Tree planting costs might surprise you. The price range spans from $150 to over $2,000 per tree in 2025, which is quite different from what most people expect.
The cost of planting a tree varies substantially based on your choices. Small saplings under 6 feet typically run around $100, and larger 20-foot trees can reach $2,420. Most homeowners pay between $150 and $1,850 for professional installation, which covers both the tree and labor.
Tree Planting Cost Calculator
Expert landscapers have shared their pricing data with us to help you understand the costs of different tree sizes, species, and planting services. This piece explains all your expenses and provides practical money-saving tips for your tree planting project.
Average Tree Planting Costs in 2025
National cost ranges
Professional tree planting services in 2025 show a wide range of prices. Current market data shows tree planting starts at $573 and goes up to $702 per tree. Specialized urban plantings can cost as much as $3,300.
Homeowners working with private landscaping companies should expect to pay between $150 and $1,850. Street tree installations by professional arborists cost between $1,200 and $1,600. Front yard plantings usually run between $1,500 and $2,000.
What affects the final price
Tree size is the main factor behind cost differences. A 2-foot sapling costs about $95, while mature trees of 25 feet or more can cost up to $3,500. Professional labor adds $55 to $145 per hour to your total.
Specialized machinery like backhoes or cranes for large tree installation drives up the price. Transportation costs range from $100 to $175, based on distance.
Different tree types come with different price tags:
- Fruit trees cost about $65 each
- Ornamental trees run around $100 each
- Shade trees cost about $115 each
Regional price differences
Your location plays a big role in tree planting costs. Urban areas cost more because of higher labor rates and tricky access points. City regulations often require special permits for street-side plantings, which adds to the cost.
Each region has its own maintenance schedule that affects long-term costs. Small trees need inspections every 5 years in some areas, while others require checks every other year for the first five years. Annual tree maintenance costs run between $34 and $96 depending on where you live.
Tree mortality rates range from 22.5% to 45% over 40 years, and this shapes regional pricing. Local soil conditions and climate affect both planting costs and ongoing care needs.
Tree Size and Cost Relationship
Tree size and planting costs have a straightforward connection – bigger trees mean higher prices. This knowledge helps you make smart decisions about your tree investments.
Small trees (under 6 feet)
Small trees, measuring under 6 feet in height, are the most budget-friendly option for property owners. These trees usually come in 5-gallon pots and cost $106 for complete installation, which includes transport and site preparation. They work best for cost-conscious projects and offer several benefits beyond their lower price point.
Small trees need simple equipment and less labor to install. Professional installation costs range between $70 and $250. Property owners love how these trees adapt to their new environment faster and grow more quickly than larger trees.
Medium trees (6-15 feet)
Medium-sized trees, ranging from 6 to 15 feet, give you the perfect mix of immediate visual appeal and value for money. You’ll find these trees in 15-gallon pots, with complete installation averaging $255. These trees bounce back from transplanting more quickly than their larger cousins.
Medium trees have excellent growth potential. They often reach the same size as larger planted trees within 5-7 years. Installation takes 1-2 hours per tree, and labor costs run between $50 to $100 per hour.
Large trees (over 15 feet)
Large trees, exceeding 15 feet in height, need special care and installation methods. These mature specimens arrive in 1-cubic-yard boxes with an average installation price of $2,423. Their size requires specific equipment and expertise.
Here are the main reasons large trees cost more:
- Root ball size (typically exceeding 36 inches)
- Equipment requirements (backhoes or cranes)
- Extended labor hours
- Specialized transport needs
Large tree investments can reach $3,500 for specimens between 20-30 feet. Maintenance costs rise with tree size, averaging $23.92 yearly for large trees in residential settings. Expert arborists suggest inspections every 15 years for these big specimens to keep them healthy and stable.
Breaking Down Labor Costs
Professional landscapers calculate tree planting costs based on multiple factors that range from labor to equipment requirements. Let’s get into the specific costs that come with professional tree installation.
Professional planting fees
Arborists and landscaping professionals charge between $50 to $150 per hour for tree planting services. Your project’s overall cost includes about 30% in total labor investment. Labor costs in January 2025 start at $573 and can reach up to $702 per tree for standard installations.
