A 20 ft queen palm typically costs $350-$1,000 for the tree alone, while delivery and professional planting can bring the total to roughly $1,200-$3,800. The final price depends on whether 20 ft means total height or trunk height, the tree’s condition, delivery distance, access for equipment, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft queen palm tree | $350 | $650 | $1,000 | Nursery price; size and trunk development affect the quote |
| Delivery | $100 | $250 | $600 | Typical local delivery; longer trips cost more |
| Planting labor and equipment | $500 | $1,200 | $2,200 | Assumes accessible yard and standard soil |
| Installed project total | $1,200 | $2,400 | $3,800 | Before unusual access, soil, or permit charges |
What a 20 Ft Queen Palm Costs Planted
For a nursery-grown queen palm around 20 ft tall, a common installed estimate is $1,200-$3,800, with many straightforward jobs landing near $2,400. The tree itself is often $350-$1,000; a specimen with a thicker trunk, full crown, or unusually large root ball can exceed that range. Confirm whether the quoted height is total height or clear trunk height, because those describe different-sized palms.
These figures assume one tree, ordinary residential access, local delivery, and planting in suitable soil. Prices tend to be lower when the palm is purchased from a nearby nursery and the planting spot is easy to reach. A site requiring a crane, a long carry, or extensive soil correction may push the total above $4,000. Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard nursery stock, normal access, and no major utility or drainage work.
How the Nursery, Crew, and Equipment Shape the Quote
Ask for an itemized estimate rather than comparing only the tree price. Quotes may include delivery in the planting charge, while others list it separately. The table shows common ranges for a single palm; actual labor and equipment charges vary by market and site.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge | Unit or basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree and root ball | $350-$1,000 | Height, trunk size, crown, and nursery availability | Per palm |
| Delivery | $100-$600 | Distance, truck access, and unloading needs | Per trip |
| Planting labor | $300-$900 | Digging, placement, backfill, and crew size | Per tree |
| Equipment | $150-$800 | Mini loader, forklift, or crane requirement | Per job or rental day |
| Soil and cleanup | $75-$400 | Amendments, haul-away, and finish grading | Per planting area |
A crew may quote labor as a fixed job price or estimate hours at roughly $60-$120 per worker-hour, depending on region and trade. A two-person crew working 3-5 hours at $60-$120 per worker-hour implies $360-$1,200 in labor before equipment and delivery.
Why Trunk Height and Yard Access Change Palm Pricing
Height measurement is a major source of quote differences. A 20 ft palm measured from the soil line to the top of the crown is generally smaller than a palm with 20 ft of clear trunk; the latter may require larger stock, heavier transport, and more lifting capacity. Ask for the trunk height, overall height, trunk diameter, and root-ball dimensions in writing. Matching those specifications is more useful than comparing listings that simply say “20 ft.”
Access and soil conditions also affect the installed price. A gate narrower than about 36 inches may prevent a loaded cart or compact machine from reaching the planting area. A root ball weighing several hundred pounds may require mechanical lifting, and a crane can add roughly $500-$1,500 or more when the tree must pass over a house or wall. Rocky soil, poor drainage, or buried concrete can add $150-$700 for extra digging, disposal, or replacement soil.
Climate and local supply matter, too. Queen palms are commonly sold in warm parts of the country, including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and coastal Southern California. In areas where they are less common or less winter-hardy, transport and limited stock can raise the tree price by 15%-35% compared with a nearby high-volume nursery. A nursery’s availability and the season’s inventory can matter more than the national average.
When Palm Planting Labor and Crane Rental Are Necessary
A standard accessible planting often takes a three-person crew about 2-4 hours, including unloading, setting the palm, backfilling, and cleanup. A narrow side yard, steep slope, or overhead obstruction can extend the work to 5-8 hours and require additional equipment. Labor is usually driven more by handling and access than by the time needed to dig a basic planting hole.
Request separate prices for unloading, planting, equipment, and disposal. A crane is not automatically needed for every 20 ft palm; a forklift or compact loader may be sufficient if the truck can approach the planting site. Crane mobilization, minimum rental periods, and operator fees can make a short lift expensive, so the installer should explain why that equipment is required.
Regional Delivery Rates for Queen Palms
In warm metro areas with several palm nurseries, delivery and planting may be 10%-20% below the national midpoint when the site is nearby and easy to reach. Rural properties or locations more than 50 miles from a supplier can see delivery charges 20%-50% higher, especially if a dedicated truck is needed. These are directional differences, not fixed regional tariffs.
Urban work can cost 10%-25% more than a similar suburban planting when parking, traffic, restricted work hours, or tight access complicate unloading. In cooler regions where queen palms are less routinely stocked, the tree itself may cost more or require special ordering. Compare the full delivered-and-planted price, not just the nursery’s advertised tree price.
Which Add-On Charges Belong in a 20 Ft Palm Estimate
Old tree removal, stump grinding, and disposal are usually separate from planting. Removing a small palm may add $150-$400, while a larger palm or difficult stump can add $400-$1,000 or more. Soil replacement may cost $75-$250, and a basic stake kit or supplemental support materials may add $25-$100. Ask whether cleanup, initial watering, and haul-away are included.
Planting near a driveway or utility line may require a utility-location check before digging; local rules determine whether there is a fee. Permit requirements for one residential palm are uncommon, but protected trees, HOA rules, and local landscape restrictions can apply. Do not assume a contractor’s quote includes permit or inspection charges unless they are listed.
How to Lower the Installed Price Without Buying a Smaller Palm
Get at least three itemized quotes using the same height definition, trunk size, and delivery address. Check whether each bid includes equipment, backfill, cleanup, and disposal; a low initial figure may exclude costly handling. Buying from a nearby nursery, choosing a standard-stock palm, and scheduling a flexible delivery date can reduce transport and sourcing charges.
Prepare the planting area by clearing movable obstacles and confirming access dimensions, but leave utility locating and excavation decisions to the appropriate professionals. If a crane is proposed, ask whether a smaller palm, alternate planting location, or forklift can meet the landscape goal safely. Keep the scope to one clearly specified tree and avoid paying for unneeded soil amendments or removal work.