Buying a 6 foot arborvitae involves several price drivers, including plant size, species, transportation, and planting labor. The total cost typically spans from low to high ranges depending on region and service level. This article presents exact cost ranges and practical budgeting for a single 6 ft arborvitae and related expenses.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant price (6 ft arborvitae) | $40 | $90 | $250 | Common retail prices; varies by cultivar |
| Installation/planting | $200 | $320 | $450 | Labor, backfill, and soil amendment |
| Delivery | $30 | $80 | $150 | Distance-based; often bundled with planting |
| Mulch and soil amendments | $20 | $60 | $120 | Organic mulch, compost, amendments |
| Small equipment rental or usage | $20 | $50 | $100 | Shovels, augers, protective gear |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 6 ft arborvitae stock, normal access, average soil conditions.
6 Foot Arborvitae Plant Price Range
The plant itself commonly ranges from $40 to $250 for a single 6 ft arborvitae, depending on cultivar, nursery stock quality, and availability. Expect mid-tier cultivars to fall around $70-$150 per tree, while premium selections or bundled nursery promotions may reach higher figures.
Common Cost Components For 6 Foot Arborvitae Installation
Typical quotes break down into four main parts: Materials, Labor, Delivery, and Site Prep. Material costs cover the plant and soil amendments, while labor accounts for planting and backfilling.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $60 | $110 | $200 | Plant, mulch, amendments |
| Labor | $180 | $320 | $450 | Planting, staking, irrigation prep |
| Delivery | $30 | $80 | $150 | Distance-based |
| Warranty/Aftercare | $0 | $40 | $120 | Limited guarantees vary by seller |
How Region Affects Arborvitae Pricing
Prices tend to be higher in urban markets and coastal regions due to transport and labor costs. In the Pacific Northwest or Northeast, a 6 ft arborvitae with installation may push toward the $350-$600 range per tree when premium service is included.
Labor Time And Crew Size For Planting A 6 Foot Arborvitae
Single-tree installations commonly take 2–4 hours including preparation and backfilling. A small crew (2 workers) can reduce duration but may increase per-hour labor due to coordination. Expect $120-$250 per hour for experienced landscaping crews in many regions.
Delivery And Site Prep Costs For 6 Foot Arborvitaes
Delivery adds a fixed or distance-based fee, and site prep includes grading, weed removal, and soil amendments. Delivery typically ranges $30-$150, while site prep adds $40-$150 depending on soil and terrain.
Budget Scenarios For Hedge Installations Versus Visual Screens
For a single tree, the budget is focused on plant cost and planting labor. For a hedge of 6 trees or more, bulk pricing and reduced per-unit labor can reduce overall costs. Hedge projects often see per-tree installations drop to $250-$350 when bundled and scheduled together.
Ways To Reduce The Price On A 6 Foot Arborvitae
Options include choosing a mid-range cultivar, consolidating delivery, performing soil prep yourself, and scheduling during off-peak seasons. Limiting upgrades such as irrigation installs or premium mulch can trim overall costs.