A redwood tree typically costs $5-$1,500 or more to buy, depending on species, age, and container size; delivery and planting can add $100-$2,000. A small seedling is inexpensive, while a boxed specimen with professional installation can push the total above $3,000. Local availability, access, and whether the tree is a coast redwood or giant sequoia also affect the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree only | $5 | $125 | $1,500+ | Seedling through large boxed nursery stock |
| Delivery | $0 | $100 | $500+ | May be included or charged by distance |
| Planting labor | $150 | $450 | $2,000 | Depends on tree size, equipment, and access |
| Typical installed total | $175 | $700 | $3,500+ | Small-to-medium tree; large specimens cost more |
Redwood tree prices by nursery size and planting scope
For a standard residential planting, budget about $175-$1,200 installed for a small or medium redwood. A 1- to 3-gallon plant may cost $25-$80, while a 5- to 15-gallon tree commonly runs $80-$300. Larger trees in 24- to 36-inch boxes can cost $400-$1,500 or more before delivery and labor.
These ranges cover nursery-grown coast redwoods and giant sequoias where available; local stock and species can shift prices. A small tree planted by the homeowner may cost only the purchase price plus soil amendments and mulch. A contractor-installed 15-gallon tree often totals $350-$900, while a large boxed specimen may reach $1,000-$3,500 or higher. Assumptions: U.S. retail nursery pricing, standard planting, ordinary soil, and accessible yard.
What nursery stock, labor, and delivery add to the quote
Plant and installation quotes vary in what they include. The following ranges show common line items; they are not all charged on every job.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree stock | $5-$1,500+ | Species, container, height, and nursery availability | Per tree |
| Planting labor | $150-$600 | Tree size, digging conditions, crew, and access | Per tree |
| Equipment | $100-$600 | Need for auger, mini excavator, or lifting equipment | Per job |
| Delivery | $0-$500+ | Distance, truck size, and unloading requirements | Per delivery |
| Soil, mulch, and staking | $25-$200 | Soil correction, root-ball size, and wind exposure | Per tree |
Ask whether the quote includes delivery, disposal of excavated soil, staking, and post-planting watering. Some nurseries offer delivery without planting, while landscapers may combine labor and equipment into one installation fee. is a useful check: a two-person crew working 2-4 hours at a combined $80-$160 per hour would bill roughly $160-$640 for labor.
How species, height, and root-ball size change the price
Tree size is usually the clearest price driver, but species and site limits can change the estimate substantially. A 1- to 3-gallon tree is easy to transport and plant; a 24-inch box or larger can require a truck, several workers, and mechanical assistance. Moving from a 15-gallon tree to a 36-inch-box specimen can add hundreds or thousands of dollars when equipment and access are involved.
Species matters, too. Coast redwoods are commonly stocked in regions with suitable climates, while giant sequoias may be less available outside their usual growing areas. A specialty order can add $50-$300 or more for sourcing and freight. A planting area narrower than 6-8 feet, steep slopes, rocky soil, or overhead wires may require hand digging or a different planting location. Large redwoods also need substantial room as they mature, so a small initial price does not remove future space constraints.
Lower the redwood planting bill by controlling tree size
Choosing a smaller tree and a straightforward planting location generally saves more than negotiating over minor materials. A 5-gallon specimen is usually less costly to transport and install than a boxed tree, though it takes longer to provide immediate visual scale. Compare the expected price of a smaller tree with the added labor and equipment needed for a mature specimen.
Get itemized quotes for the same species and container size, and check whether delivery is included. Prepare a clear, accessible planting area and confirm utility locations before the crew arrives; avoidable delays can add labor charges. Do not pay for soil replacement, staking, or amendments without confirming they are needed for the site. If a nursery can supply a locally available tree, compare that price with a special order before accepting freight charges.
How long planting takes and when equipment is needed
A small redwood in a container may take one worker or a two-person crew about 1-2 hours to plant, with labor commonly costing $100-$300. A 15-gallon tree often takes 2-4 hours and may cost $200-$600 in labor. Large boxed trees can take 4-8 hours or longer, especially when access is limited; equipment rental or operator charges may add $100-$600.
Contractors may set a minimum service charge of $100-$250 for a small one-tree visit. Planting several trees during one scheduled visit can spread travel and setup costs across the job. Ask whether the estimate is fixed-price or hourly and whether difficult soil or hidden obstructions trigger extra charges.
Three redwood planting quotes for different yard sizes
The examples below illustrate how tree size and labor affect a realistic invoice. Local nursery prices and contractor rates vary, so they are comparison points rather than guaranteed quotes.
| Scenario | Tree and rate | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small starter tree | 3-gallon tree, $45 | 2 hours at $90/hour; $40 mulch | $265 |
| Medium yard planting | 15-gallon tree, $220 | 3 hours at $120/hour; $125 delivery and supplies | $705 |
| Large specimen installation | 30-inch-box tree, $950 | 6 hours at $150/hour; $450 equipment and delivery | $2,300 |
Assumptions: One tree per job, no permit fee, no major soil removal, and standard weekday scheduling. A quote can exceed these examples if the tree is a specialty specimen, the site is difficult to reach, or hauling and disposal are separate line items.
Why regional nursery stock and delivery change redwood prices
Prices are often lower near nurseries that regularly grow redwoods and higher where sellers must special-order stock. In regions with established supply, tree prices and delivery may run about 5%-15% below a comparable order in an area with limited availability. Remote locations or long-distance freight can add 10%-30% to the tree-and-delivery portion of a quote.
Labor costs also vary. Major metro areas may price installation 10%-25% above rural markets, while rural jobs can still cost more if travel is long or equipment is scarce. Seasonal availability differs by nursery; comparing two or three local suppliers for the same species and container size helps separate a true regional premium from a different tree grade.
Budget for establishment care after the tree is planted
Purchase and planting are only the initial expense. A newly planted redwood needs consistent watering while its roots establish, and the amount depends on climate, soil, and rainfall. A basic watering setup may cost $20-$100; professional irrigation adjustments can add $100-$500 or more if new lines or controls are needed.
Mulch and replacement stakes usually cost $25-$150 per tree if not included in installation. Ask the seller about the nursery’s replacement policy and whether it covers transport damage or only a short period after delivery. A warranty may exclude drought, poor drainage, unsuitable planting locations, or inadequate watering, so the written terms matter as much as the warranty label.