Boxwood plants typically cost $15-$250 each, with most homeowners paying about $45-$90 for a nursery-grown shrub in a 2- to 5-gallon container. The cost of boxwood plants depends mainly on plant size, variety, quantity, delivery distance, and whether planting and soil preparation are included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxwood plant | $15 | $55 | $250 | About 1-5 gallons; large specimens cost more |
| Installed shrub | $45 | $110 | $350 | Plant, labor, and basic soil preparation |
| Hedge planting | $18 | $45 | $100 | Per linear foot; varies by spacing and plant size |
| Delivery | $0 | $75 | $250 | May be waived or bundled on larger orders |
What boxwood shrubs cost by container size
For a common foundation planting, a 1-gallon boxwood costs about $15-$35, a 2- to 3-gallon plant runs $30-$75, and a 5-gallon shrub is usually $65-$150. Mature, field-grown, or unusually shaped specimens may cost $150-$250 or more each. A typical 2- to 3-gallon plant is a practical middle ground: it is easier to handle than a large specimen but provides more immediate coverage than a small starter plant.
Installed pricing commonly falls between $45 and $160 per shrub for standard sizes and straightforward access. Larger 5-gallon plants often bring the installed price to $100-$250 each, while specimen shrubs can exceed that range because they need heavier equipment and more labor. A 20-foot hedge may cost around $360-$2,000 installed, depending on spacing, plant size, and site conditions.
For a typical residential planting, budget roughly $30-$150 per plant before installation and $45-$250 installed. Assumptions: standard nursery stock, ordinary access, basic planting, and typical U.S. labor rates; premium varieties and remote delivery can cost more.
How plants, labor, delivery, and soil shape the quote
A boxwood quote can bundle the shrubs with planting, amendments, delivery, and cleanup, so buyers should compare line items rather than just the total. Basic planting generally includes digging, setting the root ball, backfilling, and watering. Replacing compacted soil, moving existing shrubs, or creating a long, precisely spaced hedge adds work.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxwood stock | $15 | $55 | $250 | Per plant, from small pot to specimen |
| Planting labor | $20 | $45 | $100 | Per shrub; larger roots take longer |
| Soil and mulch | $5 | $15 | $35 | Per plant for basic amendments and mulch |
| Delivery | $0 | $75 | $250 | Per order; distance and load size matter |
| Removal and disposal | $10 | $30 | $75 | Per old shrub, if included |
Landscaper labor often works out to $40-$85 per hour, although many contractors price planting by the shrub or by the project. A small job may have a minimum service charge of $150-$400, making a few plants disproportionately expensive to install.
Plant size and labor are usually the largest parts of an installed quote; delivery and removal matter most on small or difficult jobs. Ask whether mulch, watering, disposal, and warranty are included, and check if the estimate includes sales tax or a travel charge.
Which boxwood sizes and varieties change the price most
Container size affects both the purchase price and installation effort. A 1-gallon shrub may be 6-12 inches tall, while a 3-gallon plant is often around 12-24 inches; actual dimensions differ by cultivar and nursery. Larger plants provide quicker screening, but they need wider holes, heavier handling, and more water as they establish. For a hedge, compare prices at the same height and spacing rather than comparing pot sizes alone.
Common compact types such as ‘Winter Gem’ and ‘Green Velvet’ often fall near the standard price range. ‘Green Mountain’ and other upright forms may cost more when sold as larger, shaped plants. Specialty cultivars, topiary forms, and mature specimens can cost $100-$300 or more, particularly when the plant has a developed shape or is sold in a large container.
Spacing changes the number required. Compact hedges may be planted 12-18 inches apart, while larger varieties often need 18-30 inches. At 12-inch spacing, a 20-foot row takes about 20 plants; at 24-inch spacing, it takes about 10. The closer layout costs more upfront but fills in sooner. Avoid choosing spacing solely to minimize the plant count: crowding can reduce airflow and increase disease pressure.
Check mature width and recommended spacing before comparing the price per plant. Illustration: a 20-foot row at 18-inch spacing needs about 14 plants, before allowing for end adjustments.
Why boxwood planting prices vary by region and access
Local nursery supply, seasonal demand, wages, and delivery distance all influence a quote. As a broad planning estimate, metropolitan Northeast and West Coast projects may run 10%-25% above a national middle range, while lower-cost rural and Southern markets may be 5%-20% below it. Those differences are not universal: local cultivar availability, freight, and the size of the order can reverse them.
Dense urban neighborhoods may add labor charges if crews have to carry shrubs through a house, use stairs, park far from the yard, or protect paved areas. A rural property can have lower hourly rates but higher delivery or travel fees. In regions with hot summers or harsh winters, the availability of climate-suited varieties can also affect the price and selection.
Ask a nearby nursery for the price of the same cultivar, container size, and quantity, then request a separate delivery fee. A local landscape contractor may source plants at a trade rate, but an installation quote can include handling and replacement terms. Compare the full installed total, not just retail shelf prices.
