Prices for Green Giant arborvitae trees and related services vary widely but follow clear cost patterns. The main cost drivers are tree size, delivery distance, planting service, and any required landscape prep. This guide provides cost ranges in USD and practical pricing details to help buyers estimate a project budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant arborvitae tree (6–8 ft) | $100 | $175 | $300 | Retail price before delivery |
| Delivery (regional) | $50 | $150 | $350 | Distance and accessibility affect cost |
| Planting service (by contractor) | $100 | $250 | $500 | Includes hole, soil, mulch |
| Soil amendments | $20 | $60 | $150 | If needed for installation site |
| Landscape prep | $50 | $150 | $400 | Grade, drainage, or turf repair |
| Warranty / guarantees | $0 | $20 | $100 | Optional on some installs |
| Permits or inspections | $0 | $50 | $150 | Region dependent |
| Total project range | $320 | $1,230 | $1,900 | Typical single-tree project |
Overview Of Costs
Pricing starts with the tree and delivery, then adds labor, soil work, and optional permits. A single Green Giant tree in the 6–8 ft range commonly costs around $175 on the tree itself, with delivery and planting pushing the total to about $350 to $750 depending on distance and site access. For larger specimens or multiple trees, per-tree costs decrease typically but delivery and excavation time rise. Assumptions: region, tree size, and site accessibility.
Cost Breakdown
| Components | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $100 | $175 | $300 | Tree price plus soil amendments |
| Labor | $100 | $250 | $500 | Planting crew hours; base rate varies by region |
| Equipment | $0 | $25 | $75 | Shovels, straps, compactor as needed |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $150 | Only if local rules require |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $150 | $350 | Includes haul-away of yard waste |
| Warranty | $0 | $20 | $100 | Optional coverage |
| Taxes | $0 | $20 | $100 | Sales tax varies by state |
| Contingency | $0 | $30 | $100 | Unforeseen site issues |
Factors That Affect Price
Tree size, soil condition, and site access are the biggest price drivers. SEER or drought-tolerant root zones do not apply here, but soil quality and existing landscaping can influence planting time and materials. Regional labor rates, delivery distance, and permit requirements create additional variance.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to climates, trucking costs, and local labor. In the Northeast, expect higher planting labor and delivery fees versus the Midwest, while the Southwest may see more soil amendment needs. Urban areas tend to carry a premium over suburban or rural sites because of traffic and staging limitations. Typical deltas from region to region can be on the order of ±15–25 percent for total project cost.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Planting labor is commonly billed by crew-hours rather than a flat fee. For a 6–8 ft tree, two workers may take 1–3 hours including digging a proper pit, backfilling, and tamping. Rates often range from $40 to $120 per hour per crew, depending on market competitiveness and required equipment. Heavier trees or challenging soils extend the time and cost.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes. Assumptions: single-tree installation, standard soil, moderate accessibility.
- Basic: Tree $175, delivery $100, planting $200, soils and mulch $40 — Total around $515.
- Mid-Range: Tree $200, delivery $150, planting $260, soil amendments $60, permit $50 — Total around $770.
- Premium: Tree $300, delivery $200, planting $350, site prep $150, warranty $50 — Total around $1,050.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing care adds to the 5-year cost outlook. Expect periodic pruning, irrigation checks, and potential replacement if a tree fails to establish. Annual maintenance may run $50–$200 per tree depending on irrigation needs and climate. Five-year ownership costs can approach 10–20 percent of the initial project total when including fertilization and replacement considerations.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Prices shift with demand and supply cycles. Spring planting season often brings higher demand and tighter scheduling, while late fall can yield quieter crews and better availability. Delivery windows influenced by weather can also affect costs. Booking ahead in shoulder seasons can save a modest amount but timing should align with planting readiness.
Extras & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include stump removal, irrigation hookups, and soil testing. Some landscapes require trenching for drip irrigation, which adds both materials and labor. Unexpected poor soil or rocky subsoil can raise the price by 20–40 percent relative to standard workups. Always confirm if mulch, staking, or extra load of compost are included in the quoted price.
Frequently Asked Price Questions
Typical questions revolve around scope and guarantees. Common inquiries include whether delivery is included, if planting includes staking and mulch, and how long the warranty lasts. Clarify whether the price includes removal of excess soil or roots and whether minor landscape repairs fall under the quoted amount.