The cost of planting a tree can vary greatly depending on the tree species, the size and age of the tree, and the planting location. However, on average, it costs between $150 and $1,850 to plant a tree. Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates – your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
While a small tree may cost as little as $85 to plant, a 1-cubic-yard tree can cost upwards of $2,470 in labor alone. Other costs, such as those associated with stump removal, site preparation, and post-planting care, can add to the total price tag.
In this article:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Cost by Tree Type
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Plant a Tree in 2023
| National average cost | $300 |
| Typical price range | $150 – $1,850 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $100 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $3,335 |
Although the cost of planting a tree can vary greatly, the average cost is between $150 and $1,850. Factors such as tree species, size and age of the tree, and planting location can all affect the final cost. It’s important to keep in mind that these are just rough estimates – your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
Based on the average cost, it would take between two and eighteen trees to reach the $3,335 mark – the highest end of the price range.
Tree Planting Cost Estimator by Tree Size
| Tree Size | Average Cost to Plant |
| 1 – 4 feet tall | $95 |
| 5 – 9 feet tall | $255 |
| 10 – 19 feet tall | $2,115 |
| 20 – 30 feet tall | $3,500 |
From small saplings to full-grown trees, the average cost of planting a tree depends on its size. Expect to pay $95 on average for a 2-foot sapling and up to $3,500 or more for a mature 25+ foot tree.
From a labor standpoint, it takes more time to plant a larger tree. The hole must be dug wider and deeper, and the tree itself may be heavier and more unwieldy. It requires specialized equipment to plant a large tree, from a backhoe to a crane, and this equipment will drive up the cost of labor.
Cost by Tree Type
There are more than 60,000 tree species in the world, and the cost to plant each one can vary widely. For example, fruit trees, typically cost between $55 and $60 per tree. Ornamental trees, such as serviceberries or redbuds, tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum, with costs ranging from $125 to $130 per tree.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of planting various types of trees:
Evergreen Trees
| Evergreen Trees | Average Cost (1 – 5 gallon container, labor not included) |
| Arborvitae | $110 |
| Cedar | $115 |
| Cryptomeria | $100 |
| Cypress | $90 |
| Holly | $65 |
| Juniper | $85 |
| Palm | $105 |
| Pine | $65 |
| Spruce | $85 |
| Thuja | $95 |
| Yew | $75 |
Homeowners appreciate evergreen trees for their year-round foliage. These trees can provide privacy, windbreaks, and shade, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From broadleaf evergreens such as magnolia to needle-leaf evergreens such as fir, there is an evergreen tree to suit every need.
Although they tend to be expensive, evergreen trees are a popular choice for those looking to add year-round interest to their landscape. Expect to pay $100 on average for each evergreen tree without counting the cost of labor to plant the tree.
Fruit Trees
| Fruit Trees | Average Cost (1 – 5 gallon container, labor not included) |
| Avocado | $75 |
| Apple | $55 |
| Cherry | $80 |
| Fig | $55 |
| Grapefruit | $65 |
| Lemon | $45 |
| Lime | $45 |
| Olive | $60 |
| Orange | $85 |
| Peach | $65 |
| Pear | $60 |
| Pecan | $90 |
| Plum | $65 |
Fruit trees are a popular choice for those looking to add fresh produce to their landscape. From apples and pears to cherries and plums, there are a variety of fruit trees to choose from, although your choices depend on what can survive in your climate.
Fruit trees generally cost $65 on average, without counting the cost of labor. Keep in mind that costs can vary depending on the type of fruit tree you choose to plant. For example, apple trees tend to be less expensive than cherry trees.
Ornamental Trees
| Ornamental Trees | Average Cost (1 – 5 gallon container, labor not included) |
| Cherry blossom | $100 |
| Crabapple | $110 |
| Crape Myrtle | $65 |
| Dogwood | $90 |
| Fringe | $115 |
| Magnolia | $70 |
| Redbud | $130 |
| Serviceberry | $125 |
Whether you’re looking for a tree with showy flowers or attractive foliage, ornamental trees can add curb appeal to any landscape. From serviceberries and redbuds to dogwoods and crabapples, there is an ornamental tree to suit every taste.
Expect to pay $100 on average for each ornamental tree, not including the cost of hiring a professional arborist to plant it.
Shade Trees
| Shade Trees | Average Cost (1 – 5 gallon container, labor not included) |
| Birch | $95 |
| Gingko | $115 |
| Japanese maple | $160 |
| Maple | $105 |
| Oak | $130 |
| Poplar | $85 |
| Sycamore | $115 |
| Weeping Willow | $105 |
Shade trees are a popular choice for those looking to add privacy, reduce energy costs, and increase property values. From a poplar tree that costs as little as $85 to a Japanese maple that can cost, on average, $160, there is a shade tree to suit every budget.
On average, shade trees cost $115 each, without counting the labor cost.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In addition to the size and type of tree you plant, the following factors can also affect the cost:
Cost of Labor
| Tree Size | Average Labor Cost to Plant |
| 5-gallon container or less | $85 |
| 15-gallon container | $270 |
| 1-cubic-yard container | $2,470 |
On average, hiring a professional to plant a tree costs between $55 and $145 per hour. The price of labor will depend on the size and type of tree you’re planting, as well as the experience of the arborist.
You can expect to pay $85 on average for a small tree in a less than five-gallon container. For a larger tree, such as a 45-foot oak that’s in a 1-cubic-yard container, you can expect to pay closer to $2,500 for the labor required.
Distance to Site
If the planting site is far from the tree nursery, you can expect to pay a transportation fee. On average, this fee is between $100 and $175, depending on the distance.
