Planting a tree costs $300 on average, with a price range between $150 and $2,000, depending on size and quantity.
Several considerations impact the cost of planting a tree, ranging from the size and species of the tree to the cost of permits, how accessible your land is, and the type of soil you have. Landscaping companies near you can provide an estimate for your specific project, but the information below will get you started.
Trees aren’t one-size-fits-all, and larger trees cost more to plant. The trees themselves will have a higher price tag since they take more effort and resources to grow, and the cost of planting goes up as the difficulty level rises for tree companies. Here’s what to expect when buying small, medium, and large trees.
| Tree Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (under 6 feet) | $100 |
| Medium (under 10 feet) | $255 |
| Large (up to 20 feet) | $2,420 |
Small trees are a great money-saving choice if you’re on a budget, want several trees, or don’t mind waiting for them to mature. They’re under 6 feet tall and have a root ball the size of a 5-gallon pot. Most cost between $30 and $100, including transport, labor, and materials. Contractors can often source trees at trade prices for an even better deal.
Medium-sized trees balance size and cost. Most are under 10 feet tall and fit into a 15-gallon pot. They’re mature enough to have good root growth, establish quickly, and only need basic care. Including labor, transport, and materials, you'll pay around $255 to plant a medium-sized tree. Medium trees cost between $100 and $300 per tree at nurseries.
If you want a mature-looking landscape right away, buy large trees. Large shade trees offer immediate energy savings and reduce carbon footprints. They're also the most expensive, at an average of $150 per caliper inch (the trunk circumference as measured at the base). Large trees are around 20 feet tall with a root ball that fits into a 1-cubic-yard box. A single large tree costs about $2,420 to plant, including transport, materials, and labor.
The type of tree you choose is one of the main factors in the cost of trees. Common types will cost less than rare ones, and each species has different features, like whether they grow fruit.
| Type of Tree | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Evergreen | $20–$500 |
| Fruit | $20–$200 |
| Ornamental | $30–$300 |
| Shade | $40–$1,000 |
| Flowering | $25–$300 |
| Nut | $25–$300 |
Evergreen Trees: Evergreens, like pine and spruce, stay green all year to give yards color. They’re best for windbreaks and privacy screens. Expect to pay between $20–$500 per tree.
Fruit Trees: Apple, pear, cherry, and other fruit trees tend to be smaller than other types of trees and require more pruning and watering. The average cost for a fruit tree ranges from $20–$200.
Ornamental Trees: These pretty trees, like dogwood and Japanese maple, are known for their stunning appearance. They’re often featured in a garden or yard and take center stage with their colorful leaves and flowers. Depending on the variety and size you choose, budget for $30–$300 per tree.
Shade Trees: Trees with wide branches and thick leaves, like oak, maple, and elm, are perfect for shading homes and yards. They block sun rays, keeping homes cooler and saving energy. Mature, healthy shade trees can increase your return on investment (ROI) by increasing property values. Shade trees cost about $40–$1,000.
Flowering Trees: Magnolias, crepe myrtles, and crab apple trees are some of the most popular flowering trees. Their distinctive flowers add color, scent, and seasonal appeal to yards. Expect most flowering trees to cost $25–$300 per tree.
Nut Trees: Trees like almond, walnut, and pecan offer shade, beauty, and edible nuts. You’ll pay $25–$300 for most varieties of nut trees.
The number of trees you plant increases your overall project cost but reduces the cost per tree. Just like the price to remove trees or the cost of stump grinding, most arborists will charge a set fee for the first tree that encompasses their time, transport costs, and the use of their tools and supplies to make the job worth their while. For example, a single small tree can cost around $100 to plant, but each additional tree costs $40 to $70.
Tree maturity and size often correlate, but trees have specific maturity stages regardless of size. Depending on the species, location, and care they receive, they may grow faster or slower, so the exact size and stage can vary. Younger trees require staking trees, but more mature ones don’t. Elderly trees are on the higher end of the cost range.
Sapling: Saplings are baby trees aged 1–5 years, and they grow quickly. Most are under 6 feet tall and have flexible, green stems. Saplings are the least expensive trees, ranging between $20–$50 for most types. Transportation and planting costs are minimal because of their small size.
