How much does it cost to plant a tree?
How much does it cost to plant a tree?
$60 – $300 plant a small tree or sapling (tree + install)
$200 – $700 plant a tree up to 10’ tall (tree + install)
$400 – $1,300 plant a large tree 10-20’+ tall (tree + install)
$100 – $500 install a tree 6’ to 20’ tall (labor only)
Cost to plant a tree
The average cost to plant a tree up to 10' tall is $200 to $700, including the tree. The cost to plant a large mature tree up to 20’ tall is $400 to $1,300. Planting a small tree or sapling costs $60 to $300. The cost to plant privacy trees is $750 to $3,000 per 5 trees.
| Tree size | Tree price only | Installation cost | Total cost to plant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapling | $10 – $40 | $50 – $100 | $60 – $140 |
| Small tree (less than 6’ tall) | $50 – $150 | $75 – $150 | $125 – $300 |
| Medium tree (6’ – 10’) | $100 – $400 | $100 – $300 | $200 – $700 |
| Large / mature tree (10’ – 20’+) | $250 – $800 | $150 – $500 | $400 – $1,300 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Tree replacement costs $500 to $2,700, including old tree removal.
Tree installation labor alone costs $100 to $300 on average.
Average tree planting cost calculator
Tree planting costs $125 to $700 per tree on average for a single tree up to 10’ tall. Planting multiple trees costs $100 to $550 per tree. Contractors typically give a 10% to 30% discount when planting multiple trees.
| Tree size | Cost to install one tree | Cost to install multiple trees (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (less than 6') | $125 – $300 | $100 – $250 |
| Medium tree (less than 10') | $200 – $700 | $150 – $550 |
| Large / mature tree (10' to 20'+) | $400 – $1,300 | $300 – $1,000 |
*Prices include plants and labor.
Trees cost by species and maturity
A 3’ to 6’ tall tree costs $50 to $150 on average, depending on the species. Rare trees or species that take longer to grow cost more.
| Tree species | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| American arborvitae | $50 – $180 |
|
| American hornbeam | $25 – $160 |
|
| Cherry blossom | $60 – $180 |
|
| Crabapple | $40 – $80 |
|
| Dogwood | $35 – $110 |
|
| Ginkgo biloba | $45 – $80 |
|
| Leyland cypress | $50 – $150 |
|
| Maple | $40 – $120 |
|
| Oak | $30 – $160 |
|
| Palm | $50 – $200 |
|
| Pine | $30 – $150 |
|
| Shadbush / Serviceberry | $60 – $180 |
|
| Southern magnolia | $60 – $200 |
|
| Walnut | $30 – $100 |
|
*Prices for 3’ to 6’ tall tree saplings, excluding planting labor.
Tree sapling cost
A tree sapling costs $10 to $40 on average for the plant alone. Tree sapling prices depend on the size and species. Most saplings are less than 3 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 1 to 4 inches at chest height.
In comparison, a smaller seedling costs $2 to $8 each with a primary stem less than 1 inch thick.
Cost of small trees
The cost of small trees 3 to 6 feet tall is $50 to $150 per tree on average, without installation. Planting small trees requires a shovel or an auger depending on site conditions. Spacing of small trees must account for mature height and width.
Cost to buy full-grown mature trees
The cost to buy full-grown mature trees 10 to 20 feet tall is $250 to $800 on average, excluding installation. The cost of planting mature trees varies according to the species and transportation distance. Tree specialists use equipment like tree-spade excavating machines on some sites.
Tree planting services & installation cost factors
Tree planting services and installation cost factors include:
Species – Trees cost more if they are rare, slow-growing, or need special care.
Size – Bigger and mature trees cost more to deliver and plant.
Location – Trees planted in spaces with difficult access will cost more in labor.
Nursery visit – Companies charge for time spent getting trees at the nursery.
Delivery – Hauling fees may be per-mile or a flat fee.
Soil quality – Higher labor costs apply for difficult digging in rocky topsoil.
Equipment – Planting multiple trees or mature trees with a skid steer costs $400 to $500 minimum, depending on site conditions.
Site preparation – Removing fences or other obstacles to make room for trees and equipment takes more time.
Cleanup – Dirt removal costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard.
Tree replacement – Old tree removal adds $300 to $2,000 to planting costs.
Soil amendments – Compost costs $20 to $50 per cubic yard for materials only. Planting with compost is essential when planting in depleted soil.
Irrigation – A drip irrigation system costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Root protection – Mulch prices are $15 to $65 per yard for materials only.
