How Much Does it Cost to Plant a Tree?

Average Cost to Plant a Tree

Cost to Plant a Tree By Size

The size of a tree has a huge impact on the cost to plant it. The larger the tree, the larger the container it arrives in, the more soil it uses, and the more it weighs. This makes it heavier and bulkier, which also increases transport costs. Larger trees also require more excavation, and some require special lifting machinery to move and situate them.

Cost to Plant Trees by Number of Trees

The more trees you plant, the better price you'll get per tree. As with the cost of removing trees, arborists will likely charge a set fee for the first one to three trees. This initial cost includes their travel time, wear and tear on vehicles and equipment, and their supplies. So the total of these sundry costs is spread further with more trees, reducing the overall cost per tree. While a single medium-sized tree costs an average of $450 to plant, if you're planting multiple trees, you could save as much as 50% per tree, paying around $225 per tree.

Tree Planting Cost Breakdown

Tree planting breaks down into materials and labor. The materials for planting the tree itself are minimal, although you'll pay for landscaping materials to finish the look of your yard once the trees are in place. Labor makes up a significant portion of the total cost, as there's a considerable amount of work involved in planting even a small tree.

Materials

Typical material costs make up 50 to 70% of the project total. You'll spend anywhere from $50 to$2,000 per tree. Materials are minimal for tree planting, aside from the tree itself. However, you may accrue costs for soil, irrigation supplies, and landscaping materials. 

Labor

Labor costs roughly 30% to 50% of any tree planting project and includes transport costs. Hiring an arborist costs $50 to $150 per hour, and planting a small tree can take just an hour or two for just one person. On the other end of the scale, planting an extra large tree can take multiple people a full day or more. 

While a day or more may seem extreme, this is because it's a complex task that involves significant excavation. Site prep, bringing in heavy lifting equipment, and landscaping are all important and time-consuming tasks. 

If you're transplanting a tree instead of buying a new one, you'll only pay labor costs of $300 to $1,200 per tree, depending on size and how far you're moving the tree.

Other Tree Planting Cost Factors

Alongside the installation of the trees themselves, other factors can influence cost. The accessibility of the site, what permits you need, the quality of the soil, and landscaping can all increase the price. Plus, you'll need to account for ongoing costs, such as maintenance. 

Accessibility

If the planting site is a long way from a vehicle access point, or the access is narrow or otherwise challenging or restricted, you'll pay more in labor costs. If accessibility is limited, it'll take more time and labor to ferry equipment and supplies back and forth manually. Alternatively, you may pay more in labor if the contractors need to remove a fence to access the site with heavy equipment or will need to pay for shrub or hedge removal.

Permits

Generally, you won't need a permit to plant small and medium trees. However, some localities require permits for trees over certain heights, so you'll need to check with your arborist or your local planning office.

Soil Quality

Loamy, soft soil with few rocks is easy to excavate and plant in, so it takes less time to work. Thick, clay soil is heavy, and thin, rocky soil is challenging, even with excavation equipment. Additionally, inferior soil types require suitable amendments, such as the introduction of high-quality topsoil, and the inclusion of the right nutrients. 

Landscaping

Landscaping costs between $130 to $13,000, with most people spending somewhere between $1,300 and $5,900. How much you'll pay for landscaping installation depends on what jobs you have done. For example, installing a flower bed or filling an existing one costs from $300 to $3,000, while installing sod costs an average of $2,000, and removing a tree stump costs $170 to $520. If you hire a landscape designer to help with the redesign, expect to pay around $250 per hour. 

Ongoing Costs

When you plant trees, there are some ongoing costs to be aware of. The price of tree trimming and pruning is the key ongoing cost. You may be able to get this job taken care of as part of a regular garden maintenance service. Saplings and smaller trees take less maintenance outside of watering and mulching, whereas larger trees need regular pruning and shaping to keep them manageable and in good health.

DIY Planting Trees vs. Hiring a Pro

You can take care of planting small and medium trees yourself with a bit of manual labor. If your soil is of good quality. If, however, your soil needs amendment, you're dealing with a larger tree, or your yard also needs grading, then you'll need to hire a local arborist. If you're not familiar with which types of trees would do best in your yard, be sure to talk to an arborist rather than trying to figure it out on your own.