A full-grown tree, often called a specimen or instant shade tree, represents a significant investment in landscape maturity. The total cost of acquiring and installing such a tree is complex, involving much more than just the price of the plant itself. Costs are influenced by the tree’s size and species, the specialized equipment needed for handling its immense weight, and the logistics of transporting a multi-ton object to the planting site. This substantial investment immediately provides the aesthetic and environmental benefits of a mature landscape.
Defining a Specimen Tree and Pricing Metrics
Nurseries and landscapers classify and price large trees based on a specific physical measurement called the caliper. The caliper is the industry standard for measuring the trunk diameter of a tree, taken six inches above the ground for smaller trees and twelve inches above the ground for larger ones. This trunk diameter measurement directly correlates with the tree’s age, weight, and overall base price, as a greater caliper indicates a more mature specimen.
These “full-grown” trees are typically field-grown stock, often sold as Ball and Burlap (B&B) trees. They are grown in fields for many years and then harvested with an intact root ball wrapped in burlap and secured with a wire cage. This B&B method allows for the successful transplant of large specimens. The size of the root ball, which can weigh thousands of pounds, ultimately drives up the cost of handling and planting.
Factors Driving the Price of the Plant Material
The price of the tree material is highly variable, even for two trees with the exact same caliper measurement. A primary factor is the species’ growth rate and demand. A slower-growing species, such as a specimen oak, commands a much higher price than a fast-growing maple of the same caliper. This difference reflects the additional years of nursery care, watering, fertilization, and pruning the grower has invested in the slower-maturing tree.
The aesthetic quality and health of the specimen also factor into the premium price. Trees that are perfectly shaped, structurally robust, and free from disease or insect damage are sold at a premium because they offer immediate, high-quality impact. Sourcing also plays a role; locally grown trees are generally more affordable than rare or specialized specimens requiring long-distance shipping. The older and more unique the tree, the more resources the nursery has expended, directly increasing the wholesale and retail price.
Installation, Delivery, and Site Preparation Costs
The costs associated with getting a large tree into the ground often equal or exceed the price of the tree itself, sometimes making the total installed cost two to four times the material cost.
Delivery and Logistics
Delivery is a significant variable, as travel distance and the sheer size of the tree dictate the logistics and fuel expense. A tree with a 4,000-pound root ball requires different transportation and handling than one with an 11,000-pound root ball. Mileage charges can be substantial for long hauls.
Equipment and Labor
Specialized heavy equipment is necessary for handling the multi-ton root balls of specimen trees, which significantly increases labor and equipment costs. Truck-mounted tree spades, large loaders, and crane rentals may be required to lift and maneuver the tree into the planting hole. This is especially true in yards with restricted access or on sloped terrain. Crane rental alone can cost $150 per hour with a multi-hour minimum, adding hundreds of dollars to complex installations.
Site Preparation
Site preparation further adds to the cost. The planting crew must remove existing obstacles, amend poor soil, and ensure the site has no conflicts with utility lines. Planting a large tree requires a specialized, experienced crew, which drives up the hourly labor rate. The complexity of digging the receiving hole, transporting the tree, and carefully setting it without damaging the root ball is a major factor in the final price.
Comprehensive Cost Estimates by Tree Size
The total installed cost for a full-grown tree is best estimated by size category, incorporating the plant material cost, delivery, and installation labor and equipment.
Small Specimen Trees (2- to 3-inch caliper)
The total installed cost generally falls in the range of $800 to $2,500 per tree. These trees are often handled with standard commercial equipment like small loaders and are the most common choice for residential projects.
Mid-Sized Specimen Trees (4- to 6-inch caliper)
Costs rise dramatically due to the necessary heavy machinery. The total cost for this size, installed by a professional service, can range from $2,500 up to $7,500, depending heavily on the species and site access.
Large Specimen Trees (7-inch caliper and above)
The cost requires a custom quote, often starting at $8,000 and easily exceeding $15,000 per tree. These very large installations require cranes or the largest tree spades and are reserved for projects demanding immediate, maximum landscape impact.