Cedar trees are popular among homeowners and landscapers, valued for their evergreen foliage, aromatic wood, and suitability for privacy screens or ornamental focal points. The term “cedar” is often used broadly, describing several distinct genera, including Cedrus, Thuja, and Juniperus. This diversity in classification, growth habit, and market demand makes the final price of a cedar tree highly variable. The primary factors influencing the cost are the species, the tree’s size, and the format in which it is purchased.
Cost Variables Based on Cedar Species
The species establishes a baseline cost, reflecting its native range, growth rate, and ornamental value. A significant price divergence exists between the “true cedars” (Cedrus) and the common native North American species often called cedar. For instance, the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), a hardy native found widely across the eastern United States, is the most economical option. This species is readily available and relatively fast-growing, making it a budget-friendly choice for mass planting or windbreaks.
In contrast, ornamental Cedrus species, such as the Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) or the Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), command a higher price. These trees are prized for their architectural form, distinct blue-green foliage, and slower growth pattern, which increases the nursery’s cultivation time and expense. A small, potted Eastern Red Cedar may start around $38, while a Deodar Cedar of similar size often begins closer to $76, reflecting the higher market value placed on these specimen varieties. The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) occupies a middle ground, valued for its dense screening capability and regional demand in the Pacific Northwest, pushing its price slightly above the Eastern Red Cedar in comparable sizes.
Pricing by Tree Size and Purchase Format
The most significant factor determining a cedar tree’s cost is its physical size, which is directly tied to the purchase format—ranging from small seedlings to large, established specimens. The lowest cost option is the bare root seedling, where the tree is dug up while dormant and shipped without soil. These small trees, typically 16 to 24 inches tall, are suitable for reforestation or planting in large quantities. Eastern Red Cedar seedlings are often priced extremely low, sometimes as little as $2.50 to $5.00 per plant when purchased in packs of 10 or more.
A substantial price increase occurs with container-grown trees, which are sold in plastic pots and establish more quickly due to their intact root balls. The price scales up significantly with the container volume, moving from a one-gallon pot to a 10-gallon or 15-gallon size. A 10-gallon Eastern Red Cedar, for example, can cost around $98. This represents a tree that is several years old and offers an immediate visual presence compared to a seedling. Container-grown trees are the middle-ground choice for homeowners seeking a balance between cost and maturity.
The highest price is reserved for Ball and Burlap (B&B) trees. These are large, field-grown specimens mechanically dug with a significant portion of their root system encased in soil and wrapped in burlap. B&B trees provide instant maturity and height, but the heavy weight and specialized handling dramatically increase the retail cost. A specimen Deodar Cedar measuring 8 to 10 feet tall in a B&B format can be priced at $595 or more. A very large, semi-mature cedar over 20 feet tall can command a price into the thousands of dollars, reflecting decades of growth and complexity of harvest.
Additional Expenses for Delivery and Planting
The initial retail price represents only a portion of the total project cost, as logistical and labor expenses must also be factored into the final budget. Delivery charges are variable, calculated based on the distance from the nursery to the planting site and the size and weight of the tree stock. A small order of potted trees might incur a modest flat fee, but transporting multiple large B&B trees requires specialized trucks and equipment, leading to higher charges.
Installation or planting labor constitutes another major expense, particularly for larger trees that exceed the capacity of a single person to handle. Professional planting of a semi-mature tree often averages between $540 and $645, which includes the labor, soil amendments, and a planting guarantee. For the largest B&B specimens, the planting cost can spike to a minimum of $2,000. This is because specialized heavy equipment like a tree spade or backhoe is necessary to dig the hole and position the tree without damaging the root ball.
Beyond delivery and planting labor, ancillary supplies contribute to the final project cost. These materials include soil amendments for proper drainage and nutrition, mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture, and staking materials for temporary support of taller trees. While these supplies are individually inexpensive, they add to the overall investment required to ensure the cedar tree establishes successfully.