Guarantees – A warranty with tree installation raises the overall planting costs.
Permits – Tree planting between the sidewalk and curb requires a permit, but planting on private property doesn’t. Many cities have no planting-permit fees.
Additional services:
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Landscapers charge $25 to $85 per new shrub with planting labor.
Landscaper charges to plant trees
Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour to plant trees. Planting a medium-sized tree takes 1 to 2 hours per tree. Saplings or small trees take 15 to 30 minutes to plant.
Soil conditions impact dig times.
Companies charge a separate rate for equipment such as a skid steer or tree-spade truck.
Tree replacement cost
Tree replacement costs $500 to $2,700 on average, depending on the size, type, and location. This price includes removing the dead, diseased, or unwanted tree first and then planting a new one. Arborists typically don’t replant in the same hole due to the leftover roots and depleted soil.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Planting new tree | $200 – $700 |
| Tree removal costs | $300 – $2,000 |
| Total cost | $500 – $2,700 |
Tree transplanting
Tree transplanting costs $300 to $700 per tree on average or up to $5,000 for extra-large trees. Total costs depend on the tree size, moving method, and accessibility. Moving trees with cranes or over big distances will raise prices further.
Tree planting costs by type
Cost to plant privacy trees
The cost to plant privacy trees is $150 to $600 per tree on average, depending on the size. The cost of planting a row of privacy trees is $750 to $3,000 for 5 trees 6’ to 7’ tall. Lower costs apply for smaller trees or with a multi-tree discount.
Common privacy trees include:
Arborvitae
Leyland cypress
Eastern red cedar
Spruce
Juniper
Cost to plant a memorial or donation tree
The cost to plant a memorial or donation tree is $10 to $40 per tree in national parks or forests. Regional parks offer personalized services for $300 to $800 per tree. Donations cover the tree and installation plus a card or frameable certificate. Discounts apply for multiple-tree donations.
Tree planting FAQs
How much does it cost to plant 1 million trees?
It costs $100,000 to $200,000 to plant 1 million trees when planting in low-cost regions of the world with local seeds. Many U.S. cities have pledged to plant 1 million trees locally at costs of millions of dollars. Their goal is to combat climate change.
What are the benefits of planting trees?
Benefits of planting trees include:
Shade lowers energy costs in the summer.
Landscaping with trees increases home value by up to 20%.
Tree roots reduce erosion.
Leaves and roots filter out environmental pollutants.
Trees create wildlife habitats.
People who spend time daily around trees get numerous health benefits.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
When is the best time to plant a tree?
Spring and fall are the best times to plant a tree, or any time with consistent soil temperatures of at least 45° F to 50° F. Spring allows the most time for trees to establish new roots. Avoid planting less than 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost.
How far apart should I plant trees?
You should plant trees 10 to 50 feet apart on average. The spacing around the tree should equal its expected mature height. The trees should overlap if planning a residential canopy over a street.
What are the best and worst trees to plant in my yard?
The best trees to plant in your yard are non-invasive and tolerant of the local climate. The worst trees to plant in your yard are invasive or vulnerable to pests and disease. Trees too large for your property can destroy sidewalks and foundations with their roots.
| Best trees | Worst trees |
|---|---|
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Getting estimates from tree planting services
Before hiring a tree planting service near you, be sure to:
Get detailed estimates from at least 3 companies with 5+ years of experience.
Only consider companies with a license, surety bond, and insurance.
Seek out ISA-certified arborists and TCIA-accredited companies.
Check online reviews from Google and HomeGuide.
Ask to see a portfolio or get references.
Beware of low quotes signaling inexperience or low-quality work.
Pay only when the tree service professional has completed the project.
Questions to ask
Can you give estimates online or over the phone?
Are onsite estimates free?
Where do you get the trees?
Which type of tree would grow best in my yard?
Can I buy my own trees to save money?
How do you price tree planting?
Do you offer a warranty or labor guarantee?
Is there a multi-tree discount?
How long will it take to plant the trees?
Do I need to be home during planting?
How many crew members will be onsite?
Are all crew members experienced arborists?
Should I prepare the site before your arrival?
Will you trim the tree after planting?
How far from the house must you plant the tree?
Do you fertilize or add compost?
How much distance do I need between trees and other plants?
Do you call the utility company to mark underground lines first?
Will you mark where you’ll plant the trees before digging?
Do you provide aftercare instructions?
Is there an extra charge for cleanup?
What is your rescheduling procedure for bad weather?