A 30 gallon podocarpus typically costs $180-$450 for the plant alone, while delivery and professional planting can bring the total to $350-$900 per shrub. Price depends on plant height, cultivar, local nursery supply, delivery distance, site access, and whether planting includes soil amendments or removal of an old shrub.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 gallon plant | $180 | $310 | $450 | Nursery price, before delivery |
| Delivery | $40 | $85 | $175 | Per order, based on distance and load |
| Planting labor | $100 | $190 | $325 | Per shrub, normal access |
| Installed shrub | $350 | $585 | $900 | Plant, delivery, and standard planting |
What a 30 gallon podocarpus costs at the nursery
A 30 gallon podocarpus usually sells for $180-$450, with many standard upright specimens priced around $250-$350. The container size indicates the nursery pot volume, not a guaranteed plant height; a typical specimen may stand about 5-8 feet tall, depending on cultivar and pruning.
Budget about $310 for the plant alone before delivery, tax, or installation. Larger, fuller, well-shaped plants and scarce varieties tend to cost more. Retail garden centers may charge more than wholesale nurseries, while contractor pricing can depend on order size and availability.
Assumptions: U.S. retail nursery pricing for a healthy, standard-quality plant in a 30 gallon container; actual height and local availability vary.
How nursery, delivery, and planting charges shape the quote
Quotes often separate the shrub from transport and labor. Ask whether the price includes unloading, digging, backfill, mulch, cleanup, and sales tax. A low plant price can be offset by a delivery minimum or a separate planting charge.
| Quote component | Typical price | How it is charged | What changes the rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | $180-$450 | Per shrub | Height, fullness, cultivar, nursery |
| Delivery | $40-$175 | Per order | Mileage, minimum charge, number of plants |
| Planting labor | $100-$325 | Per shrub or crew visit | Soil, access, digging conditions |
| Soil, mulch, and disposal | $20-$100 | Per shrub or job | Amendments, mulch depth, debris removal |
| Tax or permit-related charges | $0-$75 | Per order or project | Local tax rules and site requirements |
Planting labor commonly works out to $50-$100 per crew hour, although contractors may use a per-shrub minimum. Removal of an existing shrub is usually quoted separately and can add $50-$200 or more, especially if roots are difficult to extract.
How height, cultivar, and root-ball access change price
Plant size and shape can matter more than the stated pot volume. A compact, recently pruned specimen may cost less than a dense 7-8-foot plant. Columnar types used for privacy screens can carry a premium when buyers need uniform height or matching plants.
Expect a noticeable price increase when a plant is over 8 feet tall or unusually wide for its container. A narrow side yard, stairs, a long carry from the truck, or a planting hole in compacted clay can also increase labor. Rocky ground and buried irrigation lines may require extra digging or adjustments.
For a screen, spacing affects the total more than the price of one shrub. Plants placed 3-5 feet apart create a denser hedge than wider spacing, but require more units. Confirm the mature width and recommended spacing for the selected variety before ordering.
Ways to lower the installed price without sacrificing the planting
Compare the complete delivered-and-planted quote, not just the nursery tag. Request separate prices for the plant, delivery, planting, amendments, and removal so the source of differences is clear. Buying several shrubs at once may reduce delivery cost per plant, though the exact savings depend on the nursery’s minimum charge.
Keeping access clear and doing simple site preparation can reduce labor time. Move patio furniture, mark irrigation lines, and identify the planting locations before the crew arrives. Avoid paying for premium height if smaller plants will fit the landscape plan and can grow into the desired screen.
Ask whether an existing shrub can be pruned or transplanted before replacing it. Compare standard cultivars with specialty forms, and avoid add-ons such as extensive soil replacement unless the site or installer identifies a specific need.
Three installed podocarpus quotes for different planting jobs
These examples show how scope changes the total. They assume ordinary digging conditions and standard-quality plants; local quotes may differ.
| Job example | Plant price | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 6-foot shrub, easy access | $240 | $125 labor, $55 delivery | $420 |
| Three 6-7-foot shrubs, shared delivery | $810 total, $270 each | $390 labor, $90 delivery, $75 mulch | $1,365 |
| One 8-foot specimen, difficult carry | $420 | $275 labor, $125 delivery, $80 amendments | $900 |
Assumptions: Standard planting holes and cleanup; totals exclude sales tax and major stump or root removal.
How delivery distance and local supply affect the price
Nursery supply and transportation shape regional pricing. Areas with many landscape nurseries and year-round growing conditions may have more selection, while remote locations can face higher delivery minimums. Urban jobs may cost more for labor or access; rural jobs may incur mileage charges.
As a planning estimate, comparable installed prices may run 10%-25% above average in high-cost metro areas and 5%-20% below average in lower-cost markets. These are broad comparisons, not fixed regional rates. Call nurseries within the same area and compare quotes with matching plant height, container size, delivery, and planting scope.
When delivery, removal, or site work adds extra charges
A single-plant order can trigger a delivery minimum even when the shrub is inexpensive. A quote may also add charges for carrying the plant through a narrow home or gate, removing an old root ball, hauling debris, or improving drainage. Ask whether the delivery truck can reach the planting area or whether hand-carry labor is included.
Get written confirmation of what happens if roots, rocks, or buried utilities obstruct the hole. Extra excavation or a changed planting location may be billed by the hour or as an added service. If a permit or property-line rule applies, verify it with the local authority before scheduling rather than assuming the installer’s quote covers it.
Before paying a deposit, confirm the plant’s approximate height, cultivar, container size, health, warranty or replacement policy, and delivery date. These details help prevent a lower-priced quote from turning into a more expensive order after delivery.