A 10-foot Green Giant arborvitae typically costs $250-$600 for the tree alone, while delivery and professional planting can bring the installed price to about $450-$1,000 per tree. Nursery stock type, root-ball size, local labor, delivery distance, and planting access are the main reasons quotes differ.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot tree | $250 | $400 | $600 | Usually field-grown, balled-and-burlapped stock |
| Delivery | $50 | $125 | $250 | Per order or trip; distance and load size matter |
| Professional planting | $150 | $275 | $450 | Per tree, with ordinary soil and machine access |
| Installed total | $450 | $700 | $1,000 | Typical single-tree project before unusual site work |
What a 10-foot Green Giant typically costs
Budget $250-$600 for the tree alone and roughly $450-$1,000 for a standard installed tree. The lower end usually reflects a local nursery, a seasonal sale, or a multi-tree order. Higher retail prices are more common for well-branched specimens, larger root balls, limited local supply, or delivery from farther away.
These trees are commonly sold as balled-and-burlapped (B&B) landscape stock. A 10-foot specimen may have a root ball roughly 24-36 inches across, though actual dimensions depend on growing conditions and nursery practices. A large, intact root ball adds weight and handling expense, but can help the tree establish when it is properly planted and watered.
For a hedge, the tree price is not the whole budget. Planting intervals of about 5-8 feet are often used for screening, depending on the desired density and available space. That works out to roughly 1-2 trees per 10 linear feet. Closer spacing raises the initial bill and may not be necessary if gradual coverage is acceptable.
Assumptions: U.S. retail nursery pricing, standard 10-foot B&B stock, ordinary planting soil, no major utility conflicts, and no extensive grading.
How nursery stock, labor, and delivery shape the invoice
A quote may show one installed amount or separate charges for the tree, freight, planting, and site work. Comparing line items helps identify whether a low tree price is offset by a delivery minimum or whether an installed quote includes soil amendments and cleanup.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot B&B tree | $250-$600 | Per tree | Root-ball size, branching, nursery supply |
| Delivery and unloading | $50-$250 | Per order or trip | Distance, truck access, number of trees |
| Planting labor | $150-$450 | Per tree | Soil, access, crew size, equipment |
| Mulch and basic supplies | $20-$75 | Per tree | Mulch depth, edging, staking materials |
| Old shrub removal | $50-$200 | Per plant or area | Root size, hauling, disposal requirements |
Labor is a significant variable because a 10-foot B&B tree is too heavy for many crews to move safely by hand. A planting crew may use a compact loader, tree dolly, or other equipment; equipment mobilization can add a minimum charge even when the planting itself is quick. A useful estimate is , with landscape labor commonly billed around $50-$100 per worker-hour, before equipment or travel fees.
Ask whether the quote includes unloading, hole excavation, backfill, mulch, staking, cleanup, and watering instructions. Some installers include basic materials in a per-tree rate; others price them separately. Confirm whether sales tax applies to the plant, delivery, or taxable services in the state.
Why root-ball diameter and yard access change the quote
Tree height alone does not determine the price. A 10-foot tree with a broader canopy or heavier root ball can take longer to load, deliver, and set. A quote should identify the approximate height and root-ball dimensions, particularly when comparing trees from different nurseries.
Planting difficulty can rise noticeably when the root ball is over 30 inches wide or when the planting spot is more than about 50 feet from a truck-accessible location. Narrow gates, stairs, steep slopes, soft lawns, and long carry distances may require more workers or smaller equipment. Those conditions can add $100-$400 or more per tree, depending on the crew and machinery needed.
Soil and drainage matter as well. Heavy clay, compacted fill, buried construction debris, or a high water table can make excavation slower and compromise establishment. If a 10-foot tree needs a hole substantially larger than the root ball, or the site requires imported topsoil, the added work may cost $75-$250 per tree. Persistent standing water is a planting-location problem, not something that can reliably be fixed by simply adding a little soil.
Utilities, walls, fences, and overhead wires can limit machine placement and the tree’s mature spread. Green Giants can grow much wider and taller than their nursery size, so spacing and local restrictions should be considered before purchase. Relocating the planting spot after delivery may create additional labor or hauling charges.
What planting several 10-foot trees adds to a project
Multi-tree projects can reduce the per-tree delivery and mobilization charge, but the total remains substantial because each large root ball must be planted individually. The following examples illustrate common quote patterns, not fixed national rates.
| Project example | Tree cost | Labor and delivery | Estimated total | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One tree, easy backyard access | $350 | $300 | $650 | $650 per tree |
| Five trees, 6-foot spacing | $1,750 | $1,350 | $3,100 | $620 per tree |
| Ten trees, long carry and difficult soil | $4,500 | $4,000 | $8,500 | $850 per tree |
The single-tree example assumes a mid-priced tree, one local delivery, and ordinary digging. The five-tree example assumes a shared delivery and a crew planting a short screen in accessible soil. The ten-tree example uses higher-priced stock and adds labor for access and difficult excavation. Stump removal, irrigation installation, or extensive soil replacement is not included.
For a hedge, compare total installed price and cost per linear foot, not only the individual tree price. At 6-foot spacing, five trees cover approximately 24 feet between the first and last trunks; end margins and the desired screening density can change the actual layout.
How regional nursery prices differ across the United States
Prices are not uniform across the country. Local growers can offer lower tree prices when the cultivar is readily available, while dense urban markets may charge more for stock, delivery, and skilled planting crews. As a rough planning adjustment, prices in high-cost metropolitan areas may run 15%-35% above a typical national estimate. Rural areas may be 5%-20% lower for nursery stock but can incur higher delivery charges when a qualified supplier is far away.
