Homeowners typically pay a mix of plant price, delivery, and installation when adding a six-foot arborvitae. The main cost drivers are the plant type and health, regional nursery pricing, and whether professional installation is used. Understanding these factors helps establish a realistic budget and avoid surprise expenses.
Assumptions: region, plant variety, and labor availability vary by project size.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Cost (6′ Arborvitae) | $40 | $80 | $150 | Common cultivars; price depends on color, cultivar, and nursery stock quality |
| Delivery | $20 | $40 | $100 | Distance and quantity affect total delivery fees |
| Labor to Plant (per tree) | $100 | $180 | $350 | Includes digging, staking, and mulching; regional labor rates vary |
| Additional Materials | $10 | $30 | $70 | Fertilizer, mulch, irrigation, and stakes |
| Total Installed Cost (per tree) | $170 | $320 | $200 | Assumes single-tree installation; bulk hedge costs scale differently |
Overview Of Costs
The total project cost for a six-foot arborvitae typically ranges from about $170 to $500 per tree when installed individually. When hedging multiple trees, per-tree costs tend to decrease due to bundled labor and delivery. Typical price ranges reflect plant selection, delivery distance, and whether professional installation is used. For planning, expect the following per-tree and project-wide estimates: plant $40-$150, delivery $20-$100, installation $100-$350, plus $10-$70 for accessories. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a 4–6 column view of main cost components to help compare quotes. Labor, Materials, and Delivery commonly drive the majority of the installed price.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $40 | $95 | $150 | 6′ arborvitae varieties differ in price by cultivar and vigor |
| Labor | $100 | $180 | $350 | Includes planting, staking, and soil amendments |
| Delivery | $20 | $40 | $100 | Distance-based; curbside vs. driveway-ready delivery |
| Permits / Fees | $0 | $10 | $50 | Rare for single shrubs; higher for large hedges or landscape installs |
| Warranty / Aftercare | $0 | $20 | $50 | Optional; may include replacement if plant fails within a period |
| Taxes | $0 | $8 | $25 | State and local tax varies by location |
Factors That Affect Price
Price variance for a six-foot arborvitae is driven by cultivar choice, health and size at purchase, and installation complexity. Key drivers include cultivar (Emerald Green, Green Giant), root system health, and soil prep needs.
Plant Selection and Health
More vigorous or aesthetically distinct cultivars command higher prices. Healthy, uniform stock at 6′ height is typically prioritized by nurseries. Dormant-season purchases may reduce costs in some regions.
Site Conditions
Soil quality, drainage, and accessibility impact both labor time and material needs. Hedging a straight line in tight spaces may require more staking and soil work, increasing cost.
Labor Availability
Regional labor rates and seasonal demand affect installation pricing. Urban markets generally show higher labor costs than rural areas.
Ways To Save
Strategic purchasing can lower the per-tree price and total project cost. Consider buying in bulk, scheduling during slower seasons, and negotiating bundled services.
Bulk Purchases
Buying multiple 6′ arborvitaes from the same supplier often yields volume discounts on plant price and delivery. Assumptions: project includes 5–20 trees.
Seasonality
Nurseries may offer promotions in early spring or late fall when demand dips. Off-season installations can reduce labor rates and delivery fees.
Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself
DIY planting saves labor costs but requires time, tools, and knowledge about proper spacing and staking. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> For larger hedges, professionals help ensure even spacing and root health, potentially reducing replacement costs later.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to nursery inventory, soil preparation needs, and labor markets. Three typical patterns show a spread of ±20%–±35% from national averages.
- West Coast urban areas: higher plant costs and labor; hedge projects often trend toward the upper range.
- Midwest suburban zones: moderate plant prices with mid-range installation costs.
- Southeast rural markets: lower overall costs but variable delivery fees depending on distance.
Labor & Installation Time
The time required to install a six-foot arborvitae hedge depends on hedge length, soil conditions, and accessibility. Typical installation per tree spans 1–3 hours for a single plant, rising with hedges of 10+ trees.
Single Tree Timing
For one tree, expect 60–180 minutes including prep and staking, with associated labor costs reflecting local rates. Assumptions: standard residential yard, level ground.
Hedge Projects
For a continuous row of 8–20 trees, crews may complete in a day or two, with bulk discounts on labor and equipment. Delivery and placement logistics become more complex for longer hedges.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical quotes. Each shows specs, labor, per-unit pricing, and totals.
- Basic — 1 tree, compact cultivar, standard delivery, DIY planting advised: Plant $40, Delivery $20, Labor $0, Total $60.
- Mid-Range — 6′ Emerald Green, single-tree installation with soil amendments and mulch: Plant $90, Delivery $40, Labor $150, Materials $20, Total $300.
- Premium — 6′ Green Giant screen, 8 trees, professional installation with staking, irrigation prep, and warranty: Plants $120 each, Delivery $80, Labor $1,200, Accessories $60, Total $2,080.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.