The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a highly recognizable and popular ornamental tree. Known for its dramatically pendulous branches and rapid growth rate, it creates a striking focal point in a landscape. The cost to acquire one of these trees is highly variable, depending mostly on its size and the form in which it is purchased. Buyers might spend under twenty dollars or well over a thousand, making a direct cost comparison difficult without understanding the different formats available.
Pricing Based on Tree Size and Form
The most economical way to purchase a weeping willow is as a bare-root seedling, which is a dormant, small tree shipped without soil. Bare-root specimens typically range from two to five feet tall and cost between $10 and $50. These young trees require careful handling and immediate planting during the dormant season to ensure successful establishment.
A step up in price and convenience is the container-grown tree, which is sold actively growing in its own potting medium. A small one-gallon container willow, often about a foot to a foot and a half tall, usually costs around $35. A five-gallon container might be priced from $80 to $90, offering a good balance of established root structure and ease of transport.
The most substantial investment is a Balled and Burlap (B&B) tree, which is a mature specimen dug from the ground with its root ball wrapped in burlap. Pricing for B&B trees is based on the trunk diameter, or caliper, measured six inches above the soil line. A moderate B&B specimen with a 1.5-inch caliper can cost hundreds of dollars. Very large, established trees requiring heavy equipment for transport can cost upwards of $1,800.
Variables That Influence the Final Purchase Price
The final purchase price is affected by the type of supplier and the geographic location of the buyer. Online and mail-order nurseries typically offer the lowest prices for bare-root and smaller container stock, often providing fixed-rate shipping that may be free for orders over $99. Conversely, local garden centers may charge more for the same size tree, but they offer the advantage of immediate availability and expert local advice.
Geographic location affects cost through shipping restrictions and regional demand, as nurseries cannot ship bare-root trees to all states due to agricultural regulations. The specific cultivar of the weeping willow can also influence the price. While the common species, Salix babylonica, is widely available, specialized varieties like the Golden Weeping Willow (Salix alba ‘Tristis’) or the Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) often command a premium.
Professional Planting and Installation Costs
The purchase price is only part of the total investment, as the labor and logistics of installation can add to the overall budget. A homeowner can usually handle the planting of a small container or bare-root tree, requiring only basic supplies. When dealing with larger B&B specimens, however, professional installation is recommended.
Hiring a professional landscaper or arborist for planting a semi-mature tree typically costs between $565 and $731, depending on the size and site conditions. The labor alone to plant a 1.5-inch caliper B&B tree may cost approximately $175. Smaller container trees range from $65 to $160 for planting.
Delivery fees for large trees must also be factored in, as they often require specialized trucks and equipment. Local delivery of a B&B tree can incur a base charge ranging from $45 to $275, with additional surcharges for long distances or difficult site access. Very large trees necessitate the use of heavy machinery, such as a skid steer, which can add an equipment fee of up to $500 per day to the installation costs.