The weeping willow, scientifically known as Salix babylonica, is a highly desirable ornamental tree. This fast-growing species is immediately recognizable by its graceful, cascading branches that create a dramatic, flowing silhouette. The total cost of acquiring and establishing a weeping willow is variable, depending on factors from the tree’s maturity to its final destination.
How Tree Size and Format Impact Price
The initial price is determined by the tree’s size and the method used to package its root system. Purchasing the smallest possible specimen is the most economical choice, typically involving a bare-root format. These young trees, often called whips, are sold while dormant, with roots cleaned of soil. A 1-foot to 7-foot bare-root willow generally costs between $10 and $30, representing the lowest material cost because the nursery expends minimal labor and soil resources preparing the tree.
The mid-range option involves container-grown trees, also known as potted specimens. The price correlates with the pot size, indicating the tree’s age and root mass. A 1-gallon container willow might be priced between $20 and $35, while a 5-gallon tree typically falls in the $40 to $75 range. Container trees offer a greater chance of successful transplanting than bare-root whips because their root systems remain undisturbed.
The most expensive initial purchase is a large, semi-mature tree sold as balled and burlapped (B&B). These specimens are dug from the ground with a large soil ball wrapped in burlap, requiring specialized machinery to harvest and transport. Pricing for B&B trees is based on trunk caliper—the diameter measured 6 inches above the soil line. A weeping willow with a 2-inch caliper will often be priced around $280 or more.
Costs rise significantly for trees with a 3-inch or 4-inch caliper. This price difference reflects the years of nursery labor, the increased risk of transplant shock, and the logistical effort required for these large trees.
Regional and Vendor Price Differences
The final price is influenced by external market forces, including geography and the type of vendor selling the tree. Prices can be higher in urban and densely populated areas where nursery space and operational costs are greater. Transporting a tree to a climate where it is not commonly grown can introduce significant surcharges.
Online retailers often advertise low initial prices for small, bare-root specimens. However, the convenience of home delivery is often offset by high shipping fees, especially for larger or heavier container-grown trees. This is a factor to consider when evaluating the total cost from an online source.
Big box stores generally offer standardized, lower prices on common sizes due to their ability to purchase massive volumes from growers. While they provide an affordable option, their selection of unique weeping willow cultivars and the level of expert plant advice available are typically limited.
Specialty nurseries charge higher prices but offer a greater variety of unique or locally adapted cultivars. The increased cost often includes the value of expert horticultural consultation and better quality control over the health of the plant material.
The Full Cost of Acquisition and Installation
The initial purchase price is only one component of the total financial outlay required to establish a weeping willow. Delivery fees are a cost, particularly for large B&B trees that require specialized trucks and equipment. Depending on the distance, charges can range from $50 for a local drop-off to over $400 for long-distance transport.
Professional planting and installation services can often equal or exceed the cost of the tree itself. Hiring a landscaper or certified arborist to plant a semi-mature tree typically runs between $540 and $645 for labor alone. Total project costs for a large tree can exceed $4,350, including the labor for digging the appropriate hole size and managing the logistics of placing a heavy tree.
Material costs are necessary for establishment. These materials include soil amendments like compost or specialized planting mixes to improve local soil conditions and drainage. Staking kits are often needed to provide temporary support against wind for young trees. Furthermore, the installation of a temporary watering system or simple water bags is required to ensure the high moisture needs of the willow are met during its first year of establishment.