Young: Young trees, aged 5–15 years, reach 5 to 15 feet, depending on the type. They have established root systems, strong trunks, and are reaching mature shapes. Young trees cost $50–$200, with added planting costs.
Mature: Mature trees are 15 to 50 years old. They’ve reached full size and shape and produce flowers, fruits, nuts, or seeds. Mature trees are harder to source and plant and cost $200–$2,000, with higher costs for transport and planting.
Elderly: Old or elderly trees of 50 years old or older have reached maximum height. They stop growing or grow very slowly and may begin to lose limbs. Depending on size and species, expect to pay $1,000–$10,000. They have the most significant impact on landscapes and are costly to source, move, plant, and maintain.
Hiring an arborist costs $50 to $150 per hour, making up around 30% of the total project cost. Planting a small tree can take a single person as little as an hour.
However, planting a large, mature tree can take a team of two to four people a whole day. These projects are more complex and require extensive excavation, site prep, and heavy lifting equipment to move the tree.
However, hiring an arborist near you will ensure you pick the ideal spot to plant your new tree and learn how to care for it properly.
If you buy a sapling or small tree locally, you can likely transport it yourself. But if you purchase several trees or large or mature trees, expect to pay for transportation. Large trees often require specialized moving and planting equipment that adds to the cost. Distance will also increase your transport fees.
| Tree Size | Local Transport | Long-Distance Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Small (saplings) | $50–$150 | $150–500 |
| Medium (young) | $150–$300 | $300–$1,000 |
| Large (mature) | $300–$1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Very Large (mature or old) | $1,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$10,000+ |
While not every city requires a tree permit, some do for trees over a certain height, so you'll need to check local rules and possibly pay for a permit. Your contractor may do this for you as part of your package.
As an aside, be aware that some municipalities have regulations about the height and location of trees, so be sure to do your research before you begin your planting project.
If the planting site is difficult to access, you'll pay more. A site requiring more labor, effort, or special equipment costs more than one where the contractors can simply roll up, unload, and do their work without fuss.
High-quality soil that's easy to work with and isn't excessively rocky results in a faster, less labor-intensive project, which costs less.
If you have rocky soil or heavy clay that's hard to work with and requires significant changes to make it hospitable for your new trees, expect to pay much more. However, it's a necessary expense, as there's no point in paying to have trees planted if they won't thrive.
While you might be asking how much trees cost, you’ll also need to consider the ongoing costs of keeping your new trees healthy and beautiful. With life spans ranging between 20 and 150 or more, ongoing maintenance costs can grow along with the size of your tree.
Depending on the type of tree, you or a professional will need to tend to it regularly to keep it healthy, beautiful, and safe.
Trimming or Pruning: Annual trimming or pruning needs vary based on the type of tree and how fast it grows. The average cost of tree trimming is $460, and pruning costs $400–$800 per tree.
Fertilization: If your trees need a lot of nutrients or your soil isn’t rich enough, you should fertilize them. Expect to pay $50–$200 per treatment.
Pest and Disease Control: Pests like wood-boring insects and tree diseases such as blight can disfigure and kill trees if left untreated. Depending on the treatment, estimate $50 to $200 per tree per treatment.
Inspections: Not all tree problems are visible to untrained eyes. Pros should inspect trees for health and safety reasons, especially if they’re near a home. Expect to pay a tree care company or arborist $100–$250 for an annual inspection.
Mulching: Mulch improves the health and appearance of trees by preventing water loss and weed growth near the trunk and roots. Depending on the mulch type and amount, replacing mulch yearly or as it begins to degrade can cost $50 or more per tree.
Tree Removal: You may need to remove a tree that is reaching the end of its life or becoming sick or dangerous. This can prevent expensive property damage or injury, but it’s costly. Expect to pay $250–$2,000 or more for the cost of tree removal, depending on the tree's size and location.
