The cost to have a tree professionally planted is not a single fixed price but a highly variable investment driven by three main components: the cost of the tree specimen itself, the professional labor and installation fees, and various site-specific and long-term factors. Homeowners seeking professional service for a semi-mature tree generally see a total cost ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per specimen, reflecting the project’s complexity and the size of the desired tree. Understanding the breakdown of these costs allows for effective budgeting and decision-making when adding significant, long-term greenery to a property.
The Primary Cost Tree Specimen Size and Type
The initial and most straightforward expense is the tree specimen itself, with cost scaling primarily based on size and species. A small sapling, often less than three feet tall, may cost as little as $10 to $40, while a larger, landscape-ready tree up to 20 feet tall can easily cost between $250 and $800 just for the plant material. Arborists typically measure deciduous trees by their caliper, which is the trunk diameter measured six inches above the ground, and a larger caliper translates directly to a higher purchase price due to the increased nursery time and resources required to grow it.
The way a tree is packaged also significantly influences its price and handling requirements. Bare-root trees, sold dormant with no soil around the roots, are the least expensive option, often favored for bulk planting projects like orchards because of their light weight. Container-grown trees are the middle ground, available year-round and relatively easy to transport, but they are more expensive than bare-root stock. Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees, which are field-grown and dug up with a substantial soil ball wrapped in burlap, are the most expensive because they offer instant landscape impact and are much more mature, often requiring heavy equipment for transport and planting.
Beyond size, the tree species itself dictates a portion of the material cost. Common, fast-growing shade trees like certain maples or oaks are generally more affordable than rare, slow-growing, or ornamental varieties. For example, specimen trees, like Japanese maples or specific evergreen cultivars, are priced higher due to their unique aesthetic qualities and the longer time needed in the nursery. Purchasing trees that are native to the local region can sometimes offer a cost advantage, as they are typically easier for nurseries to grow and require less specialized care than non-native species.
Labor and Professional Installation Fees
The single largest variable in the total project cost is the professional labor and installation fee, which can range from $100 to over $500 for a medium-sized tree installation alone. Labor rates fluctuate significantly based on geographic location, with services in densely populated urban centers typically commanding higher hourly wages than those in rural areas. Many companies use a flat-rate pricing model per tree, which bundles the labor, equipment, and basic materials into a single predictable cost for the customer.
Site accessibility is a major factor that directly influences the complexity and duration of the labor involved. Planting a tree in an open front yard is far simpler than installing one in a tight backyard accessible only by a narrow gate, which may necessitate specialized equipment or more manual labor. Soil conditions also play a role; ground that is extremely rocky, heavily compacted, or comprised of dense clay requires more time and potentially heavy-duty machinery to excavate a properly sized planting hole.
The physical size and weight of the tree directly dictate the equipment and crew size needed, substantially increasing the labor cost. A smaller container tree can be planted by one or two workers with hand tools, while a large B&B specimen, which can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds, requires a skid steer, a backhoe, or specialized tree-spade trucks for safe handling and placement. Professional installation typically includes several key steps factored into the final fee:
- Digging the hole to the correct depth and width
- Setting the tree
- Backfilling with soil
- Providing initial watering
- Installing temporary supports like staking
Secondary Costs and Long-Term Value Factors
Several secondary costs, often overlooked in the initial estimate, contribute to the total investment in a professionally planted tree. Delivery and transportation fees are an expense for nearly all large specimens, as the sheer size and weight of a B&B tree require a specialized truck and careful handling to prevent damage. Depending on the distance from the nursery, these fees can vary widely and are often calculated per load rather than per tree.
Site preparation involves ensuring the planting location is ready for the new tree, which can incur specific costs. Installers insist on having underground utility lines marked via the local “811” system before digging to prevent damage, a necessary step that adds to the project timeline. If the site requires the removal of old stumps, debris, or significant soil amendment to improve drainage or nutrient content, these services will be billed as additional preparation costs.
A significant, though often built-in, secondary cost is the warranty or guarantee from the installer. Many professional services include a one-year replacement guarantee, meaning they will replace the tree if it dies within the first year, which is a financial risk factored into the initial installation price. Initial post-planting care supplies are also required to promote establishment, such as specialized soil amendments, a generous layer of mulch to conserve moisture, and temporary watering bags or tree-gators designed to deliver water slowly and consistently to the root zone.