Understanding the cost of arborvitae trees helps homeowners plan budgets for privacy screens, hedges, or specimen plantings. This guide breaks down typical price ranges, from small potted trees to mature specimens, and explains what drives the cost, including size, region, and installation.
Arborvitae cost varies by size, cultivar, and site conditions, so pricing should reflect both the plant choice and any installation needs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-gallon arborvitae (12-18 inches) | $12 | $18 | $25 | Common for starter hedges |
| 3-gallon arborvitae (3-4 feet) | $35 | $60 | $75 | Popular for privacy gaps |
| 5-7 gallon arborvitae (5-7 feet) | $60 | $100 | $150 | Faster screening option |
| 8-12 feet tall specimen | $200 | $450 | $800 | For mature uninterrupted screens |
| Planting labor (per tree) | $75 | $125 | $250 | Includes digging and staking |
| Delivery (per mile) | $5 | $15 | $40 | Depends on distance and accessibility |
| Installation complexity | $0 | $100 | $400 | Includes site prep and trenching |
Assumptions: Midwest to Southeast regions, standard 2- to 3-year nursery stock, typical backyard soil, and normal access.
Exact price by Arborvitae size and planting scenario
Prices scale with size and intended use. A single 12-18 inch plant costs about $12-$25, while a 3-4 foot plant commonly runs $35-$75. For a continuous hedge, buyers often install multiple trees 3-6 feet apart, producing a per-linear-foot cost of roughly $10-$25 for the plant material plus $20-$60 in labor per tree depending on accessibility. Buying multiple units often yields a per-tree discount, but total delivery may rise with order size.
Major price components in an arborvitae project
The quote typically breaks into four to six lines. Plant material, Labor for planting, Delivery fees, Site prep and soil amendment, Permits if required, and Waste disposal. The following table outlines common cost components and typical ranges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (plants) | $12 | $60 | $800 | Depends on size and cultivar |
| Labor | $75 | $125 | $250 | Per tree; includes planting and staking |
| Delivery | $5 | $15 | $40 | Distance-based |
| Site prep | $0 | $75 | $400 | Grading, soil amendment, weed removal |
| Permits | $0 | $25 | $150 | Depends on local rules |
| Disposal | $0 | $20 | $100 | Spent containers and roots |
| Warranty | $0 | $50 | $150 | Plant health guarantee |
What most shifts the final arborvitae price
Primary drivers include tree size and cultivar selection. Size thresholds of 3-4 feet versus 6-7 feet materially change cost; larger trees require more digging, soil stabilization, and staking. Region and labor rates also matter: urban markets can add 10-30% above rural pricing, and delivery distance adds per-mile costs that accumulate with hedge length.
Variables that influence quotes for arborvitae hedges
Two numeric thresholds commonly appear in bids: hedge length and average height. A 20-foot-long hedge comprised of 3-4 foot plants averages $600-$1,200 for material plus $200-$500 in labor, while extending to 40 feet pushes to $1,000-$2,400 in material and $400-$1,000 in labor. Higher installations with taller plants or steeper slopes significantly raise both material and labor costs.
Strategies to reduce arborvitae costs without sacrificing quality
Careful scope control helps. Opt for smaller starter plants and a phased planting plan, compare multiple quotes, and bundle delivery with installation. Choosing an alternative cultivar with similar appearance but lower cost per plant, or prioritizing replacement of gaps rather than an initial full hedge, can trim upfront expenses. Scheduling in the off-season may also reduce labor rates in some markets.
Regional price contrasts for arborvitae installations
Prices reflect regional supply, climate suitability, and accessibility. In the Midwest, a 3-4 foot arborvitae may run $35-$75, while in parts of the Southeast, the same size sometimes costs $20-$60 due to higher nursery volume and faster growing stock. For large privacy screens in coastal urban areas, expect higher delivery and labor surcharges. Always obtain localized quotes to capture regional differences.
Per-unit and per-foot pricing you can rely on
Hedge projects are often priced per foot of hedge or per plant. Typical ranges: per plant: $12-$75 depending on size; per linear foot: $8-$25 for planting and establishment; and total project costs scale with the number of plants and total hedge length. A 20-foot line with 3-4 foot plants commonly lands in the $600-$1,000 range before labor and accessories.
Alternatives to arborvitae for similar cost and effect
Another evergreen option, such as boxwood or juniper, can offer comparable aesthetics at different price points. For hedges, replacing a portion with a lower-cost species or using a zig-zag planting pattern to reduce dense planting can lower material costs while maintaining privacy. Epic differences in care and longevity should be weighed in the decision. Compare long-term maintenance with initial price to avoid hidden costs.