Trees like deep, regular, and steady watering and irrigation systems are the best way to provide it. Consider a drip irrigation system if your trees need more water than rain can provide. These systems cost between $50 and $1,000 per tree, depending on whether you install it yourself or hire a pro and the size and location of the tree. Keep in mind that irrigation systems will require maintenance and repairs, too.
You can also invest in soaker hoses. They won’t be as convenient or invisible as in-ground, automatic drip irrigation systems, but they’re more budget-friendly. You can leave them out during the growing season or put them out only when you need them. However, you’ll have to mow or work around them, and they’ll last longer if you store them indoors during freezing weather. Depending on the hose length, expect to pay $30 to $200 per tree.
If you're green-thumbed and know how to plant a tree correctly—making sure to spread the root ball properly and plant the tree to the correct depth—then you can confidently plant small trees.
Because of their increased size and weight, medium trees are a bit more challenging to plant and will require two people. Labor makes up 30% of the cost of tree planting, so planting trees DIY-style may be an attractive proposition.
However, if you plant too deeply, excessively damage the root ball, don't prepare the planting site properly, and don't deliver the proper aftercare, you can spend more money in the end because the trees could die.
If you have the budget, hiring a tree planting professional is the best option. And, if you want large trees, you'll have to call a pro because of the size and weight of each tree. It's not practical to move a tree of that size, even with help from your best bud, and the cost of renting the equipment is similar to the cost you'll pay a pro.
New trees are a long-term investment in your property and curb appeal, but that doesn’t mean you want to blow past your budget now. Here are some of the best ways to save money when buying new trees:
Change Your Perspective: If the trees you want are costly, look for ones that fit your budget. Look at pricing for native species that are also hardier and need less watering.
Go Small: The bigger the tree, the bigger the price tag. Buy smaller trees and give them time to grow rather than forking out cash for bigger trees.
Buy Bare-Root: Bare-root trees without soil on the roots tend to be more affordable than potted or burlap-wrapped trees.
Shop the Sales: Garden centers offer seasonal discounts during optimal planting seasons, including late fall and early spring.
Try DIY Propagating: Yes, you can grow your own tree. Learn how to propagate from seeds or cuttings, and watch your efforts grow.
Free Trees: If you live in a location lacking trees, look into local programs that provide free or deeply discounted trees. The Arbor Day Foundation and similar nonprofits are great places to start.
Choose Value-Added Trees: Cut AC costs by a whopping 56% by planting the right trees in the right places. Save an extra 3% off heating costs if you live in an exposed area by planting evergreens to cut the windchill. Planting trees even increases curb appeal and, potentially, property value. How much trees cost to plant and how much value they can add depends on the type of tree you choose, its size, and yard conditions.
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It depends. Smaller, younger trees take longer to mature, but they're more resilient, their roots don't get as damaged during transplanting, and they recover faster. Plus, they're much more affordable to plant, and it's possible to DIY the planting.
On the other hand, mature trees produce fruit faster and provide more shade and privacy immediately. Ideally, a small or medium tree is the better choice if you can wait a few years for it to mature. But if you need immediate maturity, a larger tree is the only option.
Although many people advise planting trees during the fall, spring is better. If you plant in the fall when they're dormant, the trees might not take root before winter sets in, so they can dry out or lack nutrients. And the increasingly cold temperatures put unnecessary stress on them.
But if you plant a tree during the spring, there's less stress and more opportunity for growth. Trees are more likely to recover from any damage that occurred during transplanting, put out roots to establish themselves, and have a little new growth, so they'll be more ready to face the stress of winter.
A 5-gallon tree is a small tree at 2 to 5 feet tall, with a ½- to 1-diameter trunk and a root ball up to 16 inches in diameter. The number of gallons refers to the size of the container the roots are in—not the size of the tree itself. However, root size is tied to the size of the tree. Most 5-gallon trees are under 6 feet tall. However, fast-growing species can be taller and thinner, and slow-growing tree species can be short with a thicker trunk.
The cost of trees varies massively based on the size of the tree and the species. A small Colorado spruce can cost as little as $30, but a golden rain tree of the same size can cost $90. Large trees can cost $1,500 or more, depending on their species and height.
