A 10-foot arborvitae typically costs $250-$900 for the plant alone, with installed prices commonly reaching $500-$1,800 per tree. The 10 foot arborvitae cost depends mainly on variety, root-ball or container size, local availability, delivery distance, planting access, and whether soil preparation or removal is needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot arborvitae, plant only | $250 | $500 | $900 | Price varies by cultivar, pot or root ball, and nursery |
| Delivery per tree | $50 | $125 | $300 | Can be more for long-distance or difficult access |
| Planting labor per tree | $150 | $350 | $700 | Higher for heavy root balls or challenging soil |
| Installed total per tree | $500 | $1,000 | $1,800 | Assumes standard planting and ordinary site access |
What a 10-Foot Arborvitae Usually Costs
A nursery-grown specimen around 10 feet tall generally sells for $250-$900 before delivery and planting. A common landscape-grade tree with a healthy, intact root ball is often $350-$650; uncommon cultivars, exceptionally full specimens, and large containers can push the plant price toward or above $900. Prices are often quoted per tree, not by the foot.
For a straightforward project, budgeting about $800-$1,300 per installed tree is a practical starting point. That estimate assumes one standard-size arborvitae, ordinary digging conditions, local or regional delivery, and no old tree removal. A contractor planting several trees may quote a lower per-tree labor rate, while a single-tree job can incur a minimum service charge.
Size labels are approximate: a tree sold as 10 feet may measure somewhat less or more, and height does not guarantee a particular width or density. Buyers should confirm the measured height, cultivar, container or root-ball dimensions, and whether the quoted price includes tax. Assumptions: Typical U.S. nursery and landscaping prices, standard stock, normal access, and no major soil correction.
How Root Balls, Delivery, and Labor Shape the Quote
A full quote separates the tree from transporting and planting it. Because a 10-foot tree can be heavy and awkward to handle, crew size, lifting equipment, and access may matter as much as the digging itself. The following ranges are per tree and describe common residential work, not guaranteed local rates.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree and root ball | $250 | $500 | $900 | Cultivar, fullness, container, and nursery stock |
| Delivery | $50 | $125 | $300 | Distance, order size, and unloading needs |
| Planting labor | $150 | $350 | $700 | Hole size, crew time, access, and soil |
| Soil amendments and mulch | $25 | $75 | $175 | Material volume and existing soil condition |
| Equipment or disposal | $0 | $75 | $250 | Machine access, old plant removal, or hauling |
Labor may be estimated at $50-$100 per worker-hour, although many landscapers use a flat per-tree price. A two-person crew taking 2-4 hours to unload, prepare, plant, and water one specimen represents roughly $200-$800 in labor before any minimum charge or equipment fee.
Ask whether delivery, unloading, soil, mulch, cleanup, and tax are included rather than comparing plant prices alone. A low nursery price can become a higher installed bill if the delivery is charged separately or the site requires extra handling.
Which Cultivar, Root-Ball Size, and Site Conditions Raise the Price?
Species and cultivar availability affect both the plant price and its suitability for the site. American arborvitae varieties such as ‘Green Giant’ and ‘Emerald Green’ are common, but a specific cultivar or unusually dense specimen may cost more when local nursery supply is limited. A named variety should be confirmed on the invoice; a generic “arborvitae” description may not identify the mature shape or growth habit.
Root-ball dimensions are another useful comparison. Trees around 10 feet tall may come in large containers or with substantial balled-and-burlapped root systems. A larger, well-formed root ball can raise the purchase and handling price, but a height-only quote does not show whether the stock is proportionate. Ask for both container size or root-ball diameter and trunk or canopy condition.
Site difficulty can add $100-$500 or more when machinery cannot reach the planting area. Narrow gates under roughly 36 inches, steep slopes, retaining walls, buried utilities, compacted clay, and rocky ground can slow digging or require hand carrying. A hole in ordinary workable soil may fit a standard labor quote; a hole needing extensive excavation or soil replacement can exceed it.
Project quantity matters, too. Two or more trees delivered together may spread a $100-$300 trip charge across the order, while one isolated tree may carry the entire fee. Spacing also affects the number to purchase: closely planted screening can require more trees than a design using wider spacing and allowing room for mature growth.
How Arborvitae Prices Differ Across U.S. Regions
Regional comparisons should account for delivery and availability, not just the sticker price at a nursery. In areas with nearby growers and common stock, plant prices may be 5%-15% below a comparable quote in a market with limited supply. Remote locations or long delivery routes can add 10%-25% to the delivered total, particularly for a single large specimen.
Labor rates also vary. Dense urban areas and high-cost coastal markets may run about 15%-35% above a national-style estimate for planting, while some rural markets can be 5%-20% lower. Those differences are not guaranteed: limited local crews, difficult terrain, or seasonal demand can make rural service more expensive.
Compare complete installed quotes from local providers, because a lower plant price does not always mean a lower total. Request the same cultivar, approximate height, root-ball or container specification, delivery distance, and planting scope from each provider. A quote with a smaller root ball or no unloading can appear cheaper without offering an equivalent tree or service.
Cold-climate areas may have a shorter planting season, while hot or dry regions may require more attention to watering and establishment. These conditions can change scheduling and follow-up service, but they do not create a uniform regional surcharge. Ask the contractor to state whether seasonal watering, staking, or a return visit is included.