Climate and local supply also influence availability. Green Giant arborvitae is widely sold in many regions, but a particular 10-foot grade may need to be ordered or transported from a specialist nursery. A longer haul can add $100-$400 to a delivery, depending on distance, truck size, and whether the supplier can combine orders.
Ask local nurseries for the same specifications: height, root-ball width, condition, and whether the price includes loading. For an installed quote, provide the planting address, gate width, slope, and approximate distance from the delivery point to the planting area. Those details make regional comparisons more meaningful than a bare per-tree price.
Planning range: use the low end for local stock and easy access, the middle for ordinary suburban delivery and planting, and the high end for metropolitan labor, long-distance freight, or restricted access.
When planting labor, equipment, and removal increase the bill
On an accessible site, a two-person crew may plant a 10-foot tree in about 1-2 hours, excluding travel, unloading, and setup. Several trees may be installed more efficiently in one visit. A single-tree job can still carry a minimum service charge, commonly $150-$300 for labor or mobilization, even if excavation is brief.
Machinery can improve safety and reduce handling time, but the contractor may charge $75-$250 for equipment use or mobilization. If a loader cannot reach the planting location, hand-carrying the root ball or using specialized equipment can raise the labor allowance. Ask whether the equipment fee is charged per tree, per hour, or per visit.
Existing plants can add removal costs. Removing a small shrub may cost $50-$100, while a mature hedge, large stump, or roots tangled with nearby utilities can cost $150-$400 or more. Hauling and disposal may be separate. Confirm whether the old plant will be cut at ground level, dug out, or removed with the root system.
Installation quotes should separate ordinary planting from optional work such as irrigation, drainage correction, stump grinding, and soil replacement. This makes it easier to approve necessary work without accepting an unclear package price.
Which 10-foot arborvitae purchase options compare fairly?
A smaller tree can lower the initial expense, but it is not a direct substitute for a 10-foot specimen. For example, 5-7-foot Green Giants may cost about $80-$250 each, depending on container size and region. They are easier to transport and plant, but take longer to provide the same visual screen.
Large 10-foot B&B trees are generally not priced like small container plants. A 10-foot specimen in a large container may cost roughly $300-$700 where available, but container weight and supply vary. Check the root condition and actual height; a listed size may refer to approximate nursery height rather than the portion of the tree that will remain after transport and handling.
For buyers comparing trees to an existing hedge, replacing only dead or badly damaged plants may cost less than removing the entire screen. However, mixed sizes can look uneven for several growing seasons. Green Giants also require adequate space and appropriate drainage, so a lower-cost purchase is not economical if the planting site is unsuitable or the plants are crowded.
DIY planting can reduce labor expense, but a 10-foot tree with a large root ball often requires a delivery method and equipment that a homeowner does not own. Delivery, unloading, excavation, and safe handling can consume the savings. Before choosing DIY, confirm the nursery’s delivery terms and whether it places the tree near the final planting spot.
How to trim the installed price without reducing tree quality
Request quotes from at least three local nurseries or landscape contractors using identical tree specifications. Ask for the delivered height, root-ball dimensions, cultivar identification, per-tree price, delivery fee, planting labor, and warranty terms. An unusually low estimate may cover a smaller tree or exclude unloading and cleanup.
Buying several trees together can spread delivery and mobilization charges across the order. If a hedge is planned in stages, ask the nursery whether it can reserve matching stock from the same batch; later trees may differ in shape or color. Confirm that all trees are available before paying a deposit.
Control the site work before the crew arrives. Mark utilities, remove movable obstacles, confirm gate dimensions, and identify the final planting locations. Clearing access can reduce hand-carrying and equipment time. Do not dig near buried utilities until they have been located through the appropriate local service.
Compare standard installation with optional upgrades. Staking is not automatically necessary in every site, and extensive soil amendments may not be useful without a specific soil problem. On the other hand, proper planting depth and drainage should not be sacrificed to reduce a quote. Ask the contractor to explain any additional charge in terms of a measured condition or defined task.
Scheduling outside peak spring demand may improve availability or delivery coordination, though savings depend on local nursery inventory and weather. Avoid ordering a large tree before the planting area is ready: holding, re-delivery, or temporary storage can add fees and increase stress on the tree.
What warranty, watering, and replacement terms affect value?
Nursery guarantees vary considerably. Some cover replacement for a limited period if the tree fails, while others exclude drought, overwatering, poor drainage, storm damage, or inadequate care. A written warranty may require professional installation or a documented watering schedule. Ask whether replacement covers the tree only or also includes delivery and labor.
Watering is especially important during establishment. A large root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil appears moist, while saturated soil can damage roots. The installer should explain how to check moisture and adjust watering to local rainfall, soil type, and season. A warranty is less useful if its care requirements are unclear or impractical.
For budgeting, compare the initial installed price with possible replacement expense. Replacing one failed 10-foot tree can mean another $250-$600 tree purchase plus delivery and planting, potentially bringing the repeat bill to $450-$1,000. A modest difference in upfront price may be worthwhile if it includes documented planting, clear aftercare instructions, and reasonable replacement terms.
Before accepting a quote, verify the cultivar, stated height, root-ball size, number of trees, planting depth, cleanup, and warranty exclusions in writing. This gives buyers a more dependable comparison than relying on a headline price alone.