Planting a tree can bring numerous benefits to your environment, property, and community. Whether you’re looking to add aesthetic value to your yard or help combat climate change, understanding the cost implications of tree planting is essential.

Key Takeaways

Component	Details
Average Cost	$60 – $1,300 per tree (including tree and installation)
Factors Affecting Cost	Tree size, species, labor charges, site preparation
Additional Costs	Possible costs for tree removal, transplanting, and special planting types

Cost To Plant A Tree

$60 – $300 To Plant A Small Tree Or Sapling (Tree + Installation)

Small trees or saplings are the most economical planting options. These young trees often come in 5-gallon pots and can be planted with minimal labor. Saplings typically require more care during their initial growth phase but are less expensive upfront.

$200 – $700 To Plant A Tree Up To 10′ Tall (Tree + Installation)

Medium-sized trees, which are up to 10 feet tall, are more mature and could provide immediate benefits like shade and aesthetic improvements. However, these trees are more costly to plant because they require more resources for transport and installation.

$400 – $1,300 To Plant A Large Tree 10-20′ Tall (Tree + Installation)

Large or mature trees provide instant visual impact and functional benefits such as significant shade and windbreaks. These trees are considerably more expensive to plant, both in terms of the tree itself and the labor required for safe and proper installation.

$100 – $500 To Install A Tree 6′ To 20′ Tall (Labor Only)

If you already have a tree but need professional assistance to plant it, the labor costs alone range widely. Factors like the size of the tree, site preparation, and the complexity of the planting can affect these costs.

Detailed Tree Planting Costs

Tree Size	Tree Price Only	Installation Cost	Total Cost To Plant
Sapling	$10 – $40	$50 – $100	$60 – $140
Small (less than 6′)	$50 – $150	$75 – $150	$125 – $300
Medium (6′ – 10′)	$100 – $400	$100 – $300	$200 – $700
Large (10′ – 20’+)	$250 – $800	$150 – $500	$400 – $1,300

Average Tree Planting Cost Calculator

Tree Size	Cost To Install One Tree	Cost To Install Multiple Trees (Each)
Small (less than 6′)	$125 – $300	$100 – $250
Medium (less than 10′)	$200 – $700	$150 – $550
Large / Mature Tree (10′ to 20’+)	$400 – $1,300	$300 – $1,000

Trees Cost By Species And Maturity

Understanding the costs associated with different tree species can help you make an informed decision.

Tree Species	Average Cost	Details
American Arborvitae	$50 – $180	Evergreen Zones 3 – 8 Grows 20′ – 30′ Moderate growth Conifer
American Hornbeam	$25 – $160	Deciduous Zones 3 – 9 Grows 20′ – 40′ Moderate growth Pollinator-friendly
Cherry Blossom	$60 – $180	Deciduous Zones 5 – 9 Grows 20′ – 40′ Fast growth Flowering
Crabapple	$40 – $80	Deciduous Zones 4 – 8 Grows 15′ – 20′ Moderate growth Flowering and fruit-bearing
Dogwood	$35 – $110	Deciduous Zones 5 – 9 Grows 10′ – 25′ Moderate growth Flowering
Ginkgo Biloba	$45 – $80	Deciduous Zones 3 – 9 Grows 25′ – 50′ Moderate growth Fan-shaped leaves
Leyland Cypress	$50 – $150	Evergreen Zones 5 – 10 Grows 40′ – 60′ Fast growth Conifer
Maple	$40 – $120	Deciduous Zones 2 – 9 Grows 50′ – 100′ Moderate to fast growth Autumn color
Oak	$30 – $160	Deciduous Zones 3 – 10 Grows 50′ – 100’+ Moderate growth Shade
Palm	$50 – $200	Evergreen Zones 6 – 11 Grows 10′ – 60′ Slow growth Tropical
Pine	$30 – $150	Evergreen Zones 2 – 10 Grows 50′ – 100′ Fast growth Conifer
Shadbush/Serviceberry	$60 – $180	Deciduous Zones 3 – 9 Grows 12′ – 40′ Moderate growth Flowering and fruit-bearing
Southern Magnolia	$60 – $200	Evergreen Zones 6 – 9 Grows 30′ – 70′ Moderate growth Flowering
Walnut	$30 – $100	Deciduous Zones 3 – 10 Grows 40′ – 150′ Moderate growth Nut-bearing

Tree Sapling Cost

Tree saplings typically cost between $10 and $40. They are less costly but require more extensive care during their first few years of growth.

Cost Of Small Trees

Small trees, usually under 6 feet tall, can cost between $50 and $150. They are relatively more expensive than saplings but need less long-term maintenance.

Cost To Buy Full-Grown Mature Trees

Full-grown mature trees are the most expensive, typically starting at $250 and going up to $800 or more depending on the species and size.

Tree Planting Services & Installation Cost Factors

Landscaper Charges To Plant Trees

Professional landscapers typically charge between $50 and $500 for tree planting services, depending on the tree’s size, the complexity of the installation, and local labor costs.

Tree Replacement Cost

Service	Average Cost
Planting New Tree	$200 – $700
Tree Removal Costs	$300 – $2,000
Total Cost	$500 – $2,700

Tree Transplanting

Transplanting involves moving an existing tree to a new location. This can be more expensive than planting a new tree, with costs often ranging from $400 to $1,200 depending on the tree’s size and the distance it must be moved.

Tree Planting Costs By Type

Cost To Plant Privacy Trees

Privacy trees, like Leyland cypress or arborvitae, are often more expensive due to their larger size at planting and higher density. These trees can cost between $50 and $300 each, depending on the size and species.

Cost To Plant A Memorial Or Donation Tree

Memorial or donation trees are usually leased through programs that handle the planting and maintenance. These costs can range from $100 to $500 depending on the organization and the tree species.

Tree Planting FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Plant 1 Million Trees?

The cost of planting 1 million trees ranges significantly based on the species and location. Programs aiming to reforest degraded areas may achieve costs as low as $1 per tree, bringing the total to $1 million. However, for more urban settings, costs could be significantly higher.

What Are The Benefits Of Planting Trees?

Planting trees provides various benefits, including:

• Improved air quality
• Enhanced property value
• Better mental health
• Reduced energy costs
• Habitat for wildlife

When Is The Best Time To Plant A Tree?

The best time to plant a tree is during the dormant seasons—late fall after leaf drop or early spring before bud break. These periods allow trees to establish roots before facing extreme temperatures.

How Far Apart Should I Plant Trees?

The optimal spacing between trees depends on the species. Generally, small trees should be planted 10-20 feet apart, medium trees 20-30 feet apart, and large trees 30-50 feet apart.

What Are The Best And Worst Trees To Plant In My Yard?

Best Trees	Worst Trees
Dogwood	Cottonwood
Eastern Redbud	Bradford Pear
Crabapple	Weeping Willow
Saucer Magnolia	White Ash
Birch	Poplar
Japanese Maple	Russian Olive
American Holly	Honey Locust

Getting Estimates From Tree Planting Services

Questions To Ask

When seeking estimates from tree planting services, consider asking:

• What is included in the cost (tree, labor, soil amendments)?
• Do you guarantee the tree’s survival?
• How long has your company been in business?
• Can you provide references or a portfolio of past work?
• Are you insured and licensed?

Understanding the costs and options available for tree planting helps ensure you make the best decision for your property and the environment.