What Delivery, Planting Time, and Removal Add
For an accessible yard, one 10-foot tree may take a two-person crew about 2-4 hours to unload and plant. A difficult site, a larger root ball, or hand-carried access can extend the work to 4-6 hours or require additional workers. Contractors may charge a minimum visit fee of $150-$300 even when the planting itself is relatively quick.
Delivery commonly runs $50-$300 per order, with a separate unloading or crane charge possible for heavy stock or restricted access. If the planting area is far from the driveway, carrying the tree by hand may add $50-$200 or more. Ask whether a truck can get near the planting spot and whether the delivery crew is responsible for moving the tree from the curb.
Removing an existing shrub or tree is usually a separate line item, often $100-$400 for a moderate shrub and more for a stump or difficult haul-away. Disposal, stump grinding, and replacement of damaged turf may be priced separately. Utility locating or permit requirements depend on local rules and digging depth; confirm requirements before excavation rather than assuming they are included.
Timing can affect availability more than the posted retail price. During busy spring and fall planting periods, popular sizes may sell out and contractors may have longer waits. Scheduling outside peak weeks can improve availability, but a tree should still be planted when local weather and soil conditions are suitable. A rush delivery or special-order cultivar can add $50-$200 or more.
Three Installed-Price Examples for Different Yard Projects
These examples show how a similar 10-foot height can produce different bills. They assume U.S. residential pricing and ordinary plant health; local quotes may differ. The labor-hour figures are illustrative estimates, not fixed industry production standards.
| Project | Plant and delivery | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One standard tree, clear access | Tree $400-$550; delivery $75-$125 | 2 workers, 2-3 hours; $200-$350 labor; $40-$80 mulch | $715-$1,105 |
| Three trees for a privacy screen | $350-$600 each; shared delivery $100-$200 | 2-3 workers, 4-6 hours; $450-$800 labor; $100-$225 mulch | $1,700-$3,025 total, or $567-$1,008 each |
| One tree in a restricted-access yard | Tree $500-$800; delivery $150-$300 | Hand carry and digging, 4-6 hours; $400-$700 labor; $75-$150 materials | $1,125-$1,950 |
The three-tree project costs more overall but can have a lower per-tree total because delivery and setup are shared. The restricted-access example includes additional handling, not a premium cultivar. If a quote exceeds these ranges, check whether it includes removal, equipment, soil replacement, a guarantee, or extensive haul-away work.
For a meaningful comparison, request a written scope listing tree count, measured height, cultivar, root-ball or container size, delivery, labor, materials, cleanup, and tax. If a provider quotes a single lump sum, ask for at least the plant, delivery, and labor portions so the expensive line item is clear.
Can a Smaller Arborvitae or Different Spacing Cut the Bill?
A smaller tree is the most direct way to lower the purchase price. A 6-8-foot arborvitae often costs about $100-$400 for the plant, depending on variety and stock, and may need less labor and lighter delivery equipment. Compared with a 10-foot specimen, the installed savings can range from roughly $200 to $700 per tree, though the screen takes longer to reach the same height.
Spacing can reduce the number of plants, but it should reflect mature width and the intended screen. A landscape plan that allows suitable spacing can avoid buying extra trees for immediate coverage. Conversely, planting too close to force a solid wall may increase competition and future pruning needs. Check the cultivar’s mature dimensions before using a per-linear-foot estimate.
Keeping the job accessible and avoiding unnecessary upgrades can save more reliably than choosing the cheapest tree available. Mark the planting locations, clear small obstacles, and identify sprinkler lines before the crew arrives. Ask whether the existing soil is adequate before approving full soil replacement, and decline staking or amendments unless the site or planting plan calls for them.
When several trees are needed, compare one combined delivery with separate purchases, and ask for an itemized multi-tree rate. A local nursery may offer better stock selection, while a landscape contractor may save on transport and labor by handling the whole planting. Compare equivalent tree sizes and root systems rather than relying on the lowest advertised price.
What Establishment Care and Replacement Terms Are Worth Paying For?
Watering is essential while a newly planted arborvitae establishes roots. Depending on rainfall, soil, and climate, the owner may need to provide regular deep watering during the first growing season. A contractor’s watering service can add roughly $25-$75 per visit or $100-$400 for a short seasonal plan, but the schedule should be based on actual weather and soil conditions.
Staking may cost $20-$60 per tree when needed, and mulch installation may add $25-$100 for a typical planting. A warranty can also affect the quote. Some providers include a limited 30-90-day replacement guarantee; longer coverage may require a higher price or may exclude drought, poor watering, animal damage, or extreme weather. The written terms matter more than the word “warranty.”
Paying extra for a clear replacement policy can be useful when the provider controls planting and early care, but it does not eliminate maintenance costs. Confirm the coverage period, whether replacement labor and delivery are included, and what watering records or site conditions the guarantee requires. A warranty that covers only the tree can still leave a substantial replanting fee.
For a five-year budget, include the initial installed cost plus any watering visits, pruning, or replacement risk. Routine shaping is generally unnecessary for many arborvitae varieties and aggressive pruning may damage their form. If screening is the goal, compare the purchase price with ongoing care and the cost of replacing a poorly suited cultivar before approving a large order.