Leyland cypress trees cost about $20-$400 each before planting, depending mainly on height, root-ball size, and whether they are sold in containers or balled and burlapped. Installed prices commonly run $150-$500 per tree, while a hedge can cost $15-$45 per linear foot for plants and basic installation. Delivery distance, site access, region, and the number of trees can change the quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree, 3-4 ft | $25 | $45 | $70 | Nursery price per tree |
| Tree, 5-6 ft | $60 | $100 | $160 | Common privacy-screen size |
| Tree, 7-10 ft | $150 | $275 | $400 | Large specimens cost more to handle |
| Installed tree, 5-6 ft | $150 | $275 | $500 | Plant, labor, and typical delivery |
| Installed hedge | $15/linear ft | $28/linear ft | $45/linear ft | Spacing and site conditions affect rate |
What 5- to 6-foot Leyland cypress trees cost
A typical 5- to 6-foot Leyland cypress costs $60-$160 at a garden center or nursery. A landscaper-installed tree often totals $150-$500, including the plant, digging, placement, backfill, and ordinary cleanup. The lower end usually assumes several trees, easy access, and standard container stock; isolated installs or heavy root balls can push the per-tree price upward.
For a privacy hedge, trees are often spaced 6-10 feet apart, so the plant count depends on the desired density and screen length. At 8-foot spacing, a 40-foot row takes about six trees, before allowing for end spacing. For a six-tree, 5- to 6-foot screen, a reasonable installed budget is roughly $900-$2,400.
Assumptions: U.S. nursery stock, ordinary soil, standard planting depth, and no major grading or irrigation work.
How nursery stock, planting labor, and delivery shape the quote
Quotes may bundle several expenses or list them separately. Comparing line items helps show whether a low tree price excludes labor, delivery, soil amendments, or removal of old plants.
| Quote item | Typical range | Price basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree stock | $25-$160 | Each, usually 3-6 ft | Height, pot size, root quality |
| Planting labor | $40-$120 | Each tree | Soil, access, crew productivity |
| Delivery | $50-$200 | Per local order | Distance, truck load, minimum fee |
| Soil and mulch | $10-$40 | Each planting hole | Amendments and mulch depth |
| Removal and disposal | $25-$100 | Each existing shrub | Size, roots, hauling requirements |
Large trees can require extra handling equipment or a larger crew, and some contractors apply a minimum charge even for a one-tree job. Ask whether delivery, cleanup, and warranty are included before comparing totals.
Tree height, spacing, and soil conditions change the final price
Height is the clearest price driver: moving from 3-4 feet to 7-10 feet can multiply the nursery price several times. Larger stock also weighs more and may need wider holes, careful lifting, and additional labor. Container trees are often easier to handle; balled-and-burlapped specimens may cost more because of their root-ball size and transport requirements.
Spacing affects both the plant count and labor. A 60-foot row at 6-foot spacing needs about 11 trees; at 10-foot spacing, it needs about seven. Dense spacing raises the initial bill and may increase competition for water and room as trees mature. Rocky soil, slopes, buried utilities, and restricted equipment access can add $25-$100 or more per tree.
Planting holes in compacted or poorly drained soil may need extra preparation, but adding amendments without addressing drainage does not necessarily solve the underlying problem. Confirm the planned height, spacing, and site preparation in writing.
Regional nursery prices and installation rates vary
Prices tend to be lower near major growing regions and large wholesale nurseries, where supply and delivery routes are favorable. In higher-cost metro areas, installed prices can run about 15%-35% above typical estimates because of labor, transport, and overhead. Rural properties may pay less for labor but more for delivery if the nursery is far away.
Climate and local availability also matter. Leyland cypress is commonly sold in the Southeast and other parts of the South, while northern buyers may face fewer nearby suppliers or seasonal shipping limits. Freight for a small order can outweigh any savings on the plant itself. Request a delivered price for the full quantity, not just the nursery’s per-tree tag.
Planting time and crew size affect labor charges
A landscaper may need about 30-60 minutes per standard 5- to 6-foot tree when the site is clear and the planting holes are straightforward. A two-person crew may charge roughly $75-$150 per hour, with the total time also covering setup, movement between holes, and cleanup. Larger root balls, hand digging, or tight access can stretch the job considerably.
For example, a six-tree installation taking 4-6 crew hours at $75-$150 per hour implies $300-$900 in labor before plants and materials; bundled contractor quotes may price the work differently. Scheduling during spring or fall can make planting easier in many regions, but contractor availability and local weather still affect timing.
Removal, watering, and replacements can add to the hedge budget
Removing an old hedge may add $25-$100 per shrub, with stump or root grinding priced separately. Hauling fees, irrigation adjustments, and difficult access can add another $50-$300 to a small project. New trees need consistent watering while establishing; a drip line may cost roughly $2-$6 per linear foot for basic materials, before professional installation.
Replacement costs depend on whether a tree dies from planting stress, drought, poor drainage, or another cause, and whether the installer’s warranty covers it. A one-year replacement warranty may be included or may add a fee. Check warranty exclusions for watering, weather, and site conditions before treating coverage as part of the value.
How to lower the cost of a Leyland cypress screen
Compare at least three quotes using the same tree height, spacing, quantity, delivery terms, and planting scope. A smaller 3- to 4-foot tree can cost less initially, although it takes longer to create a tall screen. Buying several trees at once may reduce per-tree delivery or installation charges, especially when the crew can plant them in one visit.
Prepare access and mark utilities before the crew arrives, but leave digging to the contractor when underground lines or difficult soil are possible. Avoid paying for unnecessary premium height if the site can accommodate smaller stock. Choose spacing based on the intended screen rather than automatically selecting the tightest layout. Scope consistency—not the lowest advertised plant price—is the best basis for comparing estimates.