The Arborvitae, a popular evergreen from the Thuja genus, is commonly selected for privacy screens and landscape accents. Its dense, scale-like foliage and upright growth habit make it a favored choice for homeowners seeking a hedge or windbreak. The final price varies widely based on several distinct factors. Understanding the elements that influence the cost is the first step in budgeting for a landscaping project involving this versatile plant.
Variables That Determine the Price
The inherent biology and physical presentation of the Arborvitae significantly influence its base cost. The most immediate factor is the tree’s size and maturity, which correlates directly to the time and resources invested by the grower. A smaller, two-foot specimen requires less labor and nursery space than a six-foot tree, resulting in a substantially lower price point.
The method used to grow and package the tree, known as stock type, creates another major price distinction. Arborvitae may be sold as Bare Root, Containerized, or Balled and Burlap (B&B). Bare root trees are the least expensive, offering the smallest plants with no soil around the roots, and are suitable only for planting when dormant.
Containerized trees, grown in plastic pots, are priced based on the container volume, which approximates the size of the root ball and the tree’s height. Balled and Burlap (B&B) stock represents the most mature and costly option. These trees are dug directly from the field with a large, intact root ball wrapped in burlap. The expense of B&B trees reflects the use of specialized machinery, the weight of the soil, and the higher survival rate of an established root mass.
Differences between Arborvitae species and cultivars also affect the price, particularly between the two most common varieties. The ‘Emerald Green’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is often less expensive in smaller sizes because it is a slower-growing, compact selection. The ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’) commands a higher price for comparable sizes due to its aggressive growth rate of up to three feet per year, offering quicker privacy screening.
Cost Comparison by Purchase Source and Size
The retail source and the physical dimensions of the Arborvitae are the main drivers of the price a consumer sees. Big box stores and large garden centers stock smaller, containerized trees, providing the lowest initial cost for a project. A common two to three-foot ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae in a three-gallon container often falls within the range of $20 to $50, depending on the retailer and regional market.
Chain stores focus on common cultivars and high-volume sales, often offering trees in bulk with a price reduction per unit. For example, a three-gallon ‘Green Giant’ might be priced at $59.99 individually but discounted when purchasing ten or more trees. This affordability comes with the caveat of less specialized care and stock that may not be locally grown, which can impact long-term health.
Specialty nurseries and landscapers offer higher-quality and larger stock, which leads to a premium price. A five to six-foot Balled and Burlap ‘Emerald Green’ may cost between $115 and $240. A larger, instant-screen specimen like a six to seven-foot ‘Green Giant’ B&B can range from $149 to over $300. The cost increases sharply with height and caliper, with eight to ten-foot B&B trees often priced between $229 and $480 or more. Purchasing in bulk from a wholesale nursery can mitigate these higher costs, as growers often offer reduced rates for large orders.
Installation and Long-Term Investment
Beyond the upfront purchase price, the total investment includes costs associated with successfully planting and maintaining the Arborvitae. Delivery fees are a necessary consideration for larger B&B stock, as these trees can weigh hundreds of pounds and require specialized transport. Fees are often calculated based on distance from the nursery or as a flat rate per truckload, ranging from a minimal charge for local delivery to $100 to $175 for longer distances.
Professional installation labor represents a substantial part of the total project cost, especially for large specimens requiring heavy machinery. A landscaping company may charge between $50 and $150 per hour for planting services, or a fixed rate per tree. For a single, semi-mature tree, the cost of labor and planting can range from $150 to $1,850, often doubling the initial price of the tree.
The final category of costs involves long-term care and maintenance to ensure the tree’s establishment. New Arborvitae require consistent soil moisture, and ongoing expenses may include soil amendments, starter fertilizers, and temporary irrigation systems. While Arborvitae are low-maintenance, issues like winter burn or deer browsing may necessitate the purchase of protective netting or anti-desiccant sprays, which adds to the total cost.