How much does it cost to have a tree planted?

Landscape & Site WorkLandscape Installation Pricing

Tree Planting Cost Estimator

Estimate total purchase, delivery, soil preparation, excavation, and staking costs for planting shade, privacy, and fruit trees.

Landscape & Site Work Field StandardsLandscape Installation Pricing

Engineering formulations calibrated to IPC, UPC & NEC specificationsSub-Zero Cold Climate Tolerances

Quick Summary & Key Answer

Professional tree planting costs between $150 and $300 per tree for standard 15-gallon container nursery stock (6-8 ft tall). Larger 2-inch caliper balled-and-burlapped (B&B) shade trees cost $350 to $650 per tree installed, including labor, digging, soil amendments, staking, and mulching.

Dig planting holes 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
The root flare must sit 1 to 2 inches above finished grade.
Always call 811 utility locators at least 48 hours before digging.

Interactive Calculator

Adjust inputs for real-time results

Tree Stock Size & Type

Number of Trees to Plant

Include Soil Amendment & Mulch Rings?

Calculated OutputLandscape Market Sized

Total Installed Cost

$525 - $975

Average Cost Per Tree: $250 /tree
Includes Excavation & Planting: Yes
Staking & Mulch Included: Yes

Note: Always call 811 (Call Before You Dig) to locate underground gas, water, and electrical utilities before digging tree holes.

Proper Tree Planting Depth

Planting trees too deep suffocates root systems and leads to stem-girdling roots that kill the tree within 10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance

Most homeowners spend between $200 and $500 per tree for professional planting, depending on tree size and soil conditions.