A Green Giant arborvitae typically costs $25-$350 per tree, depending mainly on its height and container size; professional planting can bring the total to $100-$800 or more per tree. Green Giant tree cost also varies with quantity, delivery distance, soil conditions, labor rates, and whether the quote includes planting and cleanup.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree, unplanted | $25 | $90 | $350 | About 1-2 feet to 6-8 feet tall |
| Tree with planting | $100 | $300 | $800 | Per tree; size and access affect labor |
| Privacy row of 10 trees | $1,000 | $3,000 | $8,000 | Installed, with ordinary soil and access |
What Green Giant Arborvitae Trees Cost by Size
Small mail-order or nursery plants around 1-2 feet tall commonly sell for $25-$60 each. A 3-4-foot tree is often $60-$150, while a 5-6-foot specimen may cost $150-$275. Trees around 6-8 feet can reach $250-$350 or more, especially at local retail nurseries.
These are plant prices before delivery, soil amendments, or planting. Online listings may quote a lower price but charge shipping, and the delivered tree may be smaller than a comparable nursery specimen. Assumptions: standard Green Giant cultivar, healthy container-grown stock, and typical retail pricing; local availability varies.
For a typical 3-5-foot tree, budget about $75-$200 for the plant alone. Larger trees provide immediate height but cost more to transport and set in place.
How Nursery Stock, Labor, and Delivery Shape the Quote
A planting quote should identify tree size, quantity, delivery, labor, and what happens to excess soil or packaging. The table shows common line-item ranges; a contractor may combine several charges into one installed price.
| Quote item | Typical price | How it is charged | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree stock | $25-$350 | Per tree | Height, pot size, and nursery |
| Planting labor | $40-$150 | Per tree | Tree size, crew, digging conditions |
| Delivery | $50-$250 | Per order | Distance, order size, truck access |
| Soil amendments and mulch | $10-$50 | Per tree | Soil needs and included materials |
| Removal or cleanup | $25-$100 | Per tree or job | Root-ball waste and haul-away |
Confirm whether the quoted price includes delivery, mulch, watering, and cleanup. Labor estimates can be compared using , though crew minimums and travel fees may also apply.
Tree Height, Pot Size, and Spacing Change the Total
Height is a major price driver, but container size also matters: a 5-gallon plant generally costs less and is easier to handle than a 15-gallon tree of similar height. A tree over 6 feet tall can require two workers or equipment for safe unloading and planting, potentially adding $50-$200 per tree.
Spacing affects how many plants are needed. For a dense privacy screen, homeowners often space Green Giants about 5-6 feet apart; wider spacing of 8-10 feet uses fewer trees but takes longer to fill in. A 100-foot row at 5-foot spacing needs roughly 20 trees, while 8-foot spacing needs about 13.
Calculate the number of trees from the intended spacing before comparing nursery prices. Rocky ground, buried roots, steep slopes, or hard access can increase digging time and labor by 20%-50% or require a separate site-preparation charge.
Regional Nursery Prices Vary Across the United States
Prices can differ by roughly 10%-25% between markets because of local nursery supply, wages, freight, and seasonal demand. Areas with many growers and readily available stock may be less expensive than remote locations where trees travel farther. Urban delivery and labor charges can also run 10%-20% above typical suburban pricing, while rural jobs may face longer travel fees.
Cold-climate buyers should check local planting windows and stock availability; southern markets may have a longer planting season but still see higher prices during peak landscaping months. Compare quotes for the same height, container size, delivery terms, and planting scope.
Planting Labor and Crew Time for a Privacy Row
For ordinary soil and good access, planting a 3-5-foot tree may take about 30-60 minutes per tree. Larger specimens can take 1-2 hours. Landscapers commonly charge $50-$100 per worker-hour, with minimum service charges of about $150-$400 for a small job.
A two-person crew might install 10 smaller trees in 4-8 hours, excluding long-distance delivery or extensive grading. A contractor quote may use a per-tree rate instead of hourly billing, so ask whether the rate includes layout, digging, backfill, staking if needed, and watering instructions. Labor is most predictable when the planting line is marked and access is clear before the crew arrives.
Delivery, Soil Work, and Other Charges to Check
Delivery may be included for a large order, but small purchases can incur a $50-$250 truck fee. Difficult access, stairs, gates narrower than about 36 inches, or a long carry from the road may trigger an additional charge. Some sellers also charge a deposit or handling fee for unusually large trees.
Soil testing, grading, stump removal, irrigation extensions, and replacement of failed plants are not always part of the basic installation price. Ask whether the warranty covers the tree itself, labor, or both, and whether the homeowner must follow a documented watering schedule. Get exclusions and any replacement guarantee in writing before approving the work.
Three Green Giant Planting Quotes Compared
A small DIY privacy row can cost substantially less than a fully installed screen. These examples assume ordinary access and no major soil correction; the figures are illustrative rather than fixed market rates.
| Project | Plant and delivery | Labor and materials | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 trees, 2-3 feet, homeowner planted | $350-$650 | $100-$250 for mulch and supplies | $450-$900 |
| 10 trees, 4-5 feet, contractor installed | $900-$1,600 | $800-$1,600 | $1,700-$3,200 |
| 12 trees, 6-7 feet, tight access | $2,400-$3,800 | $1,200-$2,800 | $3,600-$6,600 |
The larger-tree example carries higher handling and labor costs; it may also require a delivery vehicle suited to bulky nursery stock. Compare total installed prices rather than plant prices alone.
Lower the Price by Choosing Smaller Stock and Clear Scope
Smaller trees cost less to buy, ship, and plant, although they take longer to create a tall screen. Buying multiple trees from one nursery may reduce delivery charges, and scheduling installation when contractors are less busy can improve availability. Prices and planting seasons vary locally, so confirm that the trees can be planted safely at the chosen time.
Before accepting a quote, compare at least three itemized bids for matching tree heights and spacing. Prepare the planting area, mark utilities through the appropriate local service, and remove obstacles if practical. Avoid paying extra for oversized trees or bundled services that are not needed. The clearest savings usually come from right-sizing the trees and avoiding duplicate delivery or site-preparation fees.