Prices for 6-foot arborvitae vary by cultivar, region, and sourcing method. The main cost drivers are plant quality, shipping or delivery, and whether professional installation is included. This guide provides cost ranges and practical budgeting notes for U.S. buyers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-foot arborvitae plant | $60 | $120 | $300 | Most common varieties; price depends on cultivar and root stock |
| Delivery | $20 | $75 | $150 | Distance and order size influence cost |
| Planting labor | $50 | $150 | $350 | Per tree; includes digging and staking |
| Soil amendment / mulch | $10 | $40 | $100 | Depends on site needs |
| Installation package (optional) | $0 | $100 | $400 | Includes spacing, irrigation hookup, and warranty |
| Permits or inspections | $0 | $0 | $50 | Rare in residential plantings |
| Total project range | $140 | $485 | $1,250 | Assumes single plant, modest add-ons |
Assumptions: region, cultivar, site accessibility, and whether professional placement is chosen.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a single 6-foot arborvitae plant is roughly $60 to $300, with several factors shaping the price. The plant’s cultivar, root depth, and overall quality are primary price levers. Some buyers may glance at bundled installation offers that include soil work and warranty, which can raise the up-front expense but reduce long-term maintenance concerns.
Cost Breakdown
Breakdown helps buyers compare quotes and plan budgets. A concise table below shows major cost components and typical ranges. Totals may vary by supplier and locality.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $60 | $120 | $300 | Plant price by cultivar |
| Labor | $50 | $150 | $350 | Planting, staking, initial watering |
| Delivery | $20 | $75 | $150 | Distance based |
| Soil amendments | $10 | $40 | $100 | Compost, mulch, soil testing |
| Permits & inspections | $0 | $0 | $50 | Regional need varies |
| Warranty / Maintenance | $0 | $20 | $100 | Short-term guarantees |
| Total | $140 | $485 | $1,250 | Based on one plant and modest add-ons |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include cultivar selection, root stock maturity, and delivery logistics. The choice of evergreen variety affects plant cost; larger or more mature stock commands higher prices. Local availability influences delivery fees and shipping lead times. Site accessibility, soil preparation needs, and irrigation requirements also tilt the final bill.
Ways To Save
Smart planning can lower upfront costs without sacrificing success. Consider grouping multiple plantings to secure bulk pricing, choosing a common cultivar with broad supplier availability, and performing basic site prep yourself (digging and initial watering) while contracting only for planting and warranty. Seasonal promotions and off-peak scheduling can yield modest price reductions.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across regions due to climate, shipping, and demand. In the Northeast, higher nursery demand can push prices up by about 5–15 percent compared with the Midwest. The South often has lower delivery costs but higher expected irrigation needs, adding 0–10 percent to total. Rural areas may face higher per-tree labor charges if crews must travel longer distances. These regional deltas should be weighed when comparing quotes.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs hinge on install complexity and time. Simple plantings with easy access may require 1–2 hours per tree, while trenching for irrigation or difficult soil conditions can exceed 4 hours. Typical labor rates range from $40 to $120 per hour, depending on region and contractor experience. A standard 6-foot arborvitae installation often totals 1–3 hours per tree, including basic staking and water establishment.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Concrete scenario snapshots help set expectations for budgets. Each card shows a single-tree project with common assumptions.
- Basic — 6-foot arborvitae, standard cultivar, no irrigation, simple access: Plant $70, Labor $90, Delivery $40; Total $200.
- Mid-Range — 6-foot cultivar with modest soil amendments and basic stake kit: Plant $120, Labor $150, Delivery $60, Amendments $30; Total $360.
- Premium — 6-foot premium cultivar, irrigation-ready install, warranty included: Plant $250, Labor $250, Delivery $100, Amendments $60, Warranty $40; Total $700.
Assumptions: single plant, region with average delivery costs, and standard root stock.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Prices can shift with seasonality and supply. Spring and early fall often see higher demand for live plants, which may push up prices by 5–15 percent compared with off-season months. Early-season stock is typically limited, potentially raising the per-tree price if alternatives are scarce. Delivery windows may also affect overall costs during peak planting periods.
