Evergreen trees retain green foliage year-round, providing consistent color, structure, and screening capabilities for a property. Determining the total financial commitment for acquiring and planting an evergreen is not straightforward, as the final price is influenced by numerous factors. The overall investment depends heavily on the tree’s physical characteristics, the method of preparation, and the necessary services required to establish it successfully in a new location.
Tree Acquisition Price Based on Size and Packaging
The initial purchase price of an evergreen is primarily determined by its size and the method used to package its root system for transport. Bare-root specimens represent the most economical option, typically consisting of small, dormant seedlings with no soil around the roots. These trees are best suited for large-scale planting projects and often cost under $25 per unit. Their survival rate requires careful handling and immediate planting upon arrival.
Slightly larger and more established are container or potted trees, which are grown in plastic nursery containers, often in standard sizes like three or five gallons. This packaging provides a stable medium for the roots, making them easier to handle and allowing for greater flexibility in planting time. A common five-gallon evergreen generally falls into a mid-range price bracket between $40 and $100, depending on the species and nursery location.
The most expensive option involves Balled and Burlap (B\&B) trees, which are mature specimens dug directly from the field with a substantial soil ball wrapped in burlap. The price is directly correlated with the tree’s caliper, or trunk diameter, and its height. A mature, six-to-eight-foot spruce or pine prepared this way can easily start at $250 and often exceeds $500, reflecting the intensive labor required for its excavation and preparation.
The significant price difference between a small potted tree and a large B\&B specimen reflects the years of growth and maintenance invested by the nursery. While a three-foot potted evergreen may cost less than $100, a similar eight-foot B\&B specimen can command three to five times that initial price. This disparity highlights the premium placed on achieving immediate landscape impact.
Variables That Influence the Base Price
Beyond the physical dimensions and packaging, several market variables influence the base price of an evergreen tree of a similar size. The specific species selected can cause significant price fluctuation, as some cultivars or less common varieties require specialized propagation and care techniques. For instance, a highly sought-after, slow-growing evergreen like a dwarf Alberta spruce will generally command a higher price than a fast-growing, widely available white pine.
The demand for certain aesthetic traits, such as unique color or growth habits, drives up the cost for specialized stock that may take longer to reach a marketable size. Nurseries often adjust pricing based on local demand and the difficulty of sourcing particular stock suitable for the area’s soil and weather patterns. These specialized plants require more labor and time to produce, which is reflected in the final retail price.
Regional availability also plays a considerable role, as trees sourced from distant nurseries incur higher freight costs, which are passed on to the consumer. If a tree is not native or well-suited to a specific climate, the cost may increase due to specialized handling or greenhouse conditions required during shipping. Local growers specializing in native or well-adapted species can often offer more competitive prices due to reduced transport and acclimatization expenses.
The point of sale represents another variable affecting the final purchase price. Large retail chains often offer lower prices on common evergreen species due to the volume of their purchases and streamlined operational costs. Conversely, a specialized local nursery or wholesale grower typically charges more, reflecting their deeper expertise, higher quality control, and the provision of unique or locally adapted plant selections.
Professional Installation and Delivery Fees
Moving an evergreen from the nursery to the planting site introduces substantial costs, particularly when dealing with larger, heavier specimens. Delivery fees are calculated based on various models, including flat rates, per-mile charges, or per-tree fees for smaller orders. Transporting large B\&B trees often requires specialized trailers and handling equipment, making the delivery expense potentially hundreds of dollars.
The installation labor represents the most significant service expense, often adding 50% to 100% of the tree’s purchase price to the total project cost. Professional planting crews charge for their time and expertise, especially when dealing with trees that weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds. Installing a large evergreen necessitates mechanical assistance, such as a skid steer or a dedicated tree spade, to safely lift and maneuver the heavy root ball.
These specialized equipment rentals and operator fees are factored into the installation cost, ensuring the heavy root ball is not damaged during placement. While a homeowner might plant a small container tree quickly, a professional crew installing a large B\&B specimen may spend half a day on the process. This time includes proper soil preparation, careful backfilling, and ensuring the tree is positioned at the correct depth to maximize its chances of survival.
The complexity of the job directly correlates with the final labor price, as planting multiple large trees requires more extensive site preparation and machinery coordination. An added benefit, and often a component of the higher cost, is the warranty provided by professional installers. Many nurseries or landscaping companies offer a guarantee, typically covering the tree for one year.
Long-Term Establishment Costs
The financial commitment does not end once the evergreen is in the ground, as establishment requires ongoing investment for successful integration. Newly planted trees, especially larger specimens, often need staking or guy wiring to provide stability against wind until new root growth anchors the tree securely. The cost for these support materials, including posts, wire, and protective materials, must be factored into the initial budget.
Immediate post-planting care requires specialized supplies like high-quality mulch, which helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. The tree may also benefit from specific soil amendments or slow-release fertilizers designed to encourage root development. Increased water usage during the first two to three years of establishment is also a long-term expense, as the tree is highly dependent on consistent irrigation to overcome transplant shock.