An Autumn Blaze maple typically costs $80-$1,100 as a nursery tree, while professional planting brings many projects to $350-$1,800. Tree height, trunk caliper, delivery distance, access, and soil preparation are the main price drivers; large specimen trees can cost several thousand dollars.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery tree | $80 | $350 | $1,100 | About 5-8 ft to 3-3.5 in. caliper |
| Professional planting | $250 | $650 | $1,500 | Labor and basic planting supplies |
| Installed project | $350 | $900 | $2,500 | Typical tree, delivery, and planting |
| Large specimen tree | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000+ | Oversized stock, specialized delivery, or difficult access |
What an Autumn Blaze maple costs by tree size
Small container-grown trees around 5-6 ft tall often sell for $80-$180. Trees roughly 6-8 ft tall or 1.5-2 in. in trunk caliper commonly run $150-$400, while 2-2.5 in. caliper trees often cost $250-$600. A 3-3.5 in. caliper tree may reach $500-$1,100 before delivery and planting.
Installed totals depend on whether the quote includes delivery, digging, backfill, mulch, staking, and watering setup. A standard 2-2.5 in. caliper tree with ordinary access often totals $600-$1,400. Assumptions: typical U.S. nursery stock, standard planting depth, and no major soil or utility conflicts. For a common residential planting, budgeting about $900-$1,200 is a practical starting point.
How nursery stock, delivery, and planting shape the quote
Ask for separate line items so the tree price is not confused with installation charges. Nursery prices may include a pot or root ball, but generally do not cover transport or planting. Contractors may charge a minimum visit fee even for a single tree.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree stock | $80-$1,100 | Per tree | Height, caliper, container, and nursery |
| Delivery | $50-$250 | Per order or trip | Distance, truck access, and order size |
| Planting labor | $200-$700 | Per tree | Tree size, digging conditions, and crew |
| Soil, mulch, and staking | $40-$180 | Per tree | Amendments and support materials |
| Old tree removal | $150-$800 | Per tree | Stump grinding and haul-away needs |
Labor estimates can be checked against hours and the contractor’s rate: . For example, 2-4 hours at $75-$125 per hour implies $150-$500 in labor, before equipment, travel, or minimum charges. A detailed quote should identify what delivery and cleanup include.
Caliper, root-ball size, and yard access change the price
Trunk caliper is a stronger cost indicator than height alone. Moving from a 2 in. to a 3 in. caliper tree can add several hundred dollars to stock cost and require heavier lifting equipment. Root-ball diameter also increases with tree size, making narrow gates, stairs, slopes, and long carries potential labor surcharges.
Soil and planting location matter too. Rocky or compacted soil, buried construction debris, or a planting hole wider than the standard specification can add $100-$500 or more. If the planting site is within about 10 ft of a utility line or building, the contractor may need to revise placement or use smaller stock. Confirm mature canopy clearance and underground utility locations before ordering.
Does Autumn Blaze maple pricing vary by region?
Prices differ by nursery supply, shipping distance, and local labor. Areas near wholesale growers may have tree prices 10%-20% below markets that must transport stock long distances. High-cost metro areas can add 15%-30% to planting labor compared with many smaller towns; rural jobs may have lower hourly rates but higher travel fees.
Regional availability also affects selection. Autumn Blaze maples are commonly sold across much of the United States, but local climate and site conditions influence whether a particular planting location is suitable. Compare quotes for the same caliper, root type, delivery distance, and installation scope rather than comparing tree height alone. Use local installed quotes to judge value, not a nursery sticker price from another region.
Three realistic installed price examples
A 6 ft container-grown tree with local pickup and homeowner planting may total $100-$250, including basic soil and mulch. A 2 in. caliper tree delivered and planted in an accessible suburban yard may cost $650-$1,200: roughly $300-$500 for stock, $75-$175 for delivery, and $275-$525 for labor and supplies.
A 3-3.5 in. caliper tree planted in a restricted backyard may total $1,500-$2,800. That estimate can include $600-$1,100 for the tree, $150-$300 delivery, and $600-$1,400 for a larger crew, equipment, and difficult access. These examples assume no old tree removal or major excavation.
Planting labor and equipment add more than just digging
A small tree may take one or two workers about 1-2 hours to plant. Larger balled-and-burlapped stock commonly takes a crew of two or three for 2-4 hours, including unloading, positioning, backfilling, and cleanup. Rates often fall around $75-$125 per worker-hour, but contractors may quote a flat project price instead.
Equipment or a delivery truck with a lift can add $100-$500 when the root ball is too heavy to move safely by hand. Some firms also charge $75-$200 for site inspection or estimate work, often credited toward an approved project. Check whether the quoted labor includes hauling away packaging and excess soil.
Extra charges for removal, soil work, and watering
Removing an existing tree is usually priced separately. A small tree and stump may add $150-$400, while a larger tree can cost $500-$1,500 or more depending on size, access, and disposal. Stump grinding alone may be quoted at $100-$400. Soil replacement or drainage correction can add $100-$600 when the planting area is unsuitable.
Initial watering supplies, a mulch ring, and stakes may cost $40-$180 if not included. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, and ask whether staking is necessary for the site rather than automatically accepting a long-term staking package. Get removal, soil correction, and aftercare priced separately from basic planting.
Ways to lower the maple planting price without cutting corners
Choosing a 1.5-2 in. caliper tree instead of a 3 in. specimen can save several hundred dollars, though the smaller tree needs time to grow. Compare at least three written quotes with matching tree size and root type. Ask nearby nurseries about seasonal sales, pickup discounts, or reduced delivery fees when several plants are ordered together.
Prepare a clear, accessible planting area and arrange utility marking before the crew arrives. Bundling the maple with other planting work may reduce travel or minimum charges, but avoid paying for unnecessary soil amendments, decorative upgrades, or equipment. Keep the scope simple and compare installed totals, including delivery, cleanup, and warranty terms.