Tree size affects time requirements by a lot:
- Small saplings: 15-30 minutes
- Medium-sized trees: 1-2 hours
- Large mature trees: Full day with 2-4 person crew
Professional services go beyond simple planting. They include vital steps like soil preparation, proper staking, and installation of watering tubes. These elements help your tree survive and grow properly in the long run.
Equipment charges
Equipment choices affect the final cost substantially. Simple equipment needs start at $115 and have:
- Wheelbarrow: $50
- Professional-grade shovel: $30
- Pruning shears: $15
- Measuring tools: $10
- Safety equipment: $10
Projects with multiple trees or mature specimens need specialized equipment. A skid steer or tree-spade truck costs a minimum of $400 to $500. Daily rental fees usually cover gas-powered tools like mowers and trimmers.
Your project’s complexity determines equipment needs. Site accessibility and soil conditions shape the type of machinery you’ll need. Trees planted in hard-to-reach spots or on hillsides need extra equipment, which drives up the overall cost.
Professional services use specialized tools beyond basic equipment. These tools help with soil testing, precise hole digging, and proper root ball placement. Most companies include rental fees in their service quote, though some charge extra for premium equipment.
Heavy machinery costs can reach $2,500 for large-scale projects with trees over 10 feet tall. This price covers backhoes and other specialized equipment that ensure safe and proper installation of mature trees.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Tree planting comes with several unexpected costs that can catch property owners off guard. Let’s look at these financial aspects that many people overlook.
Permits and inspections
Most municipalities need permits for tree planting, especially in urban areas. The base application fees start at $281.25 for the first five acres. Each additional acre costs $16.87. You’ll pay $63 for each inspection visit, and most projects need at least two inspections.
Cities have strict rules about street-side plantings. A root inspection costs $187, and any unauthorized work on trees can lead to fines of $300-600 per diameter inch.
Site preparation
Your soil conditions and existing vegetation determine the site preparation methods. The simple preparation costs range from $45 to $200 per acre. The costs break down into:
- Weed removal: $65 to $170 per area
- Stump removal: $140 to $450 per stump
- Tree removal (if needed): $240 to $1,750
Soil type and moisture levels affect preparation costs directly. Trees grow faster in highly productive soils, which need more intensive preparation to manage competing vegetation.
Delivery fees
Tree size and distance determine transportation costs. Suppliers charge $125 as standard delivery fees per trip. Most nurseries ask for $4.50 to $5.00 per loaded mile. You’ll need to pick up trees smaller than 15 gallons yourself, as many suppliers don’t deliver them.
Delivery charges can reach $450 per load when distances exceed 50 miles. Suppliers might add extra charges for:
- Canceled deliveries: $50 for first tree
- Rescheduling: $25 per additional tree
- Credit card convenience: 2.5% of total cost
Initial maintenance costs
The first year of maintenance is a big deal as it means that you’ll need significant investment. Simple maintenance tasks cover mulching, watering, soil testing, and protection. Each tree’s yearly maintenance costs range from $3.40 to $28,895 based on size and location.
Good early care needs regular monitoring and specific treatments. Professional maintenance programs cost $87.83 per acre for fertilization and $19.49 per acre for fire protection measures. These early investments help trees survive longer and reduce future maintenance costs.
Cost By Tree Type
Your choice of tree type affects both the original investment and future value. Different categories come with unique pricing structures, and maintenance needs shape the total planting costs.
Fruit trees
Homeowners find fruit trees an attractive investment that combines beauty with function. Standard fruit trees cost between $55 and $60 per tree. Popular choices show varied pricing:
- Apple trees: $55 per 1-5 gallon container
- Cherry trees: $80 per specimen
- Citrus varieties (orange, lemon, lime): $45-$85
- Peach and plum trees: $65 each
A fruit tree’s first-year costs go beyond the purchase price. We spent $45 on spray materials, $20 on planting labor, and $25 on simple equipment. The second year’s upkeep runs about $150, which covers fertilizer, pest control, and cleanup.
Shade trees
Shade trees cost more because of their size and lasting value. Prices range from $40 to $1,000 per tree. Large shade specimens need special handling, and installation costs depend on the trunk’s diameter.
A 2.5-inch caliper live oak tree with summer irrigation costs $445, while root-pruned field-grown specimens run $383. Installation costs include:
- Transportation (50 miles): $145
- Staking: $25
- Regular irrigation: $131 for first six months
Maple and oak trees in 1-5 gallon containers start at $105 and $130. Birch trees cost $95, and ginkgo specimens reach $115.
