Prices for arborvitae trees vary by size, cultivar, and location, with main cost drivers including plant size, delivery, and installation. This guide presents cost ranges in USD and highlights price components to help buyers budget effectively for deciduous and evergreen options.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant price (small) | $25 | $45 | $60 | 2–4 ft hedging varieties |
| Plant price (mid) | $120 | $220 | $320 | 6–8 ft common sizes |
| Plant price (large) | $380 | $520 | $900 | 8–12 ft or mature specimens |
| Delivery | $25 | $90 | $200 | depends on distance and access |
| Installation/Planting | $75 | $300 | $600 | labor, staking, and soil prep |
| Shaping / Hedging | $50 | $200 | $500 | trim work per visit |
| Warranty / Guarantee | $0 | $40 | $150 | often 1–3 years |
| Permits / Fees | $0 | $0 | $50 | rare for residential plantings |
Overview Of Costs
The cost of arborvitae trees depends on size, cultivar, and regional market factors. Typical projects span a broad range from inexpensive hedges to substantial landscape installations. Project totals often combine plant price with delivery and installation, and may include maintenance options. Assumptions: region, plant size, and labor conditions influence the final figure.
Cost Breakdown
Breaking down the typical arborvitae project helps buyers estimate the budget more precisely. The table below blends total project ranges with per-unit estimates to reflect both small and large plantings.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $25 | $220 | $900 | Small shrubs to mature trees | $/tree varies by size |
| Labor | $75 | $300 | $600 | Planting, staking, soil work | |
| Equipment | $0 | $40 | $150 | Tools or rental if needed | |
| Delivery | $25 | $90 | $200 | Distance-based | |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $50 | Local rules may apply | |
| Warranty | $0 | $40 | $150 | Product guarantees | |
| Overhead & Contingency | $0 | $20 | $100 | Administrative and unforeseen costs |
What Drives Price
Price is driven by plant size, cultivar rarity, and site conditions. Taller trees require more nursery time and heavier equipment for installation. Smaller hedges are economical but may require more plants to achieve a dense screen. Region and seasonality also influence plant availability and transport costs.
Ways To Save
Shopping tactics can trim costs without sacrificing results. Consider ordering in bulk for hedges, choosing common cultivars, and coordinating delivery with other landscape projects. For small lots, combining planting with routine maintenance visits can reduce per-visit charges.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to climate, demand, and nursery distribution. In the Northeast, larger hedges may cost more due to shorter growing seasons; the South often sees lower plant pricing but higher labor rates in urban markets; the Midwest can offer favorable delivery logistics for mid-sized installations.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours scale with project size and soil prep needs. A single 6–8 ft arborvitae may take 1–2 hours including digging and staking, while a hedge row of 20 plants can require 8–12 hours across multiple crew members. Labor costs can be a larger share of total price for dense screenings or complex layouts.
Assumptions: region, crew size, and soil conditions.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often appear as service add-ons or logistical constraints. Delivery surcharges for backyards with limited access, extra soil amendments, or site cleanup after installation can raise the final bill. If plants require replacement due to loss or damage, expect additional plant costs and labor.
Assumptions: access, soil tests, and aftercare.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common arborvitae installations.
- Basic — 6–8 ft emerald-green trees, 8 plants for a linear hedge, standard delivery, no staking beyond minimal. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Total: $1,000-$1,800; per-plant: $125-$225; hours: 4–8.
- Mid-Range — 10–12 ft privacy screen, 12 plants, delivery + staking, light soil amendment. Total: $2,200-$3,800; per-plant: $180-$320; hours: 10–16.
- Premium — 12–14 ft specimen trees, 6 plants, premium cultivar, comprehensive install with soil prep and irrigation-ready system. Total: $4,500-$7,500; per-plant: $750-$1,250; hours: 20–28.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Upkeep over time affects the overall price of arborvitae investments. Annual trimming, mulching, and irrigation adjustments help maintain appearance and health. Expect routine costs of $100–$400 per year for a small hedge and $300–$1,000+ for larger landscape screens, depending on irrigation needs and climate.