Maturity of the Tree
| Tree Maturity | Average Cost to Plant (Tree + Labor) |
| Sapling | $55 to $80 |
| Young Tree | $150 to $765 |
| Mature Tree | $1,350 to $2,870 |
Although it may be tempting to plant a mature tree to get instant results, it’s important to keep in mind that this will come at a higher cost. Mature trees can cost anywhere from $1,350 to $2,870, while young trees typically cost between $150 and $765 to plant.
While the upfront cost of planting a mature tree is higher, it will save you time and money in the long run, as the tree won’t need as much care and maintenance.
Number of Trees
If you’re looking to plant more than one tree, you can expect to get a discount on the overall cost. The price per tree will decrease the more trees you plant. For example, if you’re looking to plant 20 trees, it will cost you an average of $45 to $95 per tree. This is significant savings compared to the cost of planting just one tree.
Related Services
In addition to the cost of the tree itself and the labor to plant it, there are a few other factors that can affect the project’s total cost. Several related services can add to the overall cost, from yard cleanup to stump removal.
Yard Cleanup
If your yard is in need of a major cleanup, you can expect to pay between $170 to $375, with most homeowners spending around $280 on average.
Yard cleanup includes removing debris, such as leaves and twigs, as well as trimming overgrown bushes and trees. This will make it easier for the arborist to plant the tree and ensure that it has enough space to grow.
Stump Removal
If you have an old tree stump in your yard that needs to be removed, you can expect to pay between $175 and $516, with most homeowners spending $326 on average.
The actual cost of stump removal will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as the number of stumps that need to be removed.
Tree Removal
Tree removal can be necessary if the tree is dying, posing a danger to your home, or causing damage to your foundation. The cost of tree removal will depend on the size of the tree, with most homeowners spending between $385 to $1,070 or $10 to $14 per foot.
Tree Transplanting
While tree transplanting is a more complicated process than planting a tree from scratch, it can be necessary if the tree is in a difficult or dangerous location. If you’re up to the task, you can even transplant a tree yourself.
This will require that you have the proper equipment, as well as the knowledge to do it safely. If you don’t feel comfortable transplanting a tree yourself, you can always hire a professional.
Tree Trimming
Tree trimming is a common service that’s performed to improve the look of your yard, as well as the health of the tree. Tree trimming can also be necessary if the tree is interfering with power lines or your home.
The cost of tree trimming will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as the amount of work that needs to be done. Most homeowners spend between $315 and $700 on tree trimming, with the average cost being $475.
Tree Pruning
Tree pruning is similar to tree trimming, but it’s typically done for the purpose of improving the health of the tree. You can watch for signs that your tree needs to be pruned, such as dead branches or a lack of new growth.
Pruning is a delicate process that should only be done by a professional. The cost of tree pruning will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as the amount of work that needs to be done.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
While the cost of tree planting can vary depending on a number of factors, you can expect to pay between $150 and $1,850 if you hire a professional. If you’re looking to plant a tree yourself, the cost will be significantly less, averaging around $115 in equipment alone.
| Equipment | Average cost |
| Shovel | $30 |
| Tape measure | $10 |
| Wheelbarrow | $50 |
| Pruning shears | $15 |
| Garden gloves | $10 |
| Total equipment cost | $115 |
Whether you’re looking to plant a small or a medium-sized tree, it will typically cost you between $95 and $255 for the tree alone. The cost of the tree will depend on the species, as well as the size.
While it may be tempting to start your own tree-planting project and save some money by planting a tree yourself, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a delicate process. If you’re not experienced in tree planting, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Not only will they have the proper equipment and knowledge, but they’ll also be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Cost of Tree Planting by Location
The cost of tree planting can vary depending on the location of your property. If a tree isn’t native to your area, it will likely cost more because of transportation fees.
For example, a tree that’s native to the Northeastern United States, such as sugar maple, will cost less to plant in the Northeast than a tree like the bald cypress, which is native to the Southeast. Reduced cost is just one of many benefits of native plants.
The location of your property can also affect the cost of tree planting. If you live in an urban area, it will likely cost more to plant a tree because there’s less open space for installation, which can make the process more complicated.
FAQ
The best time to plant a tree is typically in the spring or fall because the weather is more moderate and there’s less risk of the tree drying out.
This will depend on the type of tree, but most trees will take between 20 and 30 years to reach their full size. It depends on the growth rate of the species.
The younger, the better. Younger trees have more roots, which helps them adapt to a new environment more easily. Mature trees can still be transplanted, but it’s more difficult, and they may not survive as well because their root systems are more susceptible to stress than those of younger trees.
It’s possible that you’ll need a permit to plant a tree, depending on the location of your property. If you live in an urban area, it’s more likely that you’ll need a permit. You can check with your local municipality to see if you need one.
There are a few signs that you can look for, such as discolored leaves, stunted growth, or the presence of pests. If you suspect that your tree is diseased, it’s best to contact a professional for an assessment (and possibly a removal).
It’s important to water your tree regularly, especially during the first few months. You should also mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the roots moist. Fertilizing your tree can also help it to grow strong and healthy.
This will depend on the type of tree, but most trees need to be pruned every 2 to 5 years. This helps to encourage new growth and keep the tree healthy.
Final Thoughts
Tree planting is a great way to impact the environment positively. Not only will you be helping to improve air quality and provide a habitat for wildlife, but you’ll also be adding to the beauty of your property. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $1,850 for professional tree-planting services.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s important to keep in mind that trees are a long-term investment. They can provide beauty and shade for decades to come, and they’ll also increase the value of your property. If you’re considering tree planting, be sure to consult with a professional in your area to get an accurate estimate of the cost.
Main Photo by: Pexels