Ornamental trees
Ornamental trees offer a mid-range investment option with their esthetic appeal. These trees typically cost $100 each. Each variety has its price point:
Cherry blossoms cost $100 per specimen, and crabapples run $110. Dogwood trees average $90, while redbud varieties cost $130. Crape myrtles provide a budget-friendly option at $65.
Tree size substantially affects ornamental pricing. Small trees under 6 feet cost $50 to $150. Mature specimens between 10-20 feet range from $250 to $800, not counting installation.
Professional installation adds value but raises the total cost. Complete installation packages for ornamental trees cover:
- Site preparation
- Root system inspection
- Initial pruning
- Establishment care
Location and specific needs affect the investment. Urban areas cost more due to access limits and city rules. Expert arborists suggest picking trees that match your local climate, which affects maintenance costs and survival rates.
Ways to Save Money
Want to cut down on your tree planting costs? The right timing and smart approaches can help you save big on your landscaping project.
Best time to plant
Smart timing of your tree planting can help you save on both your original costs and upkeep expenses. Fall emerges as the most budget-friendly season to plant trees. Trees we planted in autumn do better with cooler temperatures and natural rainfall, which helps reduce water bills.
We planted trees in fall to give them an extra growing season before summer stress hits. This leads to better establishment and fewer replacement costs. The soil stays at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates perfect conditions for root growth.
Trees planted in autumn need less water than spring plantings. This natural benefit helps cut maintenance costs during the vital establishment period. Fall-planted trees grow stronger root systems before they face summer challenges.
Bulk purchase discounts
Buying several trees at once is a great way to save money. Nurseries usually give tiered discounts:
- 15% off for buying 5-10 trees
- 25% off when purchasing 10-25 trees
You might also get wholesale prices for larger quantities. Bulk orders of 30 tree seedlings usually come with popular varieties like:
- American Sweetgum
- Giant Sequoia
- Red Maple
- Tulip Poplar
These wholesale packages can cut your per-tree costs substantially. To name just one example, see how buying 20 trees together can bring the price down to between $45 and $95 per tree.
DIY vs professional planting
DIY or professional planting is a choice that can save you money. DIY planting tools cost about $115, which includes simple tools like shovels, mulch, and stakes. Professional installation adds $100 to $1000 to your total cost.
DIY planting works best with small trees under 6 feet. You’ll need these basic tools:
- Shovels ($30)
- Mulch and soil amendments ($20-100)
- Stakes and supports ($20)
Professional planting has benefits that might save you money in the long run. These services ensure proper planting techniques and often include follow-up care. Their expertise helps avoid costly tree replacement from improper planting.
Smart tree placement can lead to more savings through lower energy costs. Trees in the right spots can cut cooling costs by up to 56%. Evergreens planted as windbreaks can also reduce heating expenses by an extra 3%.
These placement guidelines can help you save:
- Plant deciduous trees on east and west sides for summer shade
- Put evergreens on the north side as windbreaks
- Keep shade trees 25-30 feet from your house
- Set up windbreaks at 2-5 times the mature height distance from buildings
DIY planting becomes less practical with larger trees. Trees over 15 feet need professional installation because of equipment needs and safety concerns. Renting heavy machinery often costs as much as or more than professional services.
Natural regeneration can save money for large-scale plantings. This method takes longer but costs less than active planting. A combined approach using natural regeneration and strategic planting often gives you the most budget-friendly solution for big projects.
Conclusion
Tree planting is a major investment that just needs thorough planning. A simple sapling might cost $150, but larger trees with professional installation can cost up to $2,000 or more. Learning about these price differences helps you make smarter landscaping decisions.
Smart planning cuts down expenses by a lot. Planting in fall naturally reduces landscape maintenance costs. Buying in bulk gives you great savings through volume discounts. You can save money by planting smaller trees yourself, but professional services are often more economical for trees taller than 15 feet.
The true cost of tree planting goes beyond the original purchase price. You should account for permits, site preparation, and first-year care to get the full picture. These investments are worth it – they boost your property value and lower energy bills over time.
With accurate pricing information and expert knowledge, you can choose better trees, timing, and planting methods. You might pick fruit trees for their double benefits or shade trees to save energy. A good look at all cost factors guides you toward budget-friendly and successful tree planting projects.