Regional differences are often smaller than the effect of plant size, access, and delivery distance. A quote 20% higher than another may still be reasonable if it includes larger shrubs, soil work, disposal, or a longer replacement guarantee.
What three boxwood planting quotes can include
The examples below show how size and scope affect the total. They assume normal soil and access, and exclude major grading, irrigation installation, and unusual disposal. Actual local estimates can differ, especially when contractors have minimum charges or plants are shipped long distances.
| Project | Plants and materials | Labor and delivery | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six small foundation plants | 6 × 1-gallon at $25 = $150; mulch $45 | 3 hours at $55 = $165; delivery $50 | $410 |
| Fourteen-plant 20-foot hedge | 14 × 3-gallon at $55 = $770; soil and mulch $140 | 7 hours at $60 = $420; delivery $80 | $1,410 |
| Eight large entry shrubs | 8 × 5-gallon at $110 = $880; amendments $100 | 8 hours at $70 = $560; delivery $120 | $1,660 |
The first example works out to about $68 per plant including shared materials and delivery. The hedge averages about $71 per linear foot across 20 feet, while the entry planting averages roughly $208 per plant because it uses larger shrubs and more installation time. These totals are illustrative, not fixed market rates.
Request an itemized estimate showing plant count, container size, labor hours, delivery, and any site work. This makes it easier to identify whether two bids differ because of the plant stock or because one includes more preparation.
When boxwood installation takes longer or costs extra
A straightforward planting crew can usually install several small shrubs per hour, but production slows for large root balls, tight access, rocky ground, or an established hedge that must be removed first. A short six-plant job might take 2-4 hours; a 20-foot hedge with 3-gallon plants can take 5-9 hours, including layout and cleanup. Contractors may quote a project rate rather than charge strictly by the hour.
Old shrub removal often costs $10-$75 per plant, depending on root size and whether the debris is hauled away. Stump grinding, heavy roots, or disposal fees can add more. Soil replacement or drainage correction may add $5-$20 per plant for modest work, but extensive grading is commonly quoted separately. Ask whether the crew will amend the entire bed or only each planting hole.
Delivery can be free for a sufficiently large order, but small deliveries may cost $50-$150 locally and $150-$250 or more over longer distances. Narrow streets, steps, and hand-carrying plants can increase labor. Confirm where the truck can unload and whether the property requires protection for lawns, gates, or hardscape.
Unexpected access and removal work can add more to a small planting than the plants themselves. Photos of the planting area, measurements, and a count of existing shrubs help contractors price the work more accurately before arrival.
How to lower the cost without sacrificing spacing
Choose a plant size that matches the desired timeline. Smaller shrubs cost less and are lighter to plant, while larger stock creates a fuller look sooner. For a long hedge, using 1- or 2-gallon plants at appropriate spacing can reduce the initial bill substantially. The trade-off is a longer wait for a continuous screen; do not compensate by crowding plants closer than their mature width allows.
Keep the project scope clear: mark the bed, confirm the plant count, and decide whether existing shrubs, old mulch, and excess soil need removal. Doing simple site clearing before the crew arrives can reduce paid labor, but digging near buried utilities or removing large roots should be left to qualified workers. Consolidating delivery with other nursery purchases may also help avoid a small-order fee.
Compare at least two or three itemized quotes with the same cultivar, container size, plant count, spacing, and warranty terms. A low bid may exclude mulch, delivery, or removal. Ask whether a replacement guarantee applies to plant failure and what care is required; a warranty may not cover drought, poor drainage, or neglect.
The biggest controllable savings usually come from choosing smaller stock, reducing unnecessary site work, and avoiding a separate small delivery. Preserve suitable spacing and soil drainage rather than cutting those items simply to reach a lower quote.
How boxwood upkeep affects the five-year budget
Boxwoods need regular watering while establishing, especially during hot or dry weather. Many homeowners can handle this themselves, but an irrigation adjustment or separate watering visit may add $50-$150 per service, depending on crew minimums and the number of plants. Mulch typically needs refreshing every year or two; a small bed may require $30-$100 in materials, while installed mulch costs more.
Pruning is commonly done once or twice a year, depending on the desired shape and growth. A small group of shrubs may cost $75-$200 for a maintenance visit, while a long hedge can run $150-$500 or more based on length, access, and cleanup. Over five years, routine pruning and mulch can cost more than the original purchase for a modest planting, so include upkeep when comparing a dense formal hedge with a looser layout.
Boxwoods can be vulnerable to pests and diseases, and poor drainage or severe winter exposure can lead to plant loss. A replacement plant may cost $30-$150 before labor, and replacing it can cost another $20-$100 or more. Choosing a suitable cultivar and avoiding overcrowding can reduce avoidable losses, but no variety eliminates the need for appropriate site conditions and care.
Plan for watering, pruning, mulch, and occasional replacement in addition to the planting-day price. A low-cost purchase can become expensive if the site is unsuitable or the hedge is planted too tightly to maintain.