The weeping cherry tree, a popular ornamental species belonging to the Prunus genus, is highly valued for its dramatic, cascading branch structure and spectacular burst of early spring blossoms. These trees provide a unique aesthetic focal point in landscapes, often signaling the end of winter with their delicate pink or white flowers. Determining the exact price of a weeping cherry tree involves navigating a range of variables, as the final investment can fluctuate significantly based on several factors.
Price Variation Based on Tree Size and Maturity
The least expensive way to acquire a weeping cherry is purchasing a bare-root sapling, typically measuring one to three feet in height. These young trees are sold dormant, without soil around their roots, and must be planted immediately upon arrival to prevent the root system from drying out. Bare-root specimens usually fall into the $30 to $60 price range, offering an economical starting point for those willing to wait several years for maturity.
Starter trees grown in one- to three-gallon containers represent the next pricing tier, providing a slightly more established root ball and greater flexibility for planting time. These smaller container-grown trees, which are often around three to five feet tall, generally cost between $50 and $120, depending on the nursery and specific growth rate. The small container size indicates a younger tree, but one that has been acclimated to soil and is less fragile than bare-root stock.
Specimens grown in five- to fifteen-gallon containers represent a significant jump in maturity and price. These semi-mature trees are substantial enough to provide immediate visual interest in the landscape. Due to the resources required to grow them to this stage, these larger container trees commonly range from $150 to $350.
The highest price tier is reserved for balled and burlap (B&B) trees or large, mature specimens. These are field-grown and then dug up with a significant portion of their root ball encased in burlap. These specimens, often six feet or taller with substantial trunk caliper, are purchased for instant landscape impact. Such mature weeping cherry trees often exceed $300 and can easily reach or surpass $600, reflecting the years of cultivation and specialized handling required.
Source and Cultivar Impact on Pricing
The retail environment where the tree is purchased introduces another layer of price variation, independent of the tree’s size. Mass-market retailers and big-box stores often offer the lowest initial prices on common varieties, relying on high volume and lower overhead. However, the selection may be limited, and the quality of care is sometimes less rigorous than at specialized venues.
Local, specialized nurseries typically command higher prices, reflecting their expertise in horticulture, better guarantees, and specialized stock tailored to the local climate. These establishments invest more in proper pruning and root development, resulting in a healthier, more robust tree. Online retailers present a variable cost scenario; while their base prices can be competitive, the necessity of shipping a living, sometimes large, plant significantly alters the total investment.
The specific cultivar chosen also directly impacts the price, especially concerning the difficulty of propagation. Common or generic weeping cherry varieties are generally less expensive than patented or sought-after types like ‘Snow Fountains’ (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’). Varieties that require delicate grafting onto a standard rootstock to achieve the desired weeping habit often incur higher production costs. This specialized technique, necessary for stable growth and form, means that rarer or more popular cultivars can easily command a premium price tag due to increased demand and specialized labor.
Additional Costs Associated with Purchase and Planting
Beyond the price of the tree itself, several practical costs contribute to the total expenditure for establishing a weeping cherry tree. For any specimen larger than a small container size, or for trees purchased from an online vendor, delivery or freight charges become mandatory. Transporting large B&B specimens requires specialized equipment, and these logistics usually add between $50 and $150 to the bill.
Preparing the planting site necessitates an investment in various supplies to ensure the tree’s successful establishment. This typically includes high-quality soil amendments, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and nutrient content, especially in dense clay soils. Other necessary materials include mulch for moisture retention and temperature regulation, along with staking materials for temporary support, often adding $20 to $50 to the project budget.
The largest variable cost after the tree purchase is often the labor associated with professional installation. Planting a mature B&B tree is physically demanding and requires specific knowledge of soil preparation and proper planting depth to prevent girdling roots. Hiring a landscape service for planting can often equal or even exceed the cost of the tree itself, depending on the size and complexity of the location. Professional installation generally costs between $150 and $400 per tree, providing expertise that maximizes the tree’s chance of long-term survival.