ball, minimizing damage to feeder roots. If the tree spade cannot access the planting site—such as a fenced yard or near a building—a crane becomes necessary to lift the multi-ton specimen over obstacles. Crane rental with a certified operator can easily add several thousand dollars to the total project cost, making site access a major financial determinant.
Skilled labor is also a significant portion of the installation expense, as the crew must be proficient in operating heavy equipment and ensuring the tree’s long-term health. Proper planting involves amending the soil, setting the tree at the correct depth to prevent root girdling, and backfilling the hole carefully. This professional attention, including tasks like root pruning and careful stabilization, is essential for minimizing transplant shock, a common risk with mature trees. The labor component for a complex installation can easily reach $1,000 to $3,000, not including the machinery costs.
Regional Differences and Warranty Considerations
Geographic location introduces variability into the final quote due to differences in labor costs, fuel prices, and regional demand. In areas with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan regions, the hourly rate for certified arborists and heavy equipment operators will be substantially higher than in rural areas. The distance the tree must be transported from the nursery also adds a variable hauling fee, which can increase significantly if specialized permits are required for wide-load transport.
The type of supplier also affects pricing. Large commercial nurseries with established B&B operations often have economies of scale that smaller, local landscapers do not. However, a local landscaper may offer a more personalized service or a better understanding of local soil conditions. It is prudent to obtain quotes from both types of suppliers to compare the price and the services included.
A major consideration for any mature tree purchase is the warranty, which provides protection against transplant shock. Given the stress placed on the root system and the expense of the specimen, most reputable installers offer a one-year guarantee. This warranty often covers a one-time replacement or a credit if the initial planting fails to thrive within the first 12 months. While the inclusion of a comprehensive warranty may increase the initial price, it provides a necessary safety net for such a substantial investment.