A plum tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing tree, scientifically part of the Prunus genus, known for producing sweet, fleshy drupes. Determining the total cost requires looking beyond the initial purchase price, as the investment is highly variable. The final expense is heavily influenced by the tree’s physical size, the specific cultivar chosen, the type of retailer, and the necessary supplies for successful planting and long-term care. Understanding these factors helps a prospective owner budget for the complete investment, which can range from a modest initial sum for a sapling.
Initial Purchase Price Based on Tree Size and Type
The physical form of the plum tree when purchased is the single largest determinant of its immediate cost, reflecting the grower’s investment in time and materials. The most economical entry point is the bare-root tree, which is sold during its dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. These are small, young trees whose roots are packed without soil, and they usually cost between \\(20 and \\)40.
A step up in price and maturity is the small container or potted tree, commonly found in 1-gallon to 5-gallon nursery containers. These trees are actively growing and established in soil, offering a higher rate of survival after planting compared to bare-root stock. A 5-gallon plum tree generally falls into the mid-range of pricing, often costing between \\(45 and \\)85, depending on the retailer.
For buyers seeking a quicker path to fruiting, larger container trees, such as those in 7-gallon to 15-gallon pots, represent the highest initial investment. These trees are more mature, have a larger caliper (trunk diameter), and may begin producing fruit sooner than their younger counterparts. The price for a well-established, semi-dwarf plum tree in this size range can easily start at \\(100 and extend up to \\)250 or more.
How Plum Tree Variety Affects the Price
Beyond the physical size, the specific genetic makeup of the plum tree, known as the cultivar, significantly influences the price tag. Standard European plums (Prunus domestica) or common Japanese plums (Prunus salicina), such as the popular Santa Rosa, are widely propagated and typically represent the base price for their given size. Deviation from these common varieties introduces specialized costs.
Newly developed or patented cultivars often command a premium because the grower must pay a licensing fee, which is then passed on to the consumer. Complex grafted trees require highly specialized labor and materials, leading to increased costs. A multi-grafted tree, sometimes called a “four-in-one” tree, features four different plum or stone fruit varieties grafted onto a single rootstock, streamlining pollination but significantly raising the price.
Hybrid fruits, such as the Pluot, a cross between a plum and an apricot, also fall into this higher price bracket because of their specialized breeding. Pluot trees are often priced higher than standard plum varieties due to their unique flavor profiles and the intellectual property associated with their creation. These specialized varieties are often found in the \\(60 to \\)90 range for a small container size.
Cost Differences Based on Where You Buy
The retailer chosen for the purchase introduces another layer of cost variability, primarily driven by overhead, inventory volume, and the level of service provided. Big box stores, which operate with high volume, typically offer the cheapest initial purchase price for common plum varieties. However, the selection is often limited, and the quality of care the tree receives before purchase may be inconsistent.
Local nurseries and specialized garden centers generally charge higher prices for their plum trees, but this cost often includes tangible benefits. These businesses usually carry locally adapted stock, ensuring the tree is more likely to thrive in the regional climate. The price also incorporates expert advice from horticulturists, a better guarantee on the plant’s survival, and superior care of the tree while it is in the nursery.
When purchasing from online or mail-order specialists, the price of the tree itself can be competitive, especially for unique or hard-to-find cultivars. However, a significant cost factor is shipping and freight, which can inflate the final price substantially. Shipping a large, mature container tree requires specialized handling and can cost nearly as much as the tree itself.
Associated Costs for Planting and Care
The initial purchase is only part of the total financial investment, as several associated costs are necessary to ensure the plum tree’s establishment and health. Proper soil preparation is paramount, requiring amendments like compost, aged manure, or balanced granular fertilizer, which can cost an estimated \\(20 to \\)50 for the materials needed per tree. Other necessary materials include a protective tree guard, a staking system for support in windy areas, and a thick layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
For individuals who choose not to perform the labor themselves, professional planting services represent a substantial additional expense. Hiring a landscaper or arborist to plant the tree correctly typically costs between \\(100 and \\)500 per tree, with the price increasing based on the tree’s size and the difficulty of the planting site. Furthermore, if a large container tree is purchased, a delivery fee may be necessary.