The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most popular ornamental trees grown across the southern United States, prized for its vibrant summer blooms and distinctive peeling bark. The cost to acquire this flowering tree varies widely, depending heavily on its maturity, the need for professional services, and regional availability. Understanding the pricing structure requires looking beyond the initial purchase tag to consider the full scope of size, required labor, and market factors. This article breaks down the financial outlay associated with adding a Crepe Myrtle to your landscape.
Core Pricing by Tree Size and Container Type
The greatest factor determining the price of a Crepe Myrtle is its size and how it is packaged for sale, with costs generally increasing exponentially with maturity. The most economical option is a bare-root cutting or a small sapling, which typically sells for $4 to $28. These young plants establish quickly but require patience, as they will take several years to reach a substantial size.
The standard retail purchase is a container-grown tree, with prices correlating directly to the container volume. A small, starter Crepe Myrtle in a 1-gallon container might cost between $31 and $45. A more established 3-gallon tree often falls in the $50 to $70 range. These mid-sized plants are popular because they offer a balance of lower cost and immediate visual impact.
Larger, semi-mature trees in 5-gallon or 7-gallon containers usually cost between $70 and $140, providing an instant focal point for a landscape. The most expensive specimens are mature trees sold as balled and burlapped (B&B) or in large containers, such as 15-gallon or 25-gallon tubs. These large trees can range from $98 for a 15-gallon size to over $1,500 for a field-grown specimen, demanding specialized equipment for transport and planting.
Additional Costs for Installation and Care
The purchase price of the tree is only the beginning, as labor and supplementary materials contribute significantly to the total investment. Professional installation services are a major expense, especially for large B&B trees. The average labor cost for planting a semi-mature tree ranges from $540 to $645, but can easily exceed $1,000 for a very large tree requiring heavy machinery and multiple crew members.
Delivery fees are another cost, particularly when buying large stock from a nursery or tree farm. Transportation can cost an additional $12 to $15 per mile for massive B&B rootballs. Furthermore, new plantings require initial care supplies to ensure successful establishment.
Necessary supplies include starter fertilizers and soil amendments to improve local conditions, which can cost $10 to $50 per bag. Professional deep-root fertilization services typically cost between $100 and $350 per tree. Ongoing maintenance, such as annual professional trimming, can range from $75 to $400 for a single Crepe Myrtle, depending on its size and accessibility.
How Location, Variety, and Vendor Affect the Price
The final price tag is sensitive to external market factors, including the specific cultivar, the type of vendor, and the tree’s geographical location. In the Southern US, where Crepe Myrtles are easily grown, high supply leads to generally lower prices for standard varieties. Conversely, in northern zones (such as USDA Zone 5 or 6), only specialized, cold-hardy cultivars are available. These specialized horticultural stocks command a premium due to their niche market development.
The specific variety of Lagerstroemia chosen also directly impacts the cost, often due to patenting. Common, long-established varieties like ‘Natchez’ are priced lower than newer, patented selections, such as the ‘Black Diamond’ series, which features unique traits like deep burgundy-black foliage. These unique cultivars carry a higher price to cover the licensing and development costs associated with their breeding.
Pricing differs significantly among various vendor types. Big-box stores often offer the lowest prices on 1-gallon and 3-gallon trees because they buy in massive bulk. Local nurseries, however, typically offer a wider selection of unique, high-quality cultivars and provide expert, personalized advice on planting and regional care, justifying their higher prices. Online retailers can offer competitive prices and unique varieties, but the shipping cost for a single tree can offset any initial savings.