We know how rewarding the experience of gardening is.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that more and more homeowners are feeling inclined towards this activity. But there’s quite a bit of expenditure involved here, so it’s important to understand the costs related to tree planting. That’s why today, we have prepared this post to walk you through the details for simplifying the process.
With that said and done, let’s begin!
What Is The Average Cost To Plant A Tree?
Frankly, there isn’t one fixed answer to this question. Apart from the difference in sizes and types, the different variables involved also impact the prices.
Sure, the cost to plant a tree for covering a large spot in your landscape will be more than planting saplings or young fruit trees, but even then, the cost to plant the same tree is likely to differ from one region to another.
In the following sections, we will walk you through the various steps of planting a tree and their average costs.
Purchase
Undoubtedly, the first variable to consider is the cost of purchasing the trees, which largely depends on their availability and maturity. According to Home for the Harvest, a young tree less than 10 feet tall costs somewhere between $50 and $100.
Alternatively, bare-root fruit and ornamental trees cost significantly less, around $25. This is because bare root trees are lightweight and hence cheaper to ship. Once you procure them, plant them into the ground or potted soil within 48 hours, add adequate moisture, and they are good to grow again.
If you’re looking to get a more mature tree to save time, then expect to pay around $200 for a relatively fair sapling. Some varieties like blue spruce are more expensive and can cost about $350 or more. Likewise, larger trees can easily cost $500.
An important thing to look out for is any extra charges in the form of transportation or installation. These factors can also contribute to a high purchase cost.
Moving The Tree
Going back to our previous point about transportation, the costs of moving a tree will depend on the initial location. For instance, if the tree is in a nursery, then moving it to your home can be an expensive affair.
Furthermore, people availing of delivery services (in the absence of a pickup truck) will have to shell out way more. Short trips across the town may cost between $40 and $75. On the other hand, transportation to the delivery location across several miles can be priced between $75 and $200, based on the exact distance and size of the tree.
Planting The Tree
Planting the tree will practically cost nothing (besides gardening supplies) if you’re doing the job on your own. But if you plan on hiring a tree specialist or landscaper for the purpose, then they’d charge a fixed fee on an hourly basis. Depending on their experience and rates, professional tree planters probably charge anywhere between $25 and $60 or more per hour.
Here, we should mention that a typical tree planting session can last at least a couple of hours, irrespective of the size. The first step is digging an appropriate-sized hole and planting the tree. It may also require support and fencing, building the next step in the process.
As you may have already guessed, the planting costs of larger and taller trees will invariably run into hundreds of dollars, which is often bundled with the transportation and delivery fees. In case you need to remove a tree to make room for newer ones, then those charges will be included in the package.
Maintenance Costs
The cost to plant a tree isn’t limited to the planting stage. Once the tree is planted, it will need regular maintenance and care. Basic needs like watering and application of fertilizers and pest repellents usually won’t require you to break the bank.
Similarly, ensuring the tree remains supported and upright involves minimal costs. In most cases, the average cost of soil amendments and chemicals is about $25.
If you have availed of the services of a professional planter, then don’t forget to check in on the annual or monthly maintenance rates, if applicable. These rates are usually included in the initial bill and are pretty difficult to estimate as they largely vary on the type and frequency of the service.
Other Factors
Location
Aside from transportation, there’s another reason why location plays a crucial role in regulating the cost of planting a tree by affecting the soil quality. High-quality soil correlates to better survival rates for plants and consequently low maintenance. Similarly, low-quality soil is responsible for poor survival rates, increased conditioning, and even re-planting.
Weather
Since the weather has a direct impact on the moisture and nutrient content of the soil, it ultimately affects the growth of the plants. In dry and arid regions, improving the moisture retention capabilities will add to the planting costs. So, that’s something you’d want to think about.
Watering
If you’re wary about high water bills for watering your plants, you may look for ways to enhance the natural moisture content of the soil. But in doing so, make sure you don’t end up spending more than what your water bill would have cost.
Final Words
Hope our efforts could give you a fair idea about all the related costs of planting a tree. But before we leave, here are a couple of pro-tips: try to go for such plants that suit the conditions of the area where you want to plant them. This will cut down on your maintenance efforts and costs, especially if you’re a first-time gardener. And if you’re planning large-scale gardening for your first time, we strongly recommend getting professional help.
Need professional help when it comes to tree services in Hesperia CA? Contact us and get a quote now.