A Nellie Stevens holly typically costs $25-$350 for the plant, depending mainly on its size and container, while delivery and planting can bring a single-tree project to about $250-$650. Larger specimens, difficult access, regional labor rates, and planting several trees for a hedge can raise the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant only | $25 | $125 | $350 | Small container to large landscape specimen |
| One tree installed | $150 | $400 | $900 | Planting, routine site access, and basic materials |
| Hedge planting | $25 | $55 | $100 | Per linear ft; plant size and spacing affect price |
| Delivery | $25 | $75 | $200 | Distance, order size, and tree weight affect fee |
What Nellie Stevens holly costs by plant size
Small 1- to 3-gallon plants commonly sell for $25-$60 each. A 5- to 7-gallon plant often runs $60-$150, while a 10- to 15-gallon specimen can cost $150-$350. Prices vary by nursery, plant height, root condition, and season; a tree sold as 6 feet tall may be priced differently from one in the same container size.
For a typical front-yard planting, a 5- to 7-gallon holly with delivery and professional installation lands around $250-$650. A large specimen with a heavy root ball, soil amendments, and more involved handling may reach $500-$900 or more. Assumptions: one tree, standard planting depth, ordinary soil, and normal access.
Plant height and container size are the biggest early clues to the quoted total. Ask the nursery for both the actual height and container size before comparing listings.
How nursery, delivery, and planting charges add up
Quotes may bundle the tree and planting or list each separately. The breakdown below gives typical ranges for one residential installation, not a guaranteed national rate.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | $60 | $125 | $350 | 5- to 15-gallon tree |
| Labor | $100 | $225 | $400 | One or two workers, about 1-3 hours |
| Delivery | $25 | $75 | $200 | Local drop-off to longer-distance delivery |
| Soil, mulch, stakes | $20 | $60 | $150 | Amendments and basic planting supplies |
| Removal or disposal | $0 | $75 | $250 | Only when an old shrub or tree is removed |
Labor is often estimated at $75-$125 per worker-hour, though some landscapers charge a project minimum instead. Confirm whether the quote includes sales tax, hauling, watering, and any replacement guarantee; these items may be billed separately.
Plant, labor, and delivery should be compared as separate line items whenever possible. A low tree price can be offset by a high delivery minimum or a separate planting charge.
Why root-ball weight, height, and spacing change the estimate
A 10-gallon tree is heavier and takes more effort to move and set than a 3-gallon plant. Specimens above roughly 6-8 feet may require two workers or equipment, adding about $75-$250 for handling. Rocky soil, slopes, narrow gates, and planting near utilities can add labor or require a different planting location.
Hedge spacing also changes the budget. Nellie Stevens hollies commonly spread about 8-12 feet when mature, but closer spacing creates a denser screen sooner and requires more plants. At 4 feet apart, a 40-foot row needs about 10 plants; at 6 feet apart, it needs about 7. Plant sizes and desired screening time matter when selecting spacing.
For a 40-foot hedge, a few feet of spacing difference can change the plant order by several trees. Check mature spread and confirm the landscaper’s spacing plan before approving a quote.
How long does planting one holly take?
A small container tree may take about 30-60 minutes to plant when the hole is easy to dig and materials are on site. A larger tree or challenging location can take 1-3 hours, including moving the plant, preparing the hole, backfilling, and cleanup. Crew size and minimum service charges can matter more than the hands-on time for a one-tree job.
For a hedge, contractors may price by plant, linear foot, or labor hours. Request the number of plants, proposed spacing, and whether bed preparation is included. Comparing the same plant count and site work makes labor quotes more meaningful.
How local nursery and labor rates shift holly prices
Prices tend to be lower where local growers stock the plant and delivery distances are short. In areas with higher wages or limited nursery supply, delivered and installed totals may run 10%-25% above a typical local-market quote. Rural delivery can also cost more when a contractor must travel farther, even if hourly labor rates are lower.
Climate and availability affect sourcing, too. Nellie Stevens holly is commonly used in the Southeast and other suitable warmer regions; buyers farther from regular suppliers may face higher freight charges or fewer size choices. Compare quotes from nearby nurseries and landscapers using the same plant size and delivery distance.
Three realistic quotes for different planting jobs
| Project | Plant and labor details | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small yard tree | 3-gallon plant, 1 worker for 1 hour, local delivery | $150-$275 |
| Established specimen | 10-gallon plant, 2 workers for 2 hours, mulch and delivery | $450-$800 |
| 40-foot privacy row | 10 plants at 4-foot spacing, basic bed prep and installation | $1,000-$2,300 |
These estimates assume routine soil and access. A hedge quote can change substantially with plant size, removal of existing shrubs, or irrigation work. For a row, ask for both the total and an installed price per linear foot so alternate spacing plans can be compared.
What removal, soil prep, and watering add
Removing an existing shrub may add $75-$250 or more, especially if roots are large or disposal is not included. Soil testing, substantial amendment, or correcting poor drainage may add $50-$250 for a small planting area. Irrigation extensions and extensive bed edging are separate landscape tasks and should appear as distinct quote items.
Routine watering after planting is generally the homeowner’s responsibility unless a maintenance visit is included. Check the first-year care terms before paying extra for a plant warranty. Replacement guarantees may exclude drought, poor drainage, neglect, or damage from weather.
How to reduce the holly planting bill without sacrificing fit
Choose a smaller container if a slower start is acceptable; a 5-gallon plant can cost much less than a large specimen while still establishing into a mature screen. For hedges, adjust spacing to the intended privacy timeline rather than buying extra plants automatically. Keep the planting area accessible and clear debris before the crew arrives.
Get at least three itemized quotes with matching plant height, container size, count, delivery, soil work, and disposal. Ask whether a nursery pickup would avoid a delivery fee, but account for safe transport and unloading. Avoid paying for decorative upgrades or intensive soil replacement unless the site conditions justify them. The best savings usually come from controlling plant size, count, and site preparation.