The Red Maple, Acer rubrum, is a widely planted shade tree across North America. Known for its rapid growth rate, adaptability to various soil conditions, and spectacular scarlet fall foliage, it is popular for residential and commercial landscapes. However, the exact price a consumer pays for a Red Maple is highly variable, depending on the tree’s physical characteristics, its form at the time of sale, and the services included in the final transaction.
Primary Factors Affecting the Purchase Price
The initial price of a Red Maple is determined by the size and method used to grow the specimen. Smaller, younger trees are measured by height, while larger, more established trees are priced based on their caliper. Caliper is the trunk diameter measured six inches above the ground. As this measurement increases, the price rises due to the longer nursery investment time required.
The way a tree is packaged or grown also influences its cost at the point of sale. Bare root stock, which are dormant trees dug up with no soil around the roots, are the cheapest option, typically available only in early spring. Container-grown trees, sold in plastic pots ranging from one to 15 gallons, are mid-range in price and available year-round for easy planting.
The most expensive form is the Balled and Burlaped (B&B) specimen. This involves a large, mature tree dug from the field with its root ball intact, wrapped in burlap and a wire basket. B&B trees require a higher initial investment because of the labor and machinery needed for harvesting. The final factor is the specific cultivar; named varieties like ‘October Glory’ or ‘Red Sunset’ are often patented and command a higher price than generic seedlings due to their guaranteed color or superior form.
Typical Price Ranges Based on Size
Consumers seeking the most budget-friendly option often start with small stock, such as bare-root seedlings or trees in one-gallon containers. These young Red Maples, typically standing one to four feet tall, generally fall into a price range of $20 to $50. This size is ideal for homeowners who prefer a do-it-yourself planting experience.
The most common retail purchase is the mid-sized tree, generally found in five-to-15-gallon containers, measuring six to ten feet tall. These specimens have a more established root system and offer a faster shade solution for the landscape, with prices typically ranging from $75 to $200. This size provides a good balance between cost and immediate landscape impact.
For immediate impact, buyers turn to large B&B specimens, which usually have a trunk caliper of two inches or more and stand 12 to 15 feet tall. The cost of the tree alone for these large specimens generally starts at $300 and can easily exceed $600. These prices reflect years of cultivation and the complex logistics of harvesting and transporting a massive root ball.
The Total Investment Beyond the Tree
The price paid for the Red Maple is often only the beginning of the total financial commitment. Delivery fees can add a substantial amount to the bill, especially for large B&B trees that require specialized equipment. While some local nurseries include delivery within a service radius, a separate fee of $35 or more, calculated by distance, is common when the service area is exceeded.
Hiring a professional landscaping crew for installation is another significant expense, often equaling or surpassing the tree’s purchase price. Planting a large, heavy B&B specimen requires specialized machinery and labor to ensure proper placement and depth. The all-inclusive cost for a semi-mature tree, which bundles the tree, delivery, and professional planting, often begins around $775 to $800.
An included warranty increases the initial cost but provides protection against loss. Professional nurseries and installers frequently offer a one-year full replacement warranty, mitigating the risk of tree death due to transplant shock or improper planting. Finally, initial materials for establishment, such as staking hardware, specialized soil amendments, and mulch, represent minor but necessary expenditures for the tree’s successful transition.