Arborvitae, a popular evergreen from the Thuja genus, is a favored choice for creating dense, year-round privacy screens and windbreaks in residential landscapes. These trees are valued for their fast growth rate and dense foliage that maintains its rich green color throughout the winter months. The cost of a six-foot arborvitae specimen can vary significantly based on how the tree is grown and where it is purchased. Understanding the difference between retail price points and associated expenses is necessary for budgeting a landscaping project.
Baseline Price Range for a 6-Foot Arborvitae
The initial cost for a six-foot arborvitae generally falls within a range determined by the cultivar and the root preparation method. The two most common varieties at this size are the slender Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’ and the faster-growing hybrid Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’.
The most budget-friendly option is typically a container-grown tree, which is sold in a pot and is lighter and easier to transport. A six-foot ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Green Giant’ in a large pot (often a 7-gallon or 10-gallon size) usually retails in the range of \\(100 to \\)170, particularly from online nurseries or big-box garden centers. These trees are younger and have a smaller root mass relative to their height.
A more robust option is a Balled and Burlapped (B\&B) tree, where the root ball is dug up, wrapped in burlap, and sometimes placed in a wire basket. A six-foot B\&B specimen will generally cost between \\(115 and \\)200. The higher price reflects the larger, established root system, which increases the tree’s chances of successfully transplanting.
B\&B trees are notably heavier and require more handling effort, but their established root structure provides a significant advantage for long-term health and growth. The ‘Emerald Green’ tends to be slightly less expensive than the ‘Green Giant’ at the six-foot height, due to the ‘Green Giant’s’ superior disease resistance and rapid growth rate of three to five feet per year.
Factors Influencing the Final Price Tag
Beyond the basic cultivar and root condition, several characteristics of the tree itself influence the final retail price. A primary factor is the plant’s grade, which refers to its overall health, density, and form. Trees designated as “Heavy” or “Hvy” have been meticulously pruned and cared for to promote greater fullness and width, resulting in a premium price compared to standard-grade trees of the same height.
The rarity of the specific cultivar also plays a role, though less so with common varieties like ‘Emerald Green’ and ‘Green Giant’. Certain specialized or slow-growing cultivars of Thuja may command a higher unit price because of the extra time and effort required for the nursery to grow them to a six-foot height.
Purchasing volume is one of the most effective ways to lower the per-unit cost, especially when planting a privacy hedge that requires multiple trees. Many nurseries offer significant volume discounts, sometimes reducing the price by 15% to 22% when purchasing ten or more trees. Regional pricing differences also exist, with trees in areas of high demand or those requiring long-distance freight often reflecting a higher price point compared to trees sourced locally.
Hidden Costs of Purchase and Placement
The sticker price of the tree is only the first part of the overall investment, as placement logistics and labor introduce several supplementary expenses. For large six-foot trees, delivery is a common necessity, especially for heavy B\&B specimens that cannot be easily transported in a standard consumer vehicle. Delivery fees can range from a flat local fee, sometimes around \\(75, to a per-mile or per-tree rate for longer distances.
Professional installation is another substantial cost, often chosen because of the physical difficulty of moving and correctly planting a large root ball. The labor cost for professional planting typically includes digging the hole, proper placement to ensure the root flare is exposed, and initial backfilling with amended soil.
The cost for professional installation, excluding the price of the tree itself, frequently ranges from \\)150 to \$250 per tree, but can be higher depending on site access and soil conditions. This service often includes a short-term warranty, which guarantees the tree’s survival for a year or more, providing valuable peace of mind.
For those opting for a Do-It-Yourself approach, costs still accumulate for necessary supplies. These include soil conditioners, starter fertilizer, mulch, and staking kits, which ensure the newly planted tree establishes properly.
Choosing the Right Vendor
The choice of vendor greatly influences the initial cost, quality, and service received during the purchase process. Big-box home improvement stores often offer the lowest initial price for six-foot containerized arborvitae, particularly during seasonal sales. However, these retailers typically provide less expert advice and fewer guarantees regarding long-term plant health, and their selection may be limited to the most common cultivars.
Local nurseries and dedicated garden centers usually have slightly higher prices, but this premium often comes with distinct advantages, including a broader selection of high-grade, fuller trees. These vendors employ horticultural experts who can offer specific advice on soil needs and planting techniques for the local climate. They are also the most likely source for professional installation services that include a robust warranty for the tree.
Wholesale nurseries or online tree farms, while sometimes requiring a minimum order, are excellent sources for bulk purchases needed for a privacy hedge project. These vendors can offer competitive per-unit pricing by cutting out the retail middleman, especially for B\&B material. Purchasing from these sources may require arranging your own freight shipping or self-pickup, but it is the most cost-effective method for buyers needing a large quantity of six-foot arborvitae.