The average tree transplant costs $800, but it can range between $300 and $1,000, depending on type and size.
The average tree transplanting cost is $800, with prices typically ranging between $300 and $1,000. Depending on factors like the tree's size and age, the site’s accessibility, and the location, costs can range anywhere from $200 to $10,000.
Because of the many variables involved, tree moving service pricing is usually done on a case-by-case basis by professionals. However, we’ve broken down some of the major factors that can help you evaluate if moving a tree is a worthwhile endeavor.
Size is a key determining factor in the price to transplant a tree, with a small 5- to 10-foot ornamental tree costing around $300 to $500 to move to another position within the same yard. Big trees with a diameter of over 10 inches usually need to be dug out by hand, which commands a premium price of around $1,500 to $3,500, even if the pros are moving it within the same yard, and $5,000 or more to move it to a site that’s miles away.
“Mega-trees” with a trunk diameter of over 24 inches are significantly more costly, with prices ranging between $3,500 to $10,000 or more. These often call for unconventional techniques and equipment. Pros may need to lift large trees over houses using a crane or customized frames to support large, delicate root balls during transport. When these trees need to go a far distance after excavation from a difficult-to-access site, costs often exceed $50,000.
| Tree Type | Approximate Trunk Diameter | Cost to Move (Up to 150 Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2–9 inches | $0–$1,500 |
| Large | 10–15 inches | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Mega | 16–40 inches | $3,500–$10,000+ |
The bigger the tree and the further the distance it has to travel, the higher the costs. Moving a small tree from one area in your yard to another cost less than moving it over 50 or 100 miles across the state. From around $300 for the simple move by hand, it suddenly shoots up to $1,500 or more to transport it safely across the distance.
Professional arborists often dig out small trees by hand and use a hydraulic tree spade for larger specimens. Bringing this onsite equipment increases the price by at least $500 to $1,000. If they also need a truck to transport the tree (after tarping and tying it), it adds extra expense. Removing a larger tree with a spade to an offsite location by truck often costs $10,000 or more.
If the original location or the tree’s new home requires prep of any kind, that increases the overall service cost. Factors that may increase the price include hilly land at either site, overgrown grass, or land that is simply messy and unprepared for the work. Expect to pay an additional hourly rate adding up to one to 10 hours, depending on the issue and its severity. Prepping the new site yourself is a way to bring costs down.
Transplanting trees is not the tidiest work. Soil, debris, and tree-related waste end up everywhere when moving a large plant, and cleanup must occur at both ends of the move. For instance, pros plug up the hole at the tree’s original home before moving on to the final destination.
Once replanted, there is plenty of work left to do, such as cleaning up the yard, packing in the soil, and conducting thorough inspections of the tree to make sure it is acclimating properly. Generally speaking, pros handle all of these tasks, but you can help cut costs by getting your hands dirty before or after they arrive.
Arborists look for potential hurdles to overcome in the environment when tree transplanting.
Some stumbling blocks that may increase their rate include:
Obstructions in the original or new site, such as power lines, underground utilities, and large rocks
Having to trim back branches
Difficult site access
Pros usually charge more if ground conditions are less than ideal. They’ll be looking for dry, easy-to-dig soil on a level site. Clay soils are hard to dig, and if the soil is frozen or wet and muddy, this makes things challenging too.
Once trees are transplanted successfully, consider investing in these ongoing costs to keep them healthy and thriving.
Follow-up visits $100 to $350 per visit. The right aftercare, especially in the first year or two, helps ensure your tree establishes itself properly in the new location and continues to thrive. Services may include watering, root fertilization, and physical support.
The cost of professional tree trimming is usually between $270 and $1,800 per visit, depending on factors like the size and number of trees. Regular pruning enhances a tree’s health and appearance and also helps prevent costly damage to property by removing weak or dead branches.
You can enjoy considerable savings by transplanting a tree yourself, but we really wouldn’t recommend it. For one, you won’t be getting the expert knowledge a certified arborist has, and it’s not just your back you’ll be putting at risk. Trees are extremely large and heavy, requiring specialized tools. Moving a tree also comes with extreme risks, like severe injury, if things go wrong.
Additionally, plants are fragile, so hire an arborist or professional tree removal service to ensure the job gets done safely and efficiently.
For small trees (typically under 10 feet and with a trunk less than 2 inches wide), you might not have to spend anything. If you already have the basic tools, you can carefully dig the root ball out—although you may need the help of a friend or family member or two when moving it.
It’s possible to hire a hydraulic tree spade for around $300 to $400 per day. However, these tree relocation machine costs might not amount to huge savings when compared to hiring a professional. Plus, you have the added complication of learning how to use it safely and appropriately. You don’t want to risk damaging the tree or the land around it.
Big, mature trees are usually best left to the professionals to transplant. Not only is it safer (especially if you need specialized equipment and you have to negotiate around utilities), but your tree is more likely to survive the process. Again, we would strongly recommend hiring a pro here.
And don’t forget that you should only move many species at particular times during the year. The pros can also provide you with the right advice regarding appropriate and important aftercare and other advice.
Bundling services when you’re transplanting trees can help you save time and money. Consider these add-ons when booking your service:
Cost to plant a tree: $150–$2,000
Cost to remove a tree: $200–$2,000
Tree inspection cost: $150–$550
Tree injections to combat pests and disease: $50–$130
Stump removal cost: $180–$560
Leaf removal cost: $190–$590
Consider implementing these cost-saving measures during the tree transplant process.
Opt for smaller trees: Smaller trees are easier and less expensive to transplant since they require less labor, equipment, and resources.
DIY small transplants: If the tree is small and manageable, consider doing the transplant yourself to save on labor fees.
Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from different tree transplanting services to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Bundle services: If you need additional landscaping work, bundling services like tree pruning or stump removal with transplanting can lower the overall cost.
Prepare the site: Clearing the area where the tree will be transplanted beforehand can save time and reduce labor costs.
Use local services: Hiring local tree transplanting companies can cut down on travel fees, especially for larger trees that require special equipment.
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Getting a tree pro with the right experience can be the difference between your transplanted tree surviving or not. When hiring a local tree transplanting and removal service, follow up on references, check their portfolio, ask for a breakdown of the costs, and get proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Also, look for companies certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or registered with the Tree Care Industry Association and make sure they have an appropriate state or city license.
You’ll have to balance up the cost, the value of the tree (sentimental or otherwise), and the risk factors. An experienced arborist will help you understand whether transplanting is likely to be successful. The cost and hassle of transplanting a large, well-established tree are often not worth it, especially if the species is fast-growing and easy to source. The decision depends on the age and species of the tree, the conditions in the new site location, and how careful the company is when digging out and moving the tree.
Many species, especially when well-established, are not fans of transplantation. You’ll need to decide if you want to risk splashing the cash, understanding that transplantation isn’t always successful. Again, this is where hiring a pro is helpful, as they can give you all the essential info you need to ensure your tree stands a fighting chance.
This depends on the type of tree you are moving. Deciduous trees excel when moved in early spring before growth begins or in the fall after the leaves drop. Evergreens are most successfully transplanted in early spring or at the tail-end of summer. Pine trees do best in early fall but wait until late fall to move maple trees. Basically, you want a dormant tree with reduced foliage, but winter is a no-go, as frost in the soil is a huge risk to the roots